Tough, shrewd ex-con Ugo Piazza (superbly played with understated stoic and steely resolve by Gastone Moschin) gets paroled from prison. Both the mob and the police alike suspect Ugo of hiding $300,000 dollars which should have been given to an American drug syndicate. But Ugo refuses to divulge any information about the missing loot to either party. Writer/director Fernando Di Leo relates the absorbing story at a constant quick pace, does an expert job of creating and sustaining a supremely rough, gritty, and uncompromisingly harsh tone, stages the action scenes with considerable panache (a major shoot-out at an outdoor party is especially amazing and exciting), makes inspired use of the cold urban locations, and punctuates the narrative with shocking outbursts of extremely raw and brutal violence. This film further benefits from sturdy acting by a stellar cast: the ravishing Barbara Bouchet burns up the screen with her sultry portrayal of Ugo's loyal dancer girlfriend Nelly Bordon (Barbara's introductory scene depicting her dancing in a bikini in a swingin' club is memorably sexy), Mario Adorf delivers a deliciously robust turn as flamboyant and sadistic gangster Rocco Musco, Philippe Leroy excels as Ugo's rugged, yet weary former partner Chino, plus there are fine contributions by Luigi Pistilli as cagey, hard-nosed Inspector Mercuri, Frank Wolff as a liberal police commissioner, Ivo Garrani as the wise Don Vincenzo, and Lionel Standler as fearsome mob capo Americano. Moreover, we even get some spot-on stinging social commentary on the ineffectualness of the criminal justice system and the deterioration of the mob. The powerful surprise twist ending packs a strong and lingering sucker punch right to the gut. Franco Villa's slick cinematography gives the picture an attractive glossy look. The lively, rousing, hard-grooving score by Luis Enriquez Bacalov hits the funky spot. Highly recommended.
Review of Caliber 9
