The Italian "Poliziotteschi" is already a sadly under-appreciated genre in the overall cinematic universe, but even within this secluded genre there are several downright fantastic movies that also remain unseen and underrated by the target niche. "Rome, the other side of Violence" is a prime example of a 70s Italian cop- thriller that should enjoy an enormous cult status, but regrettably remains undiscovered to this date. The film perhaps doesn't star any of the elite actors who helped forming the genre (like Franco Nero, Maurizio Merli, Tomas Milian, Henry Silva
) but the more than adequate and nevertheless familiar cast members all give away stellar performances. Perhaps the director's name also doesn't open as many doors as some others (like Umberto Lenzi, Enzo G. Castellari, Fernando Di Leo
) but Marino Girolami is definitely also a skillful and experienced professional. The plot perhaps sounds archetypal and derivative of other titles, but the scenario is nonetheless incredibly fast-paced, compelling, uncompromising and tense. On top of all this, "Rome, the other side of Violence" then also features a handful of ultra-nihilistic execution sequences and other unforgettable shock-moments. As always, the streets of Rome are infested with brutal crime and senseless violence, and the team of Commissioner Carli is busy chasing around home invaders, cop- killers and armed robbers. When a quartet of masked hoodlums invades a high-society party and barbarically murder the 18-year-old Carol Alessi, her father goes on a vengeful rampage and obstructs Carli's investigation. The case knows a breakthrough when the names of the culprits are snitched by anonymous sources. Are these betrayed crooks really responsible, or do the real suspects have to be looked for elsewhere on the social ladder? The intelligent script contains a few convoluted and powerful twists, especially towards the climax, and becomes quite harrowing in the end. Memorably nasty highlights include the aforementioned execution of the innocent young girl, a bloody death sequence underneath the wheels of a bus and a particularly extended and unpleasant rape scene. Marcel Bozzuffi ("The French Connection", "Colt .38 Special Squad") is brilliant as the stern but simultaneously emotional commissioner Carli and Anthony Steffen ("Django the Bastard", "Crimes of the Black Cat") gives his greatest performance ever as the tormented and vengeful father.
