Il Commissario Ricciardi

I came here actually surprised by the low rate given by MADB, but after I realised it is actually worthless, I decided to write a short review to give a more unbiased overview of this mini serie.

It is a crime story with a super-tiny bit of supernatural in it: you can like it or not, it is surely not the main point of the serie, but more like a background perk for the main character.

The crime plots, per se, are average: surely pretty complicated but neither trivial or super shocking.

In my opinion the two strong points that make this serie unique are the setting and the shooting. The setting is the birth of fascism in Italy: the reconstruction of scenes, dresses, habits and feeling is manical! Never seen something so scrupulously precise outside documentaries (and sometimes not even in those). The shooting is also incredible (for Italian stardards): the use of lights and filters gives a feeling like almost being in a comic book.

For me is by far one of the best series from Italy of the last 20 years and an absolute must-see if you like the genre and/or the setting.

Best thing I have seen since Gran Hotel (Spanish). It is surprising to me that both of my favourite programmes of all time have had subtitles, but seriously I couldn't wait to watch the next episode. The casting and each of the characters are superb in their own right. It has a mix of mystery, romance, comedy, with a few twists and turns as it is set in 1930's Naples during the rise of fascism. I understand that there is a series 3 in the pipeline which I really hope materialises. Apparently there are a number of books on which this series is based so there should be plenty of stories to tell.

This is a hidden gem and I really do hope we get to see more.

The scenery, the acting, the plots- everything is at its best. One of the most beautiful series I have ever seen. From the first episode I was captivated by Ricciardi. His longings, his sorrows, his flair: all are splendidly conveyed.

The side characters are also pleasant, well drawn. Very much enjoyed the dialogues, full of humor but also sensibility. I felt immersed in the story, as if I were on the streets of Naples myself. The first season is a masterpiece, but the second season is also very good: the ending is perfect as it is.

If I had to sum it up to one word that describes this series for me, it would be emotion. Pure, genuine emotion. A feast for the eyes and for the soul.

I don't understand why this show didn't come back for a third season. It was absolutely beautifully done. I don't get it.

The cinematography, the main storyline,the incredible acting, I love everything about this series. Deeply relate to all of it... We can hardly wait for Season 3!! And, since they're making me fulfill a character minimum, I guess I'll say that my grandmother was a deeply devout Italian Catholic right down to the votive candles, novenas, chapel veil, rosary beads, Saint statues, and hymns. She is the only person I've ever known of whom I dreamt in her spiritual light after she died. This show has conjured so many memories that I treasure. P. S. I have 63 more required characters lol, so I'll end by saying Thank You to everyone involved in bringing this gorgeous series to life.

This series is photographed beautifully so each scene looks like an old-master painting. Delightful to see. The characters are engaging and draw you in. However, aside from portrayal of the drive by fascism to dictate behavior and our character's resistance to it, the episodes have a fairy tale lightness to them. Not by any stretch of imagination the psychological gloom of Endeavour or the hard hitting of Line of Duty. Instead, an enjoyable entertainment with glimpses of amusement and tongue in cheek, set in a contrasting fascist background. As an instance of the unreality the viewer is inclined to indulge, our Detective is attracted to a neighbor living in an apartment across the street, but he and her both are made so uncomfortable with their entrancement that their contact is primarily that of looking at each other through their apartment windows.

Interesting to watch despite its unbelievable aspects.