Exciting, sexy and voyeuristic, 1949’s Bitter Rice (aka Risa Amoro) was a clear move away from the neorealism movement in post war Italy. Just 32 when the film was released, director Giuseppe De Santis gave viewers something to thinking about, but wasn’t afraid to infuse the story with a dash of crime and a whole lot of sexy.

While the mixture of an unlawful couple’s escape from a jewel heist and depictions of the difficult lives of Italy’s underclass—particularly women who go to work in the rice fields of the Po valley—may sound strange, but it actually works very nicely.

It’s among these woman rushing to work that jewel thief on the run Walter (Vittorio Gassman) and his girlfriend Francesca (Doris Dowling) are trying to get away from two detectives that have been chasing him and get a ride out of town. As the two gaze awkwardly into the distance from a train car, the elevated camera lands on a peasant rice worker played by the beautiful Silvana Mangano. Dancing seductively near the tracks, she quickly gets the attention of Walter, who despite the risk, hops of the train and heads toward her. The perfect introduction to Magano’s character, it underscores her allure and later importance as a player in a love triangle. She absolutely gorgeous and will ruin more than one life. Police are able to briefly track down Walter, they draw their guns and he promptly hides behind Francesca. Nonetheless, he manages to escape with the stolen goods, leaving Francesca to fend for herself. She finds herself leaping aboard a rice field bound train that also carries Silvana.

At the rice field, Silvana is approached by a handsome sergeant named Marco (Raf Valone) Despite an obvious spark, Silvana teases Marco and makes it clear he will have to earn her love. Francesca is also smitten with Marco and tries to engage with him, but he rarely gives her the time of day. It’s not long before some unexpected events create tension between the three.

Eventually, Walter resurfaces and convinces some fellow scammers to steal a large quantity of the rice earmarked for distribution to the workers before they return home. Excited by Walter’s criminal lifestyle, Silvana is eager to help out. However, when the plan goes awry, Francesca confronts him and makes a discover that changes all of their lives forever.

Despite the drama, Bitter Rice is at its best when De Santis simply focuses his camera on the methodical rice picking and the tough lives of its workers. These clearly ravaged individuals feel lucky to work very hard for very little. It’s all very gritty and laborious and the shots, whether close-up or wide, are almost documentary style. And though Silvana Mangano’s presence is undeniably exciting, the film maintains an emotional edge that doesn’t allow you to miss the leftist message regarding economic fairness and solidarity that runs through the narrative of Bitter Rice.

Presented in the 1.33.1 aspect ratio, Criterion’s 1080p transfer has become marginally cropped from its original aspect ratio of 1:37.1. this transfer is a solid one. Detail, clarity and depth are impressive, particularly when compared to previous R2 Italian DVD release. Grain is nicely maintained throughout and contrast is consistent. Blacks are sharp and shadows well delineated. There’s no sign of DNR or other enhancements.

Not surprisingly, the Italian LPCM 1.0. audio track offers limited dynamics, but still serves the film well. The presentation is balanced and fluid throughout. Sound levels are even and dialogue is clear,

English subtitles are included.

The following extras are available:

  • Giuseppe De Santis (2008) (HD, 52:33) produced by Carlo Lizzanni, who worked as a writer on Bitter Rice, this documentary examines the life of De Santis. It delves into the production history and subsequent success of Bitter Rice. Included are archival interviews with Carlo Lizzani, Giuseppe De Santis, director Ettore Scola and actress Francesca Neri among others.
  • Interview with Carlo Lizzani (HD, 6:38) In this interview from 2002, Lizzani recalls his participation in Bitter Rice and discusses the casting and filming process.
  • Original Trailer (HD, 3:23)
  • Leaflet: an illustrated leaflet featuring critic Pasquale Iannone’s essay “A Filed in Italy.”