From cult/euro-exploitation perspective, "The Violent Four" (a.k.a "Bandits in Milan") is a very unique and fascinating landmark. Considering the subject matter, the type of characters, and the massive amount of graphical violence on display, this is - in fact - a forerunner of the numerous Poliziotesschi flicks that were made in Italy during the 1970s. However, it's generally assumed the Poliziotesschi-genre was inspired by Hollywood role-model blockbusters, like "Dirty Harry" and "The French Connection", so "The Violent Four" is actually a kind of native pioneer that got neglected.
This film has everything a good Poliziotesschi must feature, but admittedly the narrative structure and plot are somewhat too chaotic. The first half hour, or so, plays like a mockumentary about the skyrocketing crime rates in the city of Milan. With police commissioner Tomas Milian acting like a sort of TV-game host, the long intro is like a collage with clips from robberies, gambling and prostitution rings, extortion and even the brutal murder of a call-girl. Only after this, the story introduces the titular "violent four"; - and again via flashback-interviews at the police station. The gang is extremely active, with sometimes three bank heists in one day, and uses a legitimate business as cover. Gian Maria Volantè, a truly brilliant actor, is terrific as the gang's leader, and Ray Lovelock stars as the apprentice in one of his first major roles.
Personally, I prefer the virulent, hard-boiled and straightforward Poliziotesschi classics that started coming half a decade later, whether or not directed by Umberto Lenzi and starring Maurizio Merli, but this is definitely a quintessential Italian cult/exploitation classic, recommended to the fans of this wonderful country's cinematic history.
