Movie
Bitter Rice
An earthy drama of human passions among women rice workers in the Po Valley.
Francesca and Walter are two-bit criminals in Northern Italy, and, in an effort to avoid the police, Francesca joins a group of women rice workers. She meets the voluptuous peasant rice worker, Silvana, and the soon-to-be-discharged soldier, Marco. Walter follows her to the rice fields, and the four characters become involved in a complex plot involving robbery, love, and murder.
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Where to watch in United States
Checked Jul 24, 2026
Bitter Rice is available to stream on The Criterion Channel in United States. You can also rent or buy it from Amazon, Apple TV, Fandango at Home, and Google Play. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
Synopsis
Francesca and Walter are two-bit criminals in Northern Italy, and, in an effort to avoid the police, Francesca joins a group of women rice workers. She meets the voluptuous peasant rice worker, Silvana, and the soon-to-be-discharged soldier, Marco. Walter follows her to the rice fields, and the four characters become involved in a complex plot involving robbery, love, and murder.
More about Bitter Rice
Cast
Doris DowlingFrancesca
Silvana ManganoSilvana
Vittorio GassmanWalter
Raf ValloneMarco
Checco RissoneAristide
Nico PepeBeppe
Lia CorelliAmeliaCredits
- Directed by
- Giuseppe De Santis
- Written by
- Ivo Perilli, Giuseppe De Santis, Carlo Lizzani, Gianni Puccini, Corrado Alvaro, Carlo Musso, Giuseppe De Santis, Carlo Lizzani, Gianni Puccini
Production details
- Status
- Released
- Original language
- Italian
- Original title
- Riso amaro
Production
- Lux FilmItaly
