SHOESHINE opens with an exhilarating shot of a deliriously happy boy riding a horse. From here the director, the great Vittorio De Sica, crafts a devastating but deeply humanistic story about postwar Italy. Made in the days immediately following the collapse of fascism in Italy, De Sica was motivated to make the film after witnessing all of the undernourished Italian boys following the American troops, clutching their shoeshine boxes and crying “Shoosha” in their desperate quest to make a little money. The film follows two boys, both non-actors, as they make their way through an unforgiving system. In keeping with De Sica’s postwar commitment to neo-realism, their tale is profoundly moving without a trace of sentimentality. He reveals a keen and sympathetic understanding of the children’s plight. The naturalistic performances achieved by the entire cast shine with vitality, allowing bursts of humor and joy to penetrate the otherwise overwhelming tragedy. (The Film Foundation)

Restoration Credits: Restored in 4K by The Film Foundation and Fondazione Cineteca di Bologna at L’Immagine Ritrovata in association with Orium S.A. Restoration funding provided by the Hobson/Lucas Family Foundation