"The Bicycle Thief" is not depressing

Inspite of touching me deeply with his helplessness, Antonio Ricci in "The Bicycle Thief" is a hero, fighting for his and his family's survival. And thats why the film doesn't bring me down or depress me. Though there are many other films are based on the subject of human misery, I dislike watching films that underplay the heroism inherent in all humans. Life is cruel and unfair, but humans (and all life) are heroic in their struggle to survive. That heroism is what makes a film memorable and enduring.