The Real Cost of Mafia Deception

Read Time:4 Minute, 18 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
The Italian Connection (Blu-ray)
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Genre: Thriller, Action, Crime
Year Released: 1972, 2024 Kino Lorber Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 35m
Director(s): Fernando Di Leo
Writer(s): Fernando Di Leo, Augusto Finocchi, Ingo Hermes, Giorgio Scerbanenco
Cast: Mario Adorf, Henry Silva, Woody Strode, Adolfo Celi
Language: Italian and English with English subtitles
Where To Watch: available November 5, 2024; pre-order your copy here: www.kinolorber.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: THE ITALIAN CONNECTION extends an electrifying journey into Milan's underbelly, where morality is flexible, and survival is the only law. Director Fernando Di Leo crafts this gritty spectacle with a blend of dramatic tension and action, pulling back the curtain on the dark interplay between power, betrayal, and resilience. This isn’t just another mob flick; it's a nuanced narrative that challenges the boundaries of the Italian crime genre.

In THE ITALIAN CONNECTION, Fernando Di Leo dives into the heart of the Italian mob scene of the 70s, delivering a piece that not only stands as a staple but also impacts filmmakers across the globe, including Quentin Tarantino. The film, a crucial part of Di Leo's Milieu Trilogy, is a raw portrayal of life where the stakes are deadly and the shadows are complex.

Mario Adorf’s portrayal of Luca Canali, the ill-fated pimp caught in a merciless trap, is nothing short of compelling. Accused of a crime he didn’t commit, Canali finds himself the target of a brutal search initiated by two lethal American hitmen, embodied by Henry Silva and Woody Strode. These characters do not aim to serve justice but to deliver punishment, encapsulating the brutal efficiency of international crime syndicates.

The narrative is supported by Armando Trovaioli's dynamic score, which complements the escalating tension with its vigorous rhythms, driving Canali’s desperate quest for survival. His transformation from a vulnerable underdog into a significant player in the treacherous mafia game is underscored by music as relentless as the plot’s pacing.

Di Leo excels in merging high-octane action with deep emotional cues, turning what could be typical chase sequences into influential exhibitions of Canali's battle against fate. The action peaks in a climactic showdown set in a desolate junkyard, a setting that starkly visualizes the bleakness of Canali's world.

The film chronicles Canali's physical struggles and delves into the psychological and emotional toll of his predicament. Adorf delivers a raw, gut-wrenching performance, transforming Canali into a complex figure whose drive for vengeance pushes him to the edge of morality. His journey is intensely personal, marked by significant losses that raise questions about the actual cost of survival in a world dominated by corruption.

Adding to the story's richness, Adolfo Celi’s portrayal of Don Vito Tressoldi introduces a sophisticated layer of intrigue. His character, a pivotal figure in the mafia hierarchy, navigates a dangerous path of power plays and deception, providing a critical look into the operations of criminal masterminds.

THE ITALIAN CONNECTION showcases the collision of American and Italian criminal worlds in a milieu characterized by dark, compelling visuals. The city of Milan, portrayed as an omnipresent antagonist, plays a critical role in heightening the film’s tense atmosphere, making the setting an integral part of the storytelling.

In conclusion, THE ITALIAN CONNECTION is much more than a crime drama; it is a profound exploration of human endurance and the indomitable will to fight against overwhelming odds. Its unflinching depiction of the human spirit’s capacity for darkness and resilience makes it a welcome addition to Italian cinema. It offers a thrilling watch and a thoughtful examination of the complexities of crime and punishment.

THE ITALIAN CONNECTION remains a seminal work in Di Leo's repertoire and an essential piece for those drawn to the crime genre. Its unapologetic rawness and complex character portrayals ensure that it continues to resonate with audiences, securing its place as a timeless classic that captivates and challenges in equal measure.

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]

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