What We're Watching: Jan

Shoeshine. Directed by Vittorio De Sica. Starring Rinaldo Smordoni and Franco Interlenghi.

Social conditions are often the catalyst for works of art. Such is the case of the 1946 film Shoeshine, directed by Vittorio De Sica. It is the story of two boys in post World War II Rome. Rome at the time had high unemployment, poverty and many people were in despair. In the film, the boys are close friends who make money shining shoes for American soldiers. Their outlet is saving their money to ride horses by the hour and their dream is to own a horse of their own. Horses represent majesty and freedom from the bleak existence in the city. The boys unwittingly become involved in a crime of blackmail and are sent to a prison-like reformatory. They are separated, deceived by the system and eventually betray each other. Factor in bullies, jealousy and a society dealing with desperate circumstances and the cherished friendship comes to a tragic end. This film is an example of Italian neorealist cinema after the war that shined a light on harsh working-class concerns. It was a new way of filmmaking that was recognized around the world. The film was a recipient of a special Academy Award that stated in part that '... a country scarred by war can still be creative in adversity'. Shoeshine (along with so many international films) shows life and conditions that are important in other countries.