Mabel Zeder (Caltiki)

"We'd mistaken dusk for dawn; we thought we were the new partisans"
"I feel the weight of every killing. There is a legal, political and moral responsibility. I accept all three"

- Sergio Segio, "Commander Sirio" of the armed communist organization Prima Linea -

***
Here's an honest and brave journey into Italian terrorism in the late sixties that well portrays the gap between ideology and practice in extremist groups like Prima Linea, whose young members lost their humanity and sense of reality to fight "in the name of a better world".
Directed by Renato De Maria and produced by Andrea Occhipinti along with the Dardenne brothers, this is one of the smartest and most objective works that deals with the delicate subject matter. There isn't any romanticism here, any character fascination or identification, just a ruthless realism. Maybe not a perfect film, stylistically very simple, but it's a very important and emotional one.

'La prima linea' is also remarkable for some terrific action sequences and powerful performances from Riccardo Scamarcio and Giovanna Mezzogiorno, in the roles of the two group's leaders and lovers.

A splendid supernatural fairy-tale, rich in eerie and gothic atmosphere, with some genuinely creepy moments, fascinating characters and beautiful landscapes. After many years since "La casa dalle finestre che ridono" (1976) and "Zeder" (1983), Pupi Avati finally returns to the horror genre in 1996 with a unique and magical story of esotericism, religion, evil and death that's based on local believes and legends.
Rather slow but visually stunning and perfectly directed, "L'arcano incantatore" is a fine example that horror cinema can often be a very subtle art-form... Not a film for fans of Saw XIV or Halloween XXII, I guess.

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.

Besides being one of Fulci's finest moments, this is also one of the best gialli ever made in Italy. An atypical thriller, located in the warm and sunny rural lands of Southern Italy, which shows how ignorance and superstition can lead to ridiculous prejudices and nonsense acts of violence. A very impressive, realistic and often provocative film, that leaves you holding your breath till the end. An interesting plot, a gorgeous soundtrack (by Riz Ortolani), some intense scenes and cult actors (Bolkan, Milian, Bouchet, etc.), make this movie a true must see, not only for Fulci fans. See the uncut version, possibly!