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Special Features
- New high-definition transfer from restored elements with new and improved subtitle translation
- "This is Life: Vittorio De Sica," a 55-minute Italian television documentary
- Interview with actress Maria Pia Casilio
- New essay by critic Stuart Klawans and reprinted recollections on the film by De Sica
- Writings of Umberto D. by Umberto Eco, Luisa Alessandri, and Carlo Battisti
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Umberto D. is one of the enduring masterpieces of Italian neorealism, considered by many to be one of the greatest films ever made. Everything that neorealism represents can be found in this simple, heartbreaking story of an aged Roman named Umberto (played by Carlo Battisti, non-professional actor and retired college professor) who struggles to survive in a city plagued by passive disregard for the post-World War II plight of the elderly. With his little dog, Flike, as his only companion, Umberto faces imminent eviction, and his insufficient pension and failed attempts to raise money lead him to contemplate suicide... if he can find a home for Flike. His dilemma--and director Vittorio De Sica's compassionate, unsentimental handling of it--results in a film of uncompromising grace and authenticity. Like De Sica's earlier masterpieces Shoeshine and The Bicycle Thief, Umberto D. earns its teardrops honestly; if this timeless classic doesn't make you smile and cry, you'd better check for a pulse. --Jeff Shannon
Product Description
Shot on location with a cast of nonprofessional actors, Vittorio De Sica’s neorealist masterpiece follows Umberto D., an elderly pensioner, as he struggles to make ends meet during Italy’s postwar economic boom. Alone except for his dog, Flike, Umberto strives to maintain his dignity while trying to survive in a city where traditional human kindness seems to have lost out to the forces of modernization. Umberto’s simple quest to fulfill the most fundamental human needs—food, shelter, companionship—is one of the most heartbreaking stories ever filmed and an essential classic of world cinema.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
32 of 32 people found the following review helpful
By Ian Sketney
Format:VHS Tape
In 1980 I saw this film at Chapter Arts centre in Cardiff after a lecture from aged but legendary film critic Dilys Powell. She had Umberto D (about a man and his dog for goodness sake) down as her favourite movie of all time. And you've got to remember that she had sat through about 35,000 films in her lifetime. As you might imagine I was fairly intrigued at this prospect. The reality is that this film genuinely delivers like no other, if you like your heart shaken and stirred with something authentic. Now I cry fairly easily at movies when the going gets tough, but this one is truly in a class of its own. In fact the final scenes are so painful and poignant that even 20 years later I cannot recall them without emotion. But ironically this film leaves you feeling better than when you went in about the human spirit, and that's why I think it's ultimately so great.
21 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Vittorio DeSica's wonderful "Umberto D" was one of the last films of the Italian neo-realism movement and by far its best one. It is also one of my favorite movies ever. The movie's premise is simple: it is a slice of the life of a poor lonely pensioner, Umberto. Throughout the movie, we see Umberto struggle to find money to pay rent to his horrible landlady, love his dog Flike, and deal with the loneliness and disillusionment of the postwar era.
"Umberto D" is a character-driven film. It works very well because of its sharp observations on loneliness and poignant gestures. The gestures evoke powerful feelings without necessitating dialogue. Many of the scenes, even the ones that do not necessarily advance the plot, are hypnotically beautiful in their simplicity. Take, for example, a beautiful scene where Umberto finally needs to beg for money but cannot physically bring himself to do it. He extends his palm up, but when a passer-by stops to give him money, Umberto quickly flips his hand over, as if testing for rain. The film is full of these small gestures that quietly emphasize the desperate loneliness and poignancy of Umberto's situation.
The acting in this film is absolutely superb. Carlo Battisti, despite having never acted before, is wonderful as the titular character; his face is a fascinating blend of stubborn dignity and weariness of life. Maria Pia-Casilio, who plays the maid, is just as good as evoking life's loneliness and quiet desperation. The supporting cast is also very strong.
One of the very few criticisms I have heard of this film is that it is too sentimental and borderline sappy. While some scenes with Umberto and his dog Flike are sentimental, never is it "too" sentimental. DeSica knows how far he can push his film without making it sappy, and he wisely shows it as it is. Nothing feels forced. The subject material itself and the simplicity in which it is presented will bring tears. (If you don't cry in this movie, you need to have your heart professionally de-thawed.) But "Umberto D" is never dumbed down into sappiness and clichéd corniness. It is a very powerful film.
"Umberto D" is the masterpiece of the Italian neo-realist era. Just the powerful and ambiguous ending alone is worth the price. It's a rather bleak and very realistic movie, but it makes some fascinating commentary on the human condition, specifically the loneliness we face. Highly, highly recommended. 5/5
"Umberto D" is a character-driven film. It works very well because of its sharp observations on loneliness and poignant gestures. The gestures evoke powerful feelings without necessitating dialogue. Many of the scenes, even the ones that do not necessarily advance the plot, are hypnotically beautiful in their simplicity. Take, for example, a beautiful scene where Umberto finally needs to beg for money but cannot physically bring himself to do it. He extends his palm up, but when a passer-by stops to give him money, Umberto quickly flips his hand over, as if testing for rain. The film is full of these small gestures that quietly emphasize the desperate loneliness and poignancy of Umberto's situation.
The acting in this film is absolutely superb. Carlo Battisti, despite having never acted before, is wonderful as the titular character; his face is a fascinating blend of stubborn dignity and weariness of life. Maria Pia-Casilio, who plays the maid, is just as good as evoking life's loneliness and quiet desperation. The supporting cast is also very strong.
One of the very few criticisms I have heard of this film is that it is too sentimental and borderline sappy. While some scenes with Umberto and his dog Flike are sentimental, never is it "too" sentimental. DeSica knows how far he can push his film without making it sappy, and he wisely shows it as it is. Nothing feels forced. The subject material itself and the simplicity in which it is presented will bring tears. (If you don't cry in this movie, you need to have your heart professionally de-thawed.) But "Umberto D" is never dumbed down into sappiness and clichéd corniness. It is a very powerful film.
"Umberto D" is the masterpiece of the Italian neo-realist era. Just the powerful and ambiguous ending alone is worth the price. It's a rather bleak and very realistic movie, but it makes some fascinating commentary on the human condition, specifically the loneliness we face. Highly, highly recommended. 5/5
18 of 19 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:VHS Tape
It wouldn't be easy to find a film which is more relentlessly moving than Umberto D. Although it is a fairly simple story, the power of the images and characters will remain with the viewer long after the movie ends. The film effectively draws the viewer into the life and struggles of an old man and his dog as their condition becomes increasingly desperate. It is almost painful to watch at times but it is also one of the most beautiful and unforgettable films that I have seen.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
DE SICA'S BEST MOVIE
This is simply one of the best movies ever made and probably the best Italian movie ever made. The film is done so well that it is hard to forget. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Roman Nykolyshyn
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love the film
After having read some of the reviews from others, I am pleased that so many of different ages agree with the opinion I have had for decades. Read more
Published 5 months ago by texan
5.0 out of 5 stars
Respect thy elders...
De Sica's personal favorite of his own films, and that is saying a lot considering that triumphs he put to film, `Umberto D. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Andrew Ellington
5.0 out of 5 stars
Vittorio De Sica CLASSIC- More Timely Now Than Ever
SUPERB SUPERB SUPERB. Simple, elegant, poignant, timeless, glories in humanity, flaws and all. One of the best movies ever. Read more
Published 12 months ago by Marcy Casterline O'Rourke
1.0 out of 5 stars
Umberto D gets a D rating
Note: I made a review. Didn't like it. So now I'm making a new one.
Umberto D is an old man struggling to make a living on the inadequate funds of his pension. Read more
Umberto D is an old man struggling to make a living on the inadequate funds of his pension. Read more
Published 14 months ago by J. Friday
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the most moving films I have ever seen.
Five stars aren't nearly enough for this beautiful and heartbreaking film, which director Vittorio de Sica dedicated to his father. Read more
Published 17 months ago by flickfreak
5.0 out of 5 stars
Absolutely Heartbreaking
I had seen this a while back and was never able to get it out of my mind. As we watch this impoverished senior go through his trials with little money and only the companionship of... Read more
Published 20 months ago by J. Kenneth Adlam
5.0 out of 5 stars
What love is
Some people have said this movie about a retired civil servant (Umberto D.) in desperate straits and his dog is sentimental. Read more
Published on January 18, 2011 by S. Smith-Peter
5.0 out of 5 stars
an excruciating descent that remains relevant today
This film is so affecting that I watched it with a near-unbearable anguish that prevented me from sleeping well that night. Read more
Published on January 8, 2011 by Robert J. Crawford
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Beautiful Moving Portrait of the Elderly
This bittersweet movie follows the story of an elderly statesman, who once had a lucrative job in the government, is now living on a pension that can barely pay his bills and rent. Read more
Published on July 18, 2010 by Diaspora Chic
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