The Bike Thief

There was something compelling about this film that led me to try to overcome my impatience and stick with it. Because this is a film that will try your patience. It is mind bogglingly slow. I had to fast forward several times as I just couldn't take the lack of anything happening.

The music and the style and the imagery is seductive - it's not often you see London depicted as it really is, or at least can be for many: poor, bleak and depressing, but with families making the best of it they can. You keep thinking something is going to happen, as the camera follows the rider around ominously. But not much happens. And then it ends.

Nothing really happens and there is almost zero dialog throughout the film. It's a story about a guy who mopes around looking for his bike. That's literally it. Don't bother..5 stars.

The immigrant family is struggling to make it - and when the delivery man gets his moped stolen, he sees just how far he might go to save hope for his family.

Not my usual cup of tea but, having read the review in the FT decided to give it a go. Glad I did. Didn't 'enjoy' as such but definitely thought provoking. It's stayed with me.

A thought provoking, beautifully shot film depicting the harsh realities of modern London life through the eyes of an immigrant. It's a gritty story, that's not necessarily fast paced but throws you into an intense story of hard decisions and heart breaking scenes for the rider. The music accompanied the London scenes fantastically. The riding scenes through the hustle and bustle of London were captured perfectly too.