Umberto D -- What Makes This Movie Great? (Episode 67)

[@normanyang7751]

More info. The actor is Dr. Carlo Battisti born Austrian subject in 1882, sympathized with Italian unification at Univ of Vienna, sent to Battle of Galicia in 07/1914 and POW for 44 months in Siberia, back in Vienna to reclaim professorship, after government investigation, fired on XMas eve in 1918, went to Italy and became Librarian in city of Gorizia ONLY by Government order and became Italian subject (was enemy subject of Italy earlier). Hostility toward him at beginning (~1919, 1920) and he suffered hardship until 1925 and became professor at Univ of Florence for ~4 decades and made contribution academically. After retirement, donated most of his life saving toward Univ for supporting poor student (he did similar thing to Ethic Italian students 60y ago in Vienna). During WWII, his work was used by Fascist Italy for Propaganda and also Italicization of Ethically German speaking South Tyrol, some comments he made toward South Tyrol's Italianization resented by local population. (

[@LearningaboutMovies]

Really tremendous stuff here. Thank you.

[@jimmyj1969]

The moment Umberto has Flike in his hands again, with the train passes full-speed a few inches from them, is one of the most heart-breaking (and also wonderfully klimaxed) in movie history!

[@LearningaboutMovies]

it's brutal after that when Flike nearly runs away.

[@andrewlockett4569]

Several memorable scenes. Two other stand outs are when Umberto returns to find his room wall busted through to the neighbours, the final clincher that is long rent tenure is over, and the shot of Maria, the maid standing silent at the window staring out when Umberto leaves for the final time on the bus. No words, no waves, no gestures of any kind, just lead weight gravitas.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

yes!

[@mmcong1]

This is one of my top ten films. Unforgettable and deeply moving. It is also a great example of a film with an excellent sense of rhythm which De Sica excelled at. The simple scene of the maid making a cup of coffee serves two purposes: it reminds us that life is made up such mundane tasks but it also helps with the rhythm of the film by inserting a brief lull between more intense moments. Simply perfect film. Senior Italian politicians of the era (most notably Giulio Andreotti) allegedly tried to suppress the distribution of this film and even threatened the fledgling Cannes Film Festival with pulling all Italian content from their festival if awards were given to this film. Andreotti's objection was that De Sica insisted on highlighting Italy's social problems to the world and accused him of "Washing Italy's dirty laundry in public". De Sica fought bravely for years trying to make the Neo-Realist films he wanted to make despite increasing pressure placed on him.

[@Whytelabel]

Thanks so much for posting this review. I'm in Rome at the moment and watched this film for the first time this evening. I was even at the Pantheon today! I'll go back tomorrow and see that wall where Flike had the hat in his mouth and that pillar where Mr Umberto hid in a totally new light. My favourite scene. Such a touching film. I try and look at the ending positively. So long as Flike and Mr Umberto have each other... but that's just me hoping, and the message of the film is to not rely on hoping for the best.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

excellent. enjoy my favorite city, and this (Dec. 30) is a great time of year to be there.

[@jordanundertree9759]

One part I really took notice of when watching this movie is the fact that Umberto barely pays any attention to Flike until the end of the movie. He typically only uses Flike for getting him money, or his back is turned to Flike, or he's trying to get rid of him. He was blind almost to the end, but luckily Flike reminded him of what was right under his nose, that despite having nothing he had everything he needed! Loved this movie. Give your dog a hug y'all

[@jimmyl324]

One of the greatest movies ever made

[@yacovmitchenko1490]

One of the most moving films ever - gut wrenching and heartbreaking. If someone wants to see true horror without all the gore and special effects, this one would be on the top of the list. I understand Arianna: it's not necessarily a movie I'd wish to see again, because there are scenes which are just too painful to watch.

[@ariannatrapani5824]

I watched this movie a long time ago but sadly I think I won't watch it again for the rest of my life. Now I'm almost in the situation that's the one the movie shows (I live in Rome too and I know very well all the locations) and even if it's a really beautiful masterpiece I can't bear the agony (the dog is too much for me that loved and had dogs all my life). So Umberto D is etched in my memory but just in my memory never to be watched again.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

that is completely understandable. however, I envy that you are in my favorite city. please enjoy it every day for us.

[@BobSullivanAKABuffy]

Arianna, I was wondering if you could tell me where the park is at the end of the film where the children are playing. I'd love to see it on my next visit. Grazie.

[@jimmyj1969]

At last! A video about this masterpiece was really missing on Y/T!

[@LearningaboutMovies]

really? I have noticed that a few videos on this channel have no equal, at least that I can find searching. just strange, but of course KZbin doesn't not push or promote this material. People aren't searching for it, and so it doesn't get seen. That's fine. I'm not all about view numbers.

[@JamesVaughan]

A shattering and unforgettable film that haunts you for many days after seeing it. A timeless classic and possibly the greatest Italian postwar film. Vittorio de Sica’s masterpiece.

[@samz9882]

Thanks for this! I really appreciated you taking care to explain why this movie is still so good to this day

[@LearningaboutMovies]

I just realized today, while working on a Wild Strawberries video, that Bergman may be using Wild Strawberries to respond to this movie. I'll have to think through that one.

[@samz9882]

@@LearningaboutMovies Interesting! It would certainly make sense :o

[@robkeeleycomposer]

The scene at the dog pound is surely a chilling if oblique reference to the Nazi gas chambers, the memory of which which would still be very raw after only six or seven years. Just thinking about this movie makes me well up. As it's surely meant to. And the Roman backgrounds are so evocative.

[@poetcomic1]

Another devastating moment I NEVER forgot was the old man stops on the street, turns his hand up it is such a simple gesture, almost nothing, but he at that moment becomes 'a beggar and it appalls him.

[@su1ly805]

Excuse me, where can I watch this movie?

[@marioromano400]

Can’t beat the golden age of Italian cinema

[@LearningaboutMovies]

it's still instructive, very much so, for filmmakers.

[@jameswayton2340]

''Its better to burn out, then to fade away'' Neil Young - hey hey my my

[@LearningaboutMovies]

I wonder what Umberto D would've thought of Neil Young.

[@VespertiliKildem]

It's beautiful to see Vittorio De Sica appreciated worldwide. I just finished watching Umberto D. My gosh, the struggle, the emotion. To see an old man, poor, with his dog as only companion. And the final scene, the DECISION. My gosh. I think Umberto D. is slightly below Ladri di Biciclette. Let's say Ladri di Biciclette is a 10, Umberto D. is a 9. But De Sica knew how to make you cry.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

yes, worldwide, people are watching his films. This is clear from my videos on The Bicycle Thieves as well.

[@ShakespeareCafe]

More poignant is the euthanasia chamber at the dog pound. Dogs certainly have it worse in feeling unwanted and expendable. He did ask a former colleague for 2500 lira but the man pretty much brushed that request aside. AirBnB is doing this type of housing displacement in a similar way. Young people should definitely watch this film as a warning to save your money because society has obviously degenerated enough today that there are massive numbers of homeless now.

[@snicky58]

Thanks for making this video. I saw this film when I was about 20 (eons ago) and loved it. I have been wanting to watch it again.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

you're welcome.

[@viningscircle]

It's a hard-hitting film, without any sugar-coating on the old man's plight. I feel it is indeed social commentary to prompt society examine the situation of so many that in this day still has much relevance. If you haven't seen it already, do not hesitate to watch.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

Thank you

[@davidenaldi7624]

Ho scoperto questo film all'università, frequentando "Teorie del Cinema": il neorealismo è un momento di rottura con il periodo storico apparentemente appena terminato, quello del ventennio fascista, dove la cultura attraverso il cinema cerca di portare il pubblico a pensare, prendere tempo per riflettere, mettendo la realtà prima del montaggio, usando profondità di campo per creare una reale immersione nella vita reale. Grande film, con tempi lunghi come con Maria che si risveglia, o chiude la porta con il piede. Una grande opera del maestro De Sica.

[@aravis72]

Thank you for making this video. I just watched this movie (before seeing your video) and the ending was truly devastating. I would like to find out more about theories or ideas on the ending. Also, you mentioned neorealism, but you said it was because it dealt with the social issues of the day. I had always thought neo realism was more about the way it was filmed, like it is a style similar to cinema verite. TIA

[@ronaldmilner8932]

I am late to the comments, but I have this movie on Laser Disc- I bought it years ago and it is truly unforgettable! I remember doing some research on the film. and the condition of the pensioners in Italy is pretty much the same as depicted in this landmark film.

[@codycigar6542]

In my top 5 films. I absolutely adore it.

[@joshdesko6760]

De Sica also had pretty good acting chops as well, vis-à-vis The Earrings of Madame de.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

interesting, I did not notice that!

[@joshdesko6760]

@@LearningaboutMovies he’s the diplomat.

[@vigneshr5555]

Great brother love from India❤️

[@LearningaboutMovies]

bless you and thank you. I appreciate all of the Indian subscribers and commenters. They have been very kind.

[@aronichakraborty5192]

@@LearningaboutMovies you have many Indian subscribers who are mainly Bengali because you made videos on Satyajit Ray . I will suggest you to make videos on Ritwik Ghatak movies ( another legendary Bengali director) . Ghatak made only 8 movies in his lifetime but all the movies are milestones .

[@BobSullivanAKABuffy]

Just got done watching the dvd from Netflix (remember those? they still ship!) Have you seen the recent Italian film about pensioners, Citizens of the World (aka Lontano, Lontano)? Seems like not much has changed for the elderly Italian single man in 70 years. I'm actually considering moving there with my US pension!

[@LearningaboutMovies]

my dream is to live in Rome, or live in a little town and travel by train to it often. Not sure how much it costs to live there or how long they allow a Visa to stay. Good for you if you can do it. I think if any place will hold up through the vagaries of historical change, it might be Italy. They have proven to do so! No I have not seen that film, and I'll put it on my watchlist.

[@ramakantgupta1594]

Saw it for the first time more than three decades ago. Saw it again today n loved every moment. The director dedicated the film to his father in the very beginning. A sixty plus single pensioner with nobody to call his own, is rarely the protagonist of a movie. The bonding between the old man n the dog, the struggle of survival of the two, in post war Italy, empathetic young poor maid, desperate but aborted urge of the old man to part with him due to inability to support him, quick reaction of the dog at the site of approaching speeding train, dog's initial understandable refusal to be with his master as a mark of protest n eventually their reunion, all make for a powerful statement on the pitiable condition of the elderly not only seventy years ago but even now cutting across countries all over the globe. The issue of economic, social ,cultural n emotional hardship of the elderly is never on the list of priorities of any govt or in the agenda of any political party. They have to learn to be on their own to avoid such pathetic situation in the evening of their life.

[@roaminronin7818]

Thanks for the recommendation. This one has been on the watchlist for years, I think ill watch soon

[@LearningaboutMovies]

great, let me know what you think, any reaction at all.

[@roaminronin7818]

Hey there.. so i watched Umberto D tonight. I felt it was an excellent movie. It was exhausting (in a good way) in that you could feel the struggle & despair/hopelessness. The connection we make with animals, & the selflessness made for them were key themes. As you touched on toward the end of the video I felt this movie did stir up thoughts on aging & our futures. How can we take care of ourselves, especially if you have no one left to help.. what kind of life did he live in his youth whether it was fulfilling or not & how in the end it seems futile.. and the loneliness at this latter stage of life & lack of empathy some can have toward it. Things we generally try to avoid thinking about during most of our lives. Good movie. may buy this one.

[@vigneshr5555]

Brother plzz review shoeshine of di sica

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you. yes, one day, though I will need to procure a copy -- not always so easy.

[@vigneshr5555]

@@LearningaboutMovies okay brother

[@LaughMuBai]

Sold! Had to stop your video, as I'm going to get this film, but I'll return after I've watched it...

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you. I hope you gain much from it.

[@francisybarra3966]

crime and punishment another great literary example ....poetic justice .....starving artists world wide ..included

[@LearningaboutMovies]

yes, thanks.

[@LeoSkyro]

Having just seen Umberto D and being Italian, I'm thinking that it might be easier to enjoy Neorealist movies, and other pictures that make use of non professional actors... if one is not fluent or native of the language spoken in the film I like it ok, but the acting was just so stilted, it was just distracting.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

fair enough.

[@gachefranco]

Hey, look in USA....hundreds on the streets!!!

[@LearningaboutMovies]

uh, what?

[@adojrable]

Filmnya sungguh menyiksa... 10/10

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you.

[@raydandum8944]

Do 8 1/2 and l'avventura and last year at marienbad

[@LearningaboutMovies]

good suggestions. I'm staring at a shelf full of movies to get to. What's keeping me back is time. If only this gig paid more or I was indepenently wealthy ...

[@roaminronin7818]

yeah have fun with Last Year at Marienbad, whew ;)

[@ricardocima]

@@roaminronin7818 lol

[@GregHuffman1987]

ohh yeh the dog

[@fernandoguevara8258]

I just finished watching this absolutely great film. This is why I've only been watching the foreign movies of the 50's, 60's, and 70's for quite some time now. They are void of those " only in the movies, larger than life, unrelatable Hollywood moments. I wondered, though, what happened to the maid and her situation at the end of the film. It made me long for more, I felt like the movie was missing something. But now I believe that it was intentionaly done. Perhaps it adds to the realism. And to that theme of lacking.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

very good point, thank you.

[@francisybarra3966]

i urge uncle sam to raise it handouts dont cut it ..francis 70 off and on homeless 5 years .... sliding scale rents landlords ..small ones request extra funds

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thanks.

[@Jesus420.69]

I’ve paused right at the start. Is their spoilers?

[@LearningaboutMovies]

I think that Jesus Christ would not be worried about spoilers, for obvious reasons of omniscience.

[@Jesus420.69]

@@LearningaboutMovies just finished the movie. I was getting a little choked up towards the end. Then filkes yelping at the train. I think I may cry myself to sleep ☹️

[@BeardyChild]

I truly Loved this Sad movie. 🥺💔🥲🤍