Caliber 9

Like The Italian Connection, this Fernando Di Leo film features Mario Adorf. It also features Barbara Bouchet (Gangs of New York), who left the States in the 70s to do Italian films. She jumped from Police films, to giallo, to erotica. Always a pleasure to watch.

This is a typical double cross film with a missing $300,000. Who took the money? Who will end up with the money? Who will double cross whom? The police just sit back and let the mafia, led by the Americano (Lionel Stander) tear each other apart.

Lots of fights, a big shootout, and some fine performances by Adorf, and Gastone Moschin

Crime novels can be rather dull sometimes, but everyone will agree that some are simply excellent - suspenseful, totally unpredictable and with numerous plot twists. This film is apparently based upon one of the excellent ones. Both silly and intelligent viewers will be kept on the edge of their seat until the very ending, which by the way has an unforgettable quote. When a plot like this is coupled with terrific acting and world-class visuals and music -- the result has to be good.

Those sympathetic to early seventies fashion and music are in for a real treat. Osanna/Bacalov's music is totally uncompromising and - in my honest opinion - worth a hundred times the entrance money in its own right. This may be the best soundtrack ever! The visuals are also astonishing - timeless in their beauty, but still with a strong flavour of early 70s. And you'll also catch some glimpses of what must be the world's most beautiful woman.

In sum, all this simply makes up a classic. NOT TO BE MISSED!

(Those who already own the soundtrack, which actually seems easier to find than the movie, should be advised that the movie has alternate versions, all brilliant).

In a Milan's fog and a grey atmosphere a robbery will be done, 300.000 dollars, a lone man was arrested and had imprisoned for four years, after released their former mates take him for an unfriendly account settling, even he denies that stolen the money they have suspect he wasn't telling the truth, this fabulous italian gangster picture gained worldwide fame, also his director too, who will leaves many discreet clues to trying to conceal the eager audience, Gastone Mochin plays the cold suspect Ugo Piazza, a kind of quiet crook who wants proves by any means his innocence, the casting is terrific having an older Lionel Stander as the boss known as American, a often louder Mario Adorf, a bad temper thief Phiippe Leroy and finally the beauty Barbara Bouchet who expose her skills in a sexy dance a provocative body language on the nightcub, intense picture that has a great music score!!!

Resume:

First watch: 2019 / How many: 1 / Source: DVD / Rating: 8.5

This is an undeservedly little-known gangster movie. The story resolves around the traditionally motive of loyalty, betrayal, and the strange moral code of the Mafia (in Italy), but we are never quite sure what ending the story is going for. The film keeps up the pace nicely throughout and the excellent doubly-twisted ending comes as a total surprise.

Gastone Moschin is very good in the lead as the apparent excon and victim of the Mafia's attention, but the acting prize goes to Mario Adorf's Mafia Lieutenant. He also has the best line, right at the end - which I cannot give away as it would spoil the suspense.

Films like Milano Calibro 9 are the reason I watch this sort of film. After trudging through so many disappointing Italian thrillers, it's always great when you find a diamond in the rough - and that's exactly what this well crafted little gem is. The film is a thriller bordering on the 'Polizia' style of films that would go on to become Italy's version of the Dirty Harry franchise, although the main plot focus here is on crime and the mafia. It has to be said the plot isn't overly deep - as the themes of stealing and treachery exist only to further the complex and twisted plot, but the film is great fun to watch and a success for that reason. The plot focuses on Ugo Piazza; a convict just out of prison. He soon meets up with his sexy girlfriend Nelly Bordon, and with the unpredictable and sadistic Rocco, who revels in committing acts of violence, and we later learn that £300,000 has gone missing, and the local crime syndicate believes that Ugo has it - as does the local police inspector, who has his own opinion about why Ugo went to jail in the first place.

The main reason why this film excels is thanks to the fantastic performances. Gastone Moschin leads the film with a performance that reminded me of something Ray Winstone would deliver. He provides a likable anti-hero, while Mario Adorf gets to enjoy himself with the meatiest role in the film. Barbara Bouchet co-stars and looks great, especially in her dancing scene in a bar. Bouchet is one of my absolute favourite Italian actresses, and I always enjoy seeing her in films - especially when they're up to the standard of this one. The film does somewhat adhere to the pitfall plaguing many Italian thrillers - that being that the story doesn't always make sense, but generally; the plot flows really well and the twists and turns ensure that it never gets boring. The climax of the film is excellent, and director Fernando Di Leo excellently pulls off the double twist at the end, which both resolves the story and provides neat entertainment. Overall, Milano Calibre 9 may not be the most well known cult Italian film - but it's one that shouldn't be missed by fans of this sort of stuff, and therefore comes highly recommended.