Country: ITALY 3 (Crime - Poliziottesco)

'Un maledetto imbroglio' is one of the first examples of Italian crime film and one of the most brilliant of the genre. An intriguing story, set in a late 50's Rome presented as chaotic and hypocrite, full of ambiguous characters, fears and violence. It mixes the mystery and the intricate plot peculiar to classic crime drama with some elements of Italian comedy, like humor and social satire. Although the complex tangle of characters and stories, the movie is fluid and involving from beginning to end. Particularly remarkable is the solid performance by Pietro Germi, director and lead actor, who magnificently plays the role of the classic detective - cynical, irascible and solitary, yet sensitive and ironic.

One of the first Italian detective movies ever made. Political thriller but also psychological and surreal drama, it's probably the best in its genre. In a grotesque way, director and writer Elio Petri perfectly portrays the political and social contest in 70's Italy, period of violent civil demonstrations and heavy repression by authorities.
At the centre of the movie is a gorgeous Gian Maria Volonté, who plays the f*ckest fascistoid and schizoid policeman ever seen on a screen. His omnipotence delirium is such that, after having committed a crime, intentionally leaves clues everywhere just to prove he's an untouchable citizen above suspicion. Volonté in his most intense and charismatic role!
The film is also remarkable for the original screenplay by Petri with Ugo Pirro and the amazing score by Ennio Morricone.

Not the typical gangster movie, 'Salvatore Giuliano' (1962) is a precious document following the criminal career of the infamous Sicilian separatist and bandit Giuliano, the lives of those involved with him and the mystery around his death in 1950, at the age of 27. It also cleverly explores the controversial relations between the brigandage, the independentist movement, the mafia and the local police in post-war Sicily.
Perhaps not easy to follow due to the non-linear narrative structure and the slow-paced first part, the film is still an authentic masterpiece, a beautiful and powerful combination of Art and History. By far, the most ambitious effort from Italian master Francesco Rosi.
Despite a couple of forgivable small inaccuracies, the story told here is very faithful to the biographical and historical facts. The use of the exact locations where Salvatore Giuliano lived and operated along with his band, plus the participation of non-professional actors - many of whom had actually experienced the events of that time - give the film more power and realism. The only two professional actors in the entire film are Salvo Randone starring as a judge and American actor Frank Wolff who's incredibly believable in the role of Giuliano's cousin and right-hand man Gaspare Pisciotta.

A classic not to be forgotten!

Soavi has finally come back!!

Scorsese recommends Gomorra:

http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2008-10-13/mob-mentality

Me too.

Brilliant and faithful reconstruction of the last heist committed by the 'Banda Cavallero' and their infamous getaway through Milan's streets in Fall 1967. Shot in an experimental and semi-documentary style by Carlo Lizzani (here at his best), the film is an unconventional, very intense and realistic crime drama filled with exciting action sequences, though not lacking in social commentary or psychological development of the characters.
I have no words to describe the greatness of Volonté playing the egomaniac lead bandit Pietro Cavallero, who used to rob banks as an act of rebellion. For this performance alone, he would deserve a monument!
'Banditi a Milano' is one of the many unfairly forgotten jewels from 60's Italian cinema.

Perhaps Bava's most personal, intense and original film. In spite of a very low budget and limited available means - substantially, an overcrowed car and a road - this is a pearl in his filmography.
Dirty, amoral, crude and nihilistic 1974 crime movie, which never fails to involve and surprise, especially considering that it takes place almost entirely inside a moving small car, where a young woman, a man and his sick child are held hostage by a trio of sadistic psychopathic criminals hard to forget (Dottore/ Doc, Bisturi/Blade and Trentadue/Thirtytwo, played respectively by Maurice Poli, Don Backy and George Eastman).
'Cani arrabbiati' is an electrifying and claustrophobic 90 minute ride to Hell, told in real time and soaked in unpredictability, psychological violence, black humour, surreal dialogue, fast pace and increasing tension.

Here's the first 'poliziottesco' ever made! Intriguing and solid Italian crime movie, with a convincing plot, that cleverly combines the typical elements of the genre, including investigation, corruption, action and violence, with a biting criticism of society. The film is also notable for an extraordinary performance from E. M. Salerno and the beautiful, insistent score by S. Cipriani.

The legendary Tomás Milian shines in a double role as "Er Monnezza" and his twin brother "Il Gobbo". Pretty enjoyable Lenzi's poliziottesco plenty of weird characters, absurd dialogue and crazy situations.