Umberto D (re-release) 2002
Directed by
Vittorio De Sica
Made by
Dear Film
Plot Summary
As the police disperse a group of elderly citizens demanding a long-overdue pension increase, Umberto D. Ferrari (Carlo Battisti), a retired government worker, returns to his modest apartment only to discover it has been taken over by a youthful couple indulging in a brief moment of intimacy. His landlady’s harsh decision to rent the space has left him with a daunting dilemma: he must pay the overdue rent of 15,000 lire within just two weeks. Time is not on his side; in a desperate bid to gather funds, Umberto parts with his cherished watch and books, but the little money he manages to raise is barely sufficient to make a dent in his troubles.
In the midst of this turmoil, the compassionate maid reveals her own difficulties to Umberto. She finds herself emotionally torn between two soldiers vying for her affection, with the added anxiety of uncertainty surrounding which of them could be the father of her three-month-old child.
As Umberto’s health begins to fail, he finds solace in a hospital, where he is diagnosed with tonsillitis. After a few days of rest, he is discharged, but upon returning home, he finds his apartment in disarray with workmen expanding the living room space. The news of his landlady’s upcoming marriage serves as a painful reminder of his own financial struggles.
The maid shares heartbreaking news that Flike, Umberto’s cherished dog, has gone missing, deepening his despair. Anxious to protect his best friend, Umberto rushes to the city pound and is overjoyed to find Flike safe and sound. However, when he turns to a friend for financial help, his request falls on deaf ears, intensifying his sense of isolation and hopelessness.
Faced with overwhelming despair, Umberto contemplates a tragic end, yet the thought of leaving Flike unprotected stops him in his tracks. Gathering his belongings, he prepares to leave the apartment, imparting a final piece of wisdom to the maid: to cut ties with the unsuitable suitor from Florence.
As Umberto’s desperation escalates, he embarks on a fruitless search for a permanent home for Flike, initially approaching a couple who love dogs and then a young acquaintance. However, a strict nanny intervenes, forcing a little girl to surrender her newfound companion, and Umberto is left feeling defeated, unable to help his beloved dog find a stable future. With a heavy heart, he secretly slips away from Flike’s playful moments with new friends, clinging to the hope that someone may take pity on the dog.
Meanwhile, Umberto himself fades into the shadows, but Flike’s loyalty prevails as he locates his owner, tracking him down to a footbridge where Umberto hides, weighed down by sadness. In an act of desperation, Umberto gathers Flike in his arms and heads toward the nearby railway tracks, unaware of the danger that looms.
As the train approaches, Flike’s instincts kick in; the dog wriggles free from Umberto’s grasp and dashes away, prompting Umberto to chase after him. Initially cautious, Flike hides in fear, but as Umberto calls him over with a pine cone, their bond is rekindled through play.
Despite lacking a permanent home, Umberto and Flike forge an unbreakable connection as they navigate the challenges of life on the streets. Each day that passes strengthens their bond, a profound testament to the lasting power of friendship amidst adversity.
Timeline
Police Disperse Protesters
A group of elderly citizens gather to demand a long-overdue pension increase, hoping for better recognition of their needs. The police intervene, harshly dispersing the crowd, setting the tone for the struggles that lie ahead for Umberto.
Umberto Finds His Apartment Taken
Returning home, Umberto discovers that his modest apartment has been taken over by a young couple. This shocking revelation forces Umberto into a dire situation, as he learns he must come up with 15,000 lire in just two weeks.
Umberto Sells His Belongings
Determined to raise the necessary funds, Umberto reluctantly parts with his cherished watch and beloved books. However, the money he manages to collect barely makes a dent in his mounting problems, leaving him feeling hopeless.
The Maid's Confession
Amidst the chaos, the compassionate maid confides in Umberto about her own struggles. She reveals her emotional turmoil over two soldiers vying for her affection, adding layers to the day-to-day challenges faced by those in her position.
Umberto's Hospital Stay
As his health deteriorates, Umberto is hospitalized and diagnosed with tonsillitis. Following a brief recovery, he returns home only to find his apartment in disarray due to renovations, further complicating his already difficult circumstances.
The Landlady's Marriage
Umberto learns that his landlady is set to marry soon, a bittersweet reminder of his own struggles. The impending marriage serves as an additional stressor, highlighting the disparity between his life and the lives of those around him.
Flike Goes Missing
Umberto receives heartbreaking news from the maid that Flike, his cherished dog, has gone missing. This development deepens his despair, as he fears for his beloved companion's safety amid his own turmoil.
Umberto Finds Flike at the Pound
In a stroke of luck, Umberto rushes to the city pound and is overjoyed to find Flike safe and sound. This temporary relief is overshadowed by further disappointment when a friend fails to offer him financial assistance.
Umberto's Dark Contemplation
Overwhelmed by despair, Umberto considers taking a tragic route out of his troubles. However, the thought of leaving Flike unprotected stops him, leading him to realize the importance of their bond.
Searching for a Home for Flike
Desperate to ensure Flike's safety, Umberto embarks on a journey to find a permanent home for his dog. Unfortunately, each encounter ends in disappointment, highlighting his ongoing struggles and isolation.
Umberto's Silent Departure
Feeling defeated, Umberto quietly slips away from Flike's joyful moments with new peers. He clings to hope, yearning for someone compassionate enough to care for Flike.
Flike's Loyalty Prevails
Despite their bleak situation, Flike proves his unwavering loyalty by tracking down Umberto, who is burdened by sadness. Their emotional reunion reignites the strength of their bond amid turmoil.
Umberto and Flike at the Railway Tracks
As they approach a set of railway tracks, Umberto gathers Flike in his arms, though unaware of the impending danger. This tender moment reflects their deep connection, even in the face of uncertainty.
Flike's Escape
As a train approaches, Flike instinctively wriggles free from Umberto’s grasp and runs away. This moment of chaos forces Umberto to chase after his beloved dog, showcasing their unbreakable bond.
Life on the Streets
Despite lacking stability, Umberto and Flike navigate the challenges of life on the streets together. Their daily struggles only strengthen their bond, illustrating the profound power of friendship amidst adversity.
Characters
Umberto D. Ferrari (Carlo Battisti)
Umberto D. Ferrari is a retired government employee grappling with financial insecurity and loneliness. His determination to care for his dog Flike amid adversity showcases his resilience and emotional depth. Despite facing overwhelming despair, Umberto's character reflects the complex reality of aging in an unforgiving society.
Maid
The Maid is a compassionate character who finds herself entangled in her own difficulties, torn between two soldiers and enduring emotional strife. Her warmth provides a semblance of support for Umberto, highlighting the theme of connection amidst personal struggles. She represents the relatable challenges faced by those seeking love and stability.
Flike
Flike, Umberto's beloved dog, symbolizes loyalty and unwavering companionship throughout the film. His presence is a source of joy and comfort for Umberto, anchoring him amidst loneliness and despair. Flike's instincts and playful nature showcase the innocent bond between humans and animals.
Setting
Time period
The film captures a post-war era, marked by economic hardship and societal change. Themes of aging and the burdens faced by the elderly resonate throughout the storyline, offering a poignant commentary on life in this challenging period.
Location
Modest Apartment, City Pound
Umberto D. Ferrari's story unfolds in a modest apartment where he grapples with financial struggles and overwhelming loneliness. The city pound, a pivotal location in the narrative, symbolizes both despair and hope, serving as the place where Umberto searches for his loyal dog, Flike.
Themes
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Desperation
Desperation permeates Umberto's life as he struggles to maintain stability amidst overwhelming challenges. His journey highlights the plight of the elderly, who often feel marginalized in society. This theme is amplified by his financial woes and his unwavering love for his dog, Flike.
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Friendship
The deep bond between Umberto and Flike serves as a profound exploration of friendship. Despite their hardships, their relationship remains a source of joy and comfort for both. Their unwavering loyalty to one another exemplifies the strength of companionship in overcoming life's adversities.
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Loneliness
Loneliness is a poignant theme in Umberto's life as he faces isolation amid city life. His interactions often highlight the lack of understanding and support from those around him, emphasizing the emotional toll on the elderly and the universal quest for connection.
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