Watch
Umberto D.
Umberto D.
+5
Your probable score
?
Umberto D.

Umberto D.

1952
Drama
1h 29m
Umberto Domenico Ferrari, an elderly and retired civil servant, is desperately trying to maintain a decent standard of living on a rapidly dwindling state pension. (imdb)

Umberto D.

1952
Drama
1h 29m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 76.63% from 1294 total ratings

Ratings & Reviews

(1304)
Compact view
Compact view
Rated 14 Aug 2007
96
99th
This movie, on ageing, mortality, companionship and neglect, is the greatest film of the 1950s, and perhaps the saddest film of all time. Considered a little schmaltzy by some, but to me far more genuine and less contrived than the neo-realist efforts of, say, Roberto Rossellini. Martin Scorsese: "UMBERTO D. is a great film about what it is to stand by and watch, helplessly, as you slip into poverty and even your dignity becomes excess baggage."
Rated 27 Dec 2013
60
39th
The bread is his soul. He's trying to buy back a loaf of his *soul*.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
88
96th
Umberto isn't immediately likeable, but the film's realistic and unsentimentalist presentation gradually draw sympathy for him. By the end it's absolutely heart-wrenching. The friendship between man and dog works well here, but maybe I'm a sucker for such things.
Rated 27 Jun 2008
5
91st
The movie gradually builds its emotional sympathy for Umberto; it never wavers from its unsentimental nature, but the more you get to know Umberto (and Flike), the more you feel awful for them and the more heartbreaking the movie becomes. Umberto D is also one of the most artfully shot movies I've ever seen; it's neorealism but De Sica wrenches the maximum amount of beauty out of every frame without ever straying from its realism.
Rated 30 May 2019
84
83rd
One of the earliest attempts to garner sympathy through strategic use of a dog? It's obvious that only a few years after its start, Italian Neorealism has moved away from the restricting shackles of naturalism and has embraced the possibilities of formalism. Not every scene feels entirely necessary, but it builds to a powerful and genuinely heartbreaking finale.
Rated 26 Jan 2013
85
94th
Neorealism. Filming time as it is lived. Centering on an old guy and his dog. Boring, right? Wrong! This is touching and completely captivating. And if you agree and have yet to see De Sica's even better 'The Bicycle Thieves', you obviously should.
Rated 16 Sep 2012
4
87th
A depressing glimpse into my future.
Rated 28 Jan 2010
9
93rd
One of the greatest movies ever made. Incredibly depressing and bleak. A great humanist work on loneliness, aging, pride and poverty. The ending is perfect as is the dog pound scene, powerful stuff. Another must see from De Sica.
Rated 11 Jan 2019
4
74th
There's much to be said, and much has been, about this immensely sad film, so I'll just add that it's a reminder of what comfort dogs are in a cruel and uncaring world.
Rated 18 Oct 2010
8
88th
Is this perhaps one of the most unintentionally heart-wrenching tales on the silver screen? De Sica aims at realism, not emotion, but in the face of life, and the always ignored and easily uncared for nothingness that is Mr. Umberto we find our own well of sympathy. The modern way is to take, then when all is given, to forget. You serve your whole life, then you stop and you're useless. De Sica is proof that you don't need to speak of Death or God etc to make great Art.
Rated 28 May 2008
6
95th
Stepping off his more naturalistic neorealism [present in Bicycle Thieves and earlier works], De Sica injects that same tone and emotion with cinematography that seems to be on another stratosphere of just about anything I've ever seen.
Rated 14 Oct 2007
55
44th
Umberto D. is original and belongs to a historically important movement, but not particularly candid or insightful. I felt impervious to some of its very transparent emotional manipulations. It's blatantly manipulative, but most of the actual fabric of the film felt sterile to me, maybe because it strained too much to be "mundane". However, toward the ending it picks up and succeeds in tugging the heartstrings.
Rated 09 Aug 2007
83
72nd
A mostly well done film that really does a good job of showing the loneliness and frustration of old age. Even though I didn't really care for Umberto the character, it was still impossible not to feel some sympathy for the situation he's in. The film has a nice balance of amusing moments to balance out the serious themes it tackles and the ending is pretty good.
Rated 28 Jan 2007
68
32nd
I like Bicycle Thief, but this one does far less for me. I really don't care for the character at all. Maybe you're not supposed to, but then what's the point? I like the fantastic use of perspective shots, though.
Rated 25 Sep 2020
94
98th
The unspeakable sadness mounts steadily almost to the point of tragedy, without any of the excesses a lesser director might have indulged in. Pauline Kael: "What makes this film singular is that its "dailiness" is infused with so much awareness that the screen seems luminous. There isn't a minute of banality in this simple, direct film."
Rated 02 Feb 2020
100
96th
This film is really the pinnacle of neorealism. Non-actors Battisti and Maria Pia Casilio turn in powerhouse performances, and the film is beautifully shot in the streets of Rome. The end of this film is beautiful and profoundly devastating.
Rated 17 Sep 2018
9
94th
Fine you sentimental piece of shit movie, you win, I'll cry.
Rated 31 Mar 2018
82
81st
I dont care if it's a 'foreign' film, Flike should have been at least nominated for best supporting actor
Rated 11 May 2016
80
76th
Umberto's bond with his dog is really touching because it doesn't feel dwelt on or manipulative. The film subtly reveals the dog to be his only protective factor, and the realism of the final few minutes inspires genuine pathos. Like Bicycle Thieves, there's a lot of material hopelessness, but there's a strangely compelling intensity to the sense of desperation in Bicycle Thieves that's absent in Umberto D.
Rated 26 Aug 2015
75
81st
Unlike the superior Bicycle Thieves some scenes are manipulative and strained. The tension doesn't build as seemlessly and the ridiculousness of a life falling apart due to not having a bike permeating every scene in BT is absent, as is the powerful social commentary. In Bicycle Thieves we first cast judgment on the first thief, but then as the story progresses we learn circumstances can make such a theft understandable but also problematic as invokes a structural vicious cycle.
Rated 08 Sep 2014
85
89th
It's too bitter. De Sica's Italy is cruel and hostile where compassion is non-existent, except for that empathy between the audience and Umberto. In context it's a harsh mirror to audiences - why do we feel for Umberto but ignore the real people just like him?
Rated 13 Jun 2012
9
94th
the scene in front of the pantheon was highly dramatic so was the end. Flike!
Rated 01 Sep 2010
79
56th
De Sica obviously tried to repeat some successful elements of Bycicle Thieves, but it's over the top this time.
Rated 03 Jun 2010
89
89th
A simple, heartbreaking slice of life. I never thought so much emotion could be brought out by a simple story about an old lonely man and his dog, but De Sica really pulls it off. The scene where he considers the idea of swallowing his pride and begging for money is one of the most touching things I've seen.
Rated 27 Apr 2010
85
66th
Uma comovente historia de abandono retratada nas lentes neo-realistas de Sica.
Rated 07 Mar 2010
5
54th
I can't tell if the titular character is poorly realized, or just simply dull and uninteresting. Either way, it doesn't really work for me. However, it is loaded with beautiful photography, and I thought the ending was done really well.
Rated 05 Mar 2010
100
99th
As good as "The Bicycle Thieves." A deeply moving film about an old man and his dog living on the margins of society. De Sica avoids the trap of easy sentimentality; it is the man's plight and the power of the film-making that earn your tears.
Rated 12 Feb 2010
95
96th
An essential piece of the Italian neorealist movement. Arguably an even better film than the phenomenal Bicycle Thieves, Umberto D. examines what it is like to be elderly, poor, and cast aside by society. The film deals with heavy themes, but it handles these with a great deal of restraint, carefully straddling the delicate line between genuine emotion and manipulation. The tale of Umberto is a glorious testament to the strength of the human spirit.
Rated 11 Dec 2009
100
91st
De Sica's masterpiece. One of the most remarkable European films of the decade.
Rated 28 Nov 2009
75
72nd
Neo-realism about poverty in Italy. Aww.
Rated 15 Aug 2009
83
79th
De Sica's shots of Rome are incredible, as well as the way he develops his characters. Umberto is an extremely likeable person living in terrible conditions in post war Italy. Umberto D did not affect me the way The Bicycle Thief did, but it still struck me and made me depressed. There are some extremely memorable moments, including the unforgettable dog Flike as his closest companion. I didn't feel too much until the end and what leads up to it.
Rated 04 Mar 2009
60
85th
Possibly De Sica's best work (he thought so himself), a neo-realist Little Man tearjerker about a dignified old pauper trying to keep his head above the subsistence level and trying not to drag his beloved dog down with him. If this proves more effective at jerking tears than his better-known _Bicycle Thief_, it's a victory for the little pooch over the little urchin.
Rated 26 Jan 2009
97
91st
One of the loneliest films ever made, rivalled only by Ikiru and Tokyo Story.
Rated 26 Oct 2008
98
97th
Terribly depressing movie. But beautifully done. You feel for Umberto throughout the entire movie. I'm not ashamed to say it made me cry.
Rated 18 Aug 2008
65
54th
Scene when Umberto is begging for money is a masterpiece in it's simplicity and I can name only few other scenes in history of cinema that moved me so much. Unfortunately rest of the film doesn't live up to the genius of that moment.
Rated 03 Jul 2008
90
99th
Excellent film, very very depressing.
Rated 27 Apr 2008
100
99th
Heartbreaking.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
95
89th
A heartbreaking film to watch, but what a performance from Carlo Battisti, and the shot of the train rushing past Umberto is stunning.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
85
74th
Jesus christ this movie is depressing
Rated 14 Jul 2007
94
92nd
A good portion of the beginning had me wondering about whether I was going to like it or not. But as we get to know Umberto and how lonely his life is everything seems to gradually draw you in and ultimately it will knock you flat towards the end. It steers clear of melodrama completely and is very unsentimental. I loved it.
Rated 28 May 2007
60
47th
Sounds better in synopsis than it actually plays
Rated 08 Dec 2024
70
54th
Umberto Domenico Ferrari: "it's a little of everything."
Rated 05 Jun 2024
49
40th
Slow but very moving in parts
Rated 06 Jan 2024
90
99th
Leaves with the stories hanging somewhat in the air, but it also leaves you heartbroken and happy at the same time. Maria Pia Casilio's portion was sweet and carefree regardless of what future challenges she would face. Personal pride was always bitterly present. And who doesn't adore the moments with the dog an the old man. The begging scene and the ending moments, especially. Those were exceptional! And that's coming from a cat person.
Rated 12 Feb 2023
82
72nd
audiovisual 80 acting 90 overall feeling 76 avg 82
Rated 17 Dec 2022
100
99th
Umberto D. estreava há 70 anos na Argentina. Por razões que não vem ao caso, queria ter me identificado bem menos com esse aqui, mas essa questão do seu animalzinho te manter vivo é uma coisa muito mais recorrente do que todos nós gostaríamos de reconhecer. Porém, é uma verdade muito pura que todos nós nos reconhecemos e que só o realismo italiano poderia fazer viver como tal. Blu-ray Versátil.
Rated 01 Oct 2022
82
79th
A very strong, sad neorealist entry from De Sica with a great performance from Carlo Battisti (in his only film role) and a great animal role. Some of these films about aging--like this and the Japanese films of Ozu, etc, probably don't hit me in quite the same way they will some day when I am older, but it packs an emotional punch.
Rated 29 May 2021
70
71st
Bicycle Thieves ile oldukça benzer duygular yalnız bu sefer başrol bisiklet yerine tatlı mı tatlı bir köpek. Sevdim.
Rated 22 Jan 2021
85
67th
Both wonderful and horrible would best describe this film. And not exactly a picture to lift your mood, aye. Was 50's Italy really so apathetic? I don't doubt the system, but the people? Not so sure. I'm well aware of the prestige this movie radiates, but some movies should be watched at certain times, when your spirit is ready to absorb the grim reality of our times here. And maybe this time it just wasn't the right time. I very much prefer The Bicycle Thief to Umberto.
Rated 21 Jan 2021
76
56th
'No, they don't get used to it.'–Umberto Dayı
Rated 22 May 2020
88
91st
One of the most heartbreaking films I've ever seen; those last ten minutes are utterly devastating. An exploration of lonliness, love, old age and most importantly poverty and how it can completely paralyze and rob one of dignity. A different approach to neo-realism than Bicycle Thieves or Paisan, one that is not afraid adopt sentimentality or more conventional film language, but one that is no less valid in the truth of its storytelling.
Rated 04 May 2019
48
36th
Libra
Rated 11 Mar 2019
92
88th
92.00
Rated 04 Jan 2019
70
56th
The inclusion of the maid as a full-fledged character felt a bit at odds with the crushing solitude the rest of the film tries to achieve.
Rated 20 Nov 2018
3
36th
Still incredibly moving, the scenes where he decides to do the deed are all absolutely fantastic - esp change in character
Rated 21 Jul 2018
80
65th
The ending to this film is devastatingly sad. The acting of both the lead and the dogs feels genuine. Though Umberto does feel a bit surface level - as in it just seems as if he is focused more on money than on finding anything else - the ending really hits you.
Rated 29 Dec 2017
80
79th
Sono Daniel Blake
Rated 01 Apr 2016
43
39th
Slightly better than Bicycle Thieves, mostly just because i like dogs more than children. I feel like kind of an asshole for not thrilling more to this, but as easy as it is to admire for it's compassionate humanism and earnest social commentary i can't help from wanting something just a bit more, you know, 'cinematic'. It's admittedly even a bit touching at times, but disproportionately for how obviously moving it's supposed to be. For a piece of "realism" it sure is unabashedly manipulative.
Rated 27 Feb 2016
9
43rd
Star Rating: ★★★
Rated 06 May 2015
85
59th
A film about what it means to have unbelievable determination in the face of insurmountable odds and still fail in spite of that. Phenomenally depressing, but also very beautiful. It will probably make all of your problems feel pretty insignificant.
Rated 25 Jan 2015
83
95th
Has come under fire in some quarters for being more 'formally precise', and thus less 'realistic' than other famous neo-realist films, but it's hard to shake off the austere vision of the world presented by De Sica. While it lacks the beautiful simplicity of Bicycle Thieves, Umberto D is ultimately more ambitious: it's not just about survival, but about the perils of old age and the growing disconnect between people that prefigures Antonioni. It's also incredibly moving.
Rated 03 Dec 2014
100
99th
2nd viewing
Rated 29 Sep 2014
77
73rd
Well, no duh I didn't like this at the age of 18. It's basically all about housing and money, and the dude was old. Still, it kind of works for me now as a gender swapped Naruse film. Likewise, Fumiko Hayahsi's usual feline companion is substituted with a canine, one capable of posturing (or evoking, depending on who you are) a more romantic pathos. It's still not the best of these kind of films, but it's up there.
Rated 22 Jan 2014
73
65th
I'm not sure if the actor or the writing was to blame, but I didn't become as emotionally invested in this as with other De Sica's.
Rated 09 Jan 2014
80
0th
2x
Rated 25 Sep 2013
6
83rd
while most of the film is appropriately quiet but fairly mundane, it picks up near the end with an emotional final scene that is surprisingly non-manipulative. a little disappointing, notably the overly blunt polemics on pensions, but still a very good effort.
Rated 21 Aug 2013
95
97th
For any dog-lovers out there (and who isn't?) this is gonna be an emotional punch in the nuts. The sort of film that takes you from your mundane, depressing existence and puts you in a whole different mundane, depressing existence -- and spits you out a different person. Simple and concise, it seems to not have any baggage story or characterisation.
Rated 24 Jul 2013
82
89th
bravo flike .d
Rated 06 Jun 2013
75
67th
Protesto, Emeklilik, Maas yetmemesi, yoksulluk, pansiyon, kirayi ödeyememek, esyalarini satmak (saat ve kitap), evsiz kaldigi icin hastaneye yatmak, kimden hamile kaldigini bilmeyen kiz, köpek, hayvan sevgisi, intehari düsünen adam (Emekli maasi yetmeyen Umberto D, pansiyondan kovulmaktadir.) Sonu çok duygusal. hayvan sevgisiyle ilgili çok güzel bir film. Biraz agir.
Rated 27 Sep 2012
90
88th
Deeply moving. The quiet, surreal moments are hypnotizing, like the sequence highlighting Umberto and Maria's restlessness in the middle of the night. Flike is just icing on the cake.
Rated 11 Sep 2012
76
57th
"Umberto D." is easily superior to "The Bicycle Thief", but it's still just another failed attempt of De Sica trying to tug on the heartstrings by putting his characters through hard times that only people in the time and place could relate to. How am I supposed to feel bad for the guy who can't pay rent when his peers, admittedly, are living more comfortably than he, some of them are even working?
Rated 09 Sep 2012
75
68th
bi bisiklet hirsizlari degil
Rated 22 Jun 2012
75
60th
Throughout the film, I was tearing up, begging him not to succumb to the loss of his dignity.
Rated 18 Jun 2012
95
98th
Vittorio de Sica hits it out of the park again with a devastating masterpiece.
Rated 30 Apr 2012
76
32nd
I respect it immensely, but I don't actually like it very much.
Rated 30 Nov 2011
93
86th
#131
Rated 11 Oct 2011
90
84th
Released the same year as Ikiru, the first two thirds of Umberto D. have a similar desperate tone to Kurosawa's meticulous masterpeice. Only in the beautiful final minutes of the film does Umberto D truly exceed all expectations, delivering one of the greatest life-affirming moments in cinema history. Basically, up there with Air Bud as far as dog pictures go.
Rated 06 Jun 2011
9
91st
Didn't affect me as greatly as "Bicycle Thieves". It is beautifully shot film to an incredible extent however.
Rated 24 May 2011
85
93rd
Classic tragicomic drama which gives us a slice of typical Italian 1950s life, and invites us with open arms to share in the lives and emotions of its characters. The film shows all the hallmarks of De Sica's other famous works such as Bicycle Thieves, and also the neorealist movement. Even though the story is very simple, the scenes and characters are unforgettable. Umberto D. is almost Chaplin-esque as he stumbles pitifully through his hardships.
Rated 25 Feb 2011
70
39th
Another terrible ending from Europe.
Rated 29 Sep 2010
85
91st
The last twenty minutes is devastatingly sad. Like, "prepare yourself" sad.
Rated 10 Mar 2010
5
69th
Manipulative as hell but saved by a genuinely touching finale.
Rated 22 Jan 2010
85
94th
A masterpiece.
Rated 15 Jan 2010
97
98th
a simple and beautiful story in beautiful black and white. flike!
Rated 13 Jan 2010
94
88th
123
Rated 24 Dec 2009
93
90th
Another classic from De Sica. A sad film that is perhaps a bit too melancholic for me.
Rated 19 Dec 2008
94
88th
129
Rated 01 Mar 2008
93
88th
# 131
Rated 23 Oct 2007
90
89th
Exquisitely shot, telling so much through framing and cutting and mise en scene. Further, the humane way in which De Sica portrays his protagonist embraces the fundamental reality of human dignity in a way that much in our world ignores.
Rated 28 Sep 2007
75
57th
Sort of flat. Didn't really do much with it.

Collections

Loading ...

Similar Titles

Loading ...

Statistics

Loading ...

Trailer

Loading ...