Romanzo Criminale (2005)

By chance I stumbled on a DVD copy of this film and have just finished watching it - all 150 minutes of it. The 2.5 hrs went by fast as I was absorbed by the story and the characters in it. Acting by the several actors was good, although I know none of them. Directing was smooth. The only things missing was my understanding of the political backdrop in Italy in the 70's. This knowledge would have enabled to understanding the plot better.On the other hand, my ignorance of the director, the actors, and the backdrop time period gives me total objectivity - I watched it strictly for a cinematic experience. And I was not disappointed.

While reading the other reviews of this film, I was surprised at how many negative responses it got. For one thing, people who complain that it was too long and seemed like a miniseries...the two and a half hour version WAS a miniseries, the cinema version was epic but not that epic. I actually prefer the long version. It is true that if you watch this trying to test your Italian language skills you will be hard put to understand most of it unless you have lived in Rome. I wouldn't have compared this film to the godfather or scarface, it is very much less Hollywood. The feeling of overwhelmed connection between crime and politics, the sense of no way out, the fact that the characters seem not to be particularly penitent, all of this is very accurate, it truly does evoke modern Rome. We are so used to mafia movies, big movies that show a rise to the top, very American Dream style, then the inevitable fall, because the characters are bad and have to be punished. This film is beautiful because it is so far outside of American morality. The characters die horrible deaths not to pay for their crimes, but simply because that is a risk of the line of work they are in. The deaths reflect the characters. Lebanese started a ruthless street gang in a dirty garage, and dies full circle, on the street, no pomp or circumstance. Ice, who always seemed to be scratching at the door of escape and salvation, dies without ever reaching it, on the steps of a church. This is significant, even beautiful, but don't give too much weight to the location. There are over 400 churches in Rome. The odds of being shot in front of one if you are going to get shot in a public place are quite good. I have seen Rome's criminal underbelly firsthand. While it is no longer what it was in the 1970's, it is still a world with no master, no real mafia rule, and a great deal of political influence on its higher levels. This is a beautiful film. While watching it next time, listen to and enjoy the cadence. Romans have a beautiful way of speaking. I also feel like people haven't given quite enough credit to Santamaria's Dandy. He is one of the best young Italian actors around in my opinion, and he plays his insecure, irritating, and sometimes hateful character with such great tenderness and vulnerability.

You might have noticed it, but if not, be advised that this movie is over 2 and half hours long. You have to cope with that, if you want to watch this movie. But it is worth the time you spend and it also needs the time! Because this is a movie that tells a story that goes over three decades. And who better to direct a (european point of view) mafia story than Michelle Placido? Known for his role in "La Piovra" (especially in Germany under the title "Allein gegen die Mafia", which would translate into "Alone against the mafia"), he now is behind the camera for this one! Since you know about the running time, you know what genre this is, the only thing left to say is ... if you decide to watch this, you have to watch it carefully to get everything.

I watched the film on DVD, which I bought in Italy with English subtitle. I wish I could have seen it on the London Film Festival yet I missed out on a cinema experience. As opposed to many others who commented on this movie I have to say that this must be amongst my all time favourites. I haven't read the book yet I think that this movie comprehends excellent characters with their human feelings, a great story and brilliant framing throughout. Yes, it might not be historically accurate but I don't think it is supposed to be since there are some black areas even in the history book itself regarding the historical background of the movie. The soundtrack works brilliantly with the story and is emotionally effective. The dialogues seem real life like ones, bringing the movie a step closer to the audience. Its length is, I believe, appropriate for the message it has to tell. It's a great experience to watch and I can only suggest anyone to watch it!