In this film, the criminal "Lebanese" (Favino) wants to conquer the underworld of Rome: drugs, whores, etc. For this to come in effect, he puts himself in charge of an organized gang. However, the gang soon finds itself with not just Lebanese as its leader, but a couple more, Dandy (Claudio Santamaria) and Ice (Kim Rossi Stuart). Taking place during the 1970s, the gang's story is intertwined with Italy's deep political history: terrorism, kidnappings and corruption in the government. Scialoia (Accorsi), a police lieutenant, is on the gang's trail, trying to bring them to justice.
I enjoyed watching this movie in its original Italian. It's so refreshing to hear foreign languages sometimes, amidst all the Hollywood crap!
The actors were good, although I felt something was missing. These are gang members in the 1970s, that are supposedly violent. I felt the aspect of violence was overlooked in the making of the film. Kim Rossi Stuart never looked better! although I find his character was a little 'cool' with everything going on, in his life as a gangster.
The director did a good job, so did the director of photography.
A good script. Very politically involved, as are many Italian movies.
A good film noir.
(Be prepared to watch the film for about 2h30, if you're renting this, or 3h if you have access to the uncut version. Well worth it.)
Romanzo criminale Reviews
good Italian film
Posted : 16 years, 6 months ago on 12 November 2007 03:210 comments, Reply to this entry