Umberto D (re-release) 2002

As police forces disperse a determined gathering of elderly men demanding a long-overdue increase in their meager pensions, one individual stands out: Umberto D. Ferrari, a retired government worker whose own struggles are just beginning to unfold. Returning to his humble abode, he’s met with an unpleasant surprise - his landlady has rented out the room for an hour, allowing a young couple to indulge in intimate revelry. The landlady’s subsequent threat to evict Umberto at the end of the month if he can’t pay off his overdue rent of 15,000 lire sets him on a desperate path to scrape together funds. He reluctantly parts with a treasured watch and a collection of books, managing to raise only a fraction of the required amount. The landlady’s refusal to accept partial payment leaves Umberto feeling defeated and demoralized.

As he navigates this trying period, Umberto finds solace in his sympathetic maid, who confides in him about her own difficulties. Pregnant and unsure which of her two soldier lovers is the father - the tall one from Naples or the short one from Florence - she’s torn between hope and uncertainty. Meanwhile, Ferrari’s health begins to falter, and he’s hospitalized with a diagnosis of tonsillitis. After a few days’ treatment, he’s discharged back into the world, only to find that his apartment has been transformed beyond recognition by the landlady’s renovation plans. The gaping hole in the wall serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life.

As Umberto struggles to come to terms with these changes, he’s forced to confront the harsh realities of his situation. His beloved dog, Flike, has escaped through an open door and vanished into the unknown. Desperate to find his loyal companion, Ferrari visits the city pound, where he’s relieved to be reunited with Flike. However, when he turns to a friend for financial assistance, he’s met with indifference. Unable to bring himself to beg from strangers on the street, Umberto is left feeling bereft and contemplating the ultimate escape. Yet, he knows that before taking such drastic action, he must ensure Flike’s well-being. With heavy heart, he packs his belongings and departs the apartment, leaving behind a parting message for the maid: “Get rid of the one from Florence.”

As Umberto’s quest for a new home for Flike continues, he encounters a series of setbacks. First, he approaches a canine boarding couple, only to be rebuffed, and then turns to a little girl from his past who, unfortunately, is forced to relinquish the dog due to the interference of her nanny. Undeterred, Umberto decides to abandon Flike, hoping that one of the children playing in the nearby park will take a liking to the scrappy pup. However, Flike has other plans and tracks down Umberto as he’s hiding under a footbridge, refusing to be abandoned.

In desperation, Umberto picks up Flike and heads towards the railway tracks, with a speeding train bearing down on them. As Flike becomes increasingly frightened, he wriggles free from Umberto’s grasp and makes a break for it. Umberto gives chase, initially met with caution by Flike as he hides behind various objects. But eventually, Umberto’s persistence pays off, and Flike warily emerges to play with a pine cone, their bond stronger than ever.

Despite still being homeless, the unlikely duo continues on, with Umberto scrambling down the park lane as they engage in joyful play, their spirits buoyed by their unbreakable connection.