Films all over the world portray the theme of childhood. Two Italian films set in the 40’s, The Children Are Watching Us (Vittorio De Sica, 1944) and Bicycle Thieves (Vittorio De Sica, 1948), exemplify this topic. The films focus on a parent’s relationship with his/her child and portray recurring symbols and themes such as child abandonment. Although both sets of parents in The Children and Bicycle Thieves show signs of loving their child unconditionally, they also portray an image of child neglect. Antonio uses physical violence and exemplifies a weakness before his son, Prico involuntarily watches his parents split apart, and both Antonio and Nina prioritize their child last.
It could be argued, in both films, that even though Antonio and …show more content…
Bruno provides a support system for his father. He helps him search for his bicycle, and does not leave his side when they cannot find it. However, Antonio becomes aggravated and slaps Bruno on the face for telling his father he should not have let the thief get away. This makes the boy run away and cry. Additionally, Antonio and Bruno share reversed roles in the film. For Bruno reassures his father that everything is okay by holding his hand, and Antonio sets a bad example by acting disrespectfully towards an old man and a church …show more content…
It is true that the parents in both films show a strong love for their child. However, their neglect towards their children outweigh their love. Antonio physically abuses Bruno and demonstrates a weakness by reversing child and parent roles with him, Prico experiences the horror of his parents falling apart and separating before his eyes, and in both films, the parents neglect to make their child their top priority. Therefore, child neglect was a strong theme in both films. Child neglect is a recurring issue, not just in Italy, but throughout the world. Films exemplifying such a serious topic benefit the world as it is demonstrating knowledge to those who are unfamiliar with it. Films should continue to represent this hardship and spread this
It could be argued, in both films, that even though Antonio and …show more content…
Bruno provides a support system for his father. He helps him search for his bicycle, and does not leave his side when they cannot find it. However, Antonio becomes aggravated and slaps Bruno on the face for telling his father he should not have let the thief get away. This makes the boy run away and cry. Additionally, Antonio and Bruno share reversed roles in the film. For Bruno reassures his father that everything is okay by holding his hand, and Antonio sets a bad example by acting disrespectfully towards an old man and a church …show more content…
It is true that the parents in both films show a strong love for their child. However, their neglect towards their children outweigh their love. Antonio physically abuses Bruno and demonstrates a weakness by reversing child and parent roles with him, Prico experiences the horror of his parents falling apart and separating before his eyes, and in both films, the parents neglect to make their child their top priority. Therefore, child neglect was a strong theme in both films. Child neglect is a recurring issue, not just in Italy, but throughout the world. Films exemplifying such a serious topic benefit the world as it is demonstrating knowledge to those who are unfamiliar with it. Films should continue to represent this hardship and spread this