Although not released in the US until 1950, Bitter RIce gives a very good depiction of what it was like living in post-war Italy immediately after the disaster that struck the Italians under Mussolini. It closely mirrors films like Germany Year Zero, and other classic neo-realistic films that show the struggle of the common man and woman just to get enough to eat and live.
All the performances and direction of this film are first-rate. Gassman, Vallone, and the two female leads play off each other very well. Mangano is exceptional as is Dowling in the female leads. DeSantis does a wonderful job of directing. There are, of course, socialist overtones in the film. When people have nothing, they suddenly discover a socialist conscience. It has a lot in common with Grapes of Wrath by Steinbeck. One of the best neo-realism films of the post WW2 era.
All the performances and direction of this film are first-rate. Gassman, Vallone, and the two female leads play off each other very well. Mangano is exceptional as is Dowling in the female leads. DeSantis does a wonderful job of directing. There are, of course, socialist overtones in the film. When people have nothing, they suddenly discover a socialist conscience. It has a lot in common with Grapes of Wrath by Steinbeck. One of the best neo-realism films of the post WW2 era.