Review of Umberto D. (1952) by Joe L — 07 Nov 2009
Sometimes hard to watch, but a must-see for all dog lovers. on the surface it's the story of a man who has lost everything, is driven to suicidal thoughts, but must first go to great lengths to ensure the happiness and safety of his beloved dog before he finally commits the act.
it's truly about how the love, companionship, and loyalty of an animal can save us. the relationship between umberto d. and his dog flike is actually quite similar to the downtrodden father and son of de sica's 'bicycle thief.
' the final act of the film is harrowingly heartbreaking, yet ultimately affirming. like ebert says, this film doesn't reach for its message - it just is, and it's totally unsentimentalized.
maybe it's just my own love of dogs, but 'umberto d.'s' universal story (which in some aspects reminds me of pixar's 'up') took me on an even more visceral emotional journey than 'the bicycle thief.
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This review of Umberto D. (1952) was written by Joe L on 07 Nov 2009.
Umberto D. has generally received very positive reviews.
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