The Golden Door/ Umberto D.


The Golden Door










Umberto D.

Life is a fleeting thing, here one moment and gone the next. As we journey through life obstacles will continuously appear and alter our course. 

Vittorio DeSica's story compellingly narrates the common everyday struggles. Umberto D. is a retired civil servant who's measly pension barely keeps him alive in the growingly lavish streets of post-war Italy. Yet, as Umberto confronts these harsh realities he is constantly accompanied by his pet dog, Flike. Faced with eviction, hospitalization, and never ending financial struggles it seems as though life is truly against Umberto. The fight against the world extends to Maria, the young maid in Umberto's building who also lives a life of fear and despair. The two must manage their own growing issues, unable to assist the other with their difficulties.

Thrusted out onto the unforgiving streets of Rome, Umberto D. graples with the thought of suicide. At the last second Umberto choses life and rethinks his frantic actions. The presures and weight of the world has crushed Umberto to the point where he would condemn both him and Flike to death. With a fate still unknown Umberto and Flike bound down a dirt path continuing their journey together.

That is the way of life, fleeting and brief. Umberto's tragic tale is but a reality for most in this cruel and adverse world. We live and we suffer. 

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