underground cinema

Miracle in Milan

5 november 20:30 - 22:00

MIRACLE IN MILAN 1951
(Miracolo a Milano)
Directed by Vittorio De Sica
100 minutes
In Italian with English subtitles

World War II was absolutely devastating, and perhaps the only good thing to come out of it was its aftermath, when people decided they wanted to create a better society. They felt something like this should never happen again. In Italy it caused many changes, but also a revaluation about cinema. It was a country that had been through a lot… first a fascist dictatorship and then came the War. There was a need for movies that dealt with the real issues of everyday life, not escapism. Films had to be more energetic, down to earth, and engaging with crucial issues. A handful of groundbreaking directors took filmmaking out of the studios, and shot their movies on the streets instead, improvising, and using non-actors. These movies had an almost documentary feel, and were called neo-realist. This movie was made by one of the principal creators of this movement, Vittorio De Sica (The Bicycle Thief), but here he takes an unexpected turn. This movie has the same principles - its sides with those at the bottom of society, living in poverty - and yet somehow the director managed to add a fantasy dimension.

The story centres on a young boy whose compassion inspires discarded and homeless people to come together to build a community in the ruins of post-war Italy. Working with whatever they find, they build a shanty town on the outskirts of Milan, literally a wasteland that they bring to life... but when it's discovered that there's oil on the land, rich speculators swoop in like vultures. The movie is about humanity versus corporate greed, and the need for community. Above everything else it is about the human spirit, and of course the movie sides with the underdogs.

What a breath of fresh air cinema like this is. Sure it's about poverty and greed, but it has a bittersweet humor... A unique humor that cuts both ways… It can be joyful and painful at the same time. The crazy mix between seriousness and euphoria makes this flick absolutely unique, and it remains unlike any other in the history of cinema.

After the tragedy of World War II, Italy was going through a heavy transformation… But the question was – will it become a more socialist country based on humanity, or will it become capitalist and work in favour of rich businessmen and the greedy? In a way, it seems that this was what this movie was asking the general public… Clearly putting the issue on the table.

By the way, the story of this movie ties in with Huis De Pinto and its history of creating communities... so let's bring some of that spirit into this location.