benjaoming
Having seen the amazing three masterpieces - Ladri Di Biciclette, Miracolo a Milano and Umberto D. - which De Sica made in a row, I was a bit worried that his formula could be worn out, that by '56 neorealism would be dead. I was worried that I'd grown apathetic to his tragic fates and epic portraits of the working class.. but I was WRONG! The characters in this movie are simply too real -- and most likely, they are real, since often De Sica didn't use pro actors, and none of the actors have a prior acting history according to IMDb). Growing tired of his formula would be the same as growing tired of people, stories and destinies all together. It doesn't take long for these poor Italians to win sympathy and capture emotions, and in those 8 years from Ladri di Biciclette and to Il Tetto, De Sica may not have changed his focus from the tragic lives in the lowest classes of Italian post-war history, but he's certainly gone from being just a bit over-the-top on how bad everything can get (which isn't necessarily bad) to an even more modest story. A story that could sound dull if retold with only words, but told in the hands of the genius De Sica, it becomes another gem. If you like anything else that he's made, you'll like this one, too. It's honest, it's historical, it's political, it's human, it's beautiful and more than any of his other movies, Il Tetto does shine a light for the poor.
mathmaniac
For whatever reason, I was unable to post to the message board for this movie. I love Di Sica and so when I saw this movie available on Facets video, I bought it, along with 'It Happened in the Park' by Di Sica. Facets.org rents out movies if you join and also sells movies. They are sort of an art house type film organization out of Chicago.I saw 'The Bicycle Thief' many years ago and thought it was a very moving film. Yes, the lead actor was probably not charming and perhaps unlikeable but it was a great film nonetheless. 'Umberto D' is as good a film, although very little happens and it can seem to move too slowly.'The Roof' is really for Di Sica fans.
Vagabear
Just ran this in 35mm.....and found it to be a lot more enjoyable than the dreary and misery-ridden BICYCLE THIEF (with a very unlikeable, desperate lead character) by the same director. The two leads (the newly married couple) were naturalistic and very likable, and you really could identify with their plight - which became no less desperate than that of the BICYCLE THIEF. Their brief moments of love and affection for each other were very moving - and believably touching when alongside scenes of their unhappiness and desperation. Their desperate race to build a squalid little structure to live in is incredibly involving and pulls you in to the very last moments of the picture. Will they make it? You'll have to see the picture to find out.
andrabem
I saw this film a long time ago, but I remember that it left me a deep impression. The film tells the story of the desperate search made by a young couple in an impoverished post-war Italian city for a place to live. This dramatic situation is portrayed with sensibility and tenderness. I was very moved and at the same time I was happy that there were films like this one. There are many other powerful films but this one was completely forgotten. As far as I know, there are no VHS or DVD versions of "Il Tetto". There are no comments about it. Films like "Ladri di Bicicletta", "Umberto D" by Vittorio de Sica have their place in the sun, but this one has sunk into oblivion. Please, release this film on DVD. It really deserves it.
AD
