If you like history, this film fits well, which covers part of the initial life of Italy during its fascist period. Benito Mussolini, as any dictator, violated Italian rules and existing constitution. The ways of doing of so-called Camiscie Nere (Black Shirts) can be also be seen in the film. They were responsible for kidnapping and killing the socialist member of the Italian parliament, Giacomo Matteoti (Franco Nero). Mario Adorf played the role of Mussolini and although he physically was not so fat as Duce, he played well and gave an idea of the dictator's character. Mussolini clearly did not respect the king (Vittorio Emmanuele III), manipulated his ministers and used to close the parliament any time he wanted. Serious investigations can only be made in a good constitutional environment, and that was Italy lacks. In addition, the existing parties were not in agreement to start a joint action against the government. Then socialists always had a lot to argue with the communists. One may compare Mussolini's dictatorship with existing ones at present in the world seeing this film. Personally I found several similarities in the fanaticism of fascist groups and the ways they render a cult to the personality of the leader. Vittorio De Sica was the star of the film, playing the roles as the representative of that justice lost when Mussolini took the whole power over the Italian society. Franco Nero, although he played a little, represented very well the figure of Matteoti delivering an aggressive speech in the parliament.
Review of The Assassination of Matteotti
