UMBERTO D. is a movie in which we can recognize simple style, almost unbearable honesty, natural performance and empathy. Another gem of neo-realism. Retired civil servant faces life problems that his pension is not enough to rent rooms. The story shows his desperate efforts to try to find the money, where his only consolation provides his loyal dog. A lonely old man leads already lost battle for survival.One heartbreaking film about a lonely old man to whom every day is running out of a zeal and hope. Dog and maid were with him. The man in certain circumstances and faced with problems can not recognize beautiful word or a look of love. Money solves the problem, but money usually leads man to a certain extreme.Vittorio De Sica does not play with human emotions. He honestly shows emotions of his characters in certain circumstances. If I make this simple. This is actually a struggle for survival. On the face of the main character up close you can see the suffering and shame. Life losses often lead man astray, and he forgets what is actually all that matters. Tired, weak, defeated, humiliated, but dignified and lovable old man decides to tragic extremes. To me will always remain in the memory image of cheerful old man and a playful dog in autumn alley.Carlo Battisti as Umberto Domeniko Ferrari is the perfect image of human loneliness. Loneliness is not natural. Life is a struggle. Since it is not an actor by profession, this is a pretty good performance. Tired little bit of everything. Maria-Pia Casilio as Maria, the young maid, which despite her problems (pregnant and unmarried) gifts a kind word to her elder friend. I thought, in a certain part of the film, it may tend to develop a kind of relationship of a father figure and a girl in trouble. To my regret story went in the other direction. Her performance is impressive.

I'm glad others like this so much -- many say it's the best film they've ever seen -- but it falls short of that for me. It's in the "neo-realistic Italian style" using "ordinary people" rather than trained actors which sometimes leads to more realistic films.Not for me in this case. To me, it seemed needlessly "jumpy" -- almost like its sequencing and development followed sort of a "comic strip" model in which actions are briefly portrayed followed by some later ones (or preceded by others), and it's up to the viewer/reader to fill in the gaps in the sequences and development. Also, I've had dogs for over half my long life and they've been very loving companions. While "Flike" (Umberto's dog) was a trained 'actor,' I NEVER saw the emotional reaction of genuine mutual love and affection that usually intermittently, spontaneously takes place between a man (or woman) and his/her dog. Trained obedience? Yes.Companions? Yes.Bosom buddies? No. No sign. Great story. Great plot.Execution? -- so-so.

Umberto D (1952) is a necessity for aspiring filmmakers to truly grasp the notion of loving and hating on-screen characters, and also to witness the Italian Neo-Realist motion in full swing. The fact that the actors were so able to confidently portray the delicate characters in this classic despite being non-professional actors is simply outstanding, a credit to director De Sica. De Sica, a proved genius due to his earlier film, 'Bicycle Thieves', manages to blend the camera work into the narrative, not making it an addition that the audience is aware of. Paired with the award winning script which constructs the beautiful characters, this is a film that'll make you feel a whole collection of emotions from sadness to glee. Some film-goers may yawn at the 'simple' plot, an elderly man struggling financially in post war Italy, but this absence of heavy narrative allows the focus to shift to other things, a risk that pays off perfectly. Umberto D is an undeniable masterpiece, and one that should be on every persons watch list.

Umberto D. Ferrari is an elderly retired government worker attending a demonstration. The police disperses the group. His landlady Antonia threatens to kick him out. He is a proud man and tries to sell his watch for the money. Maria is the friendly maid at the boarding house. She is pregnant by one of two soldiers but neither are willing to help. He is hospitalized for tonsillitis. When he gets out, Antonia is demolishing his room and she lets Flike escape. Umberto would end it all but he needs to find a place for Flike.I love the scene where he can't bring himself to beg for money but he lets Flike to beg with his hat. I like a lot about this movie but I find Umberto too bitter. It would so much better if he is the kindly old grandpa type. Maria is a bit too inexperienced to give the needed emotions. However it's poignant in so many other ways. His love for his dog and his isolation are both heart breaking.