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Poster for Shoeshine

Shoeshine

Seen it?

1946 | 91 min | Drama

Sunday Safe Bet

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

Critics loved it (100% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office and little lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. If you loved Bronson or American Me, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 31 min.
What might put you off
  • It's in Italian, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Made in 1946: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

Two shoeshine boys in postwar Rome, Italy save up to buy a horse, but their involvement as dupes in a burglary lands them in juvenile prison; the experience take a devastating toll on their friendship.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    100% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.8 out of 10

  • AwardsSolid

    Nominated for 1 Oscar.

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $35K worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactBelow par

    About 24K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Vittorio De Sica

  • Franco InterlenghiPasquale Maggi
  • Rinaldo SmordoniGiuseppe Filippucci
  • Annielo MeleRaffaele
  • Bruno OrtenziArcangeli
  • Emilio CigoliStaffera
  • Gino Saltamerendail Panza (uncredited)
  • Peppino SpadaroL'avvocato Bonavino (uncredited)
  • Antonio NicotraBartoli, l'assistente sociale (uncredited)
  • Leo Garavagliail commissario (uncredited)