Milano Calibro 9 Blu-ray Review

Milano Calibro 9 Blu-ray Review

Review: The first instalment of Italian director Fernando di Leo's "Milieu Trilogy", Milano Calibro 9 is a strikingly evocative entry into the poliziottesco (crime thriller) sub-genre. Utilising a muscular (in more ways than one) lead performance Gastone Moschin, this chilling depiction of Milan's sleazy underbelly stands as a unsung classic, due for re-appraisal with the arrival of a pristine 2K re-release from Arrow Video. Moschin plays Ugo Piazza, an ex-con just released from prison, who is greeted by the sociopathic Rocco (the impressively moustached Mario Adorf) and led back into the world of treachery he is so desperate to escape. Lionel Stander fills the Marlon Brando role as the Americano, orchestrator of this barely-controlled madness. Replacing the genre's typical exploitative sleaze with a thoughtful, almost tender approach, di Leo soap opera proves all the more affecting for its (comparably) subdued nature. The outbursts of ultraviolence are beautifully framed in all their barbarous glory: one-take beatings and a show-stopping climactic shoot-out put most American thrillers to shame. The unsapring dialogue, courtesy of di Leo and Giorgio Scerbanenco, author of the source novel, is particularly strong in the ideological debates between the hot-headed commisioner and his newly appointed colleague. This juxtaposition of intellectualism and poor taste give the production an unpredictable edge, along with cosmopolitan appeal. See it for astute social commentary. See it for the heart-pounding slaughter. See it for the gorgeuous Barabara Bouchet. Regardless of your motives: see it.

Extras: Besides the exemplary restoration and Arrow's customary collector's booklet, this worthy package also includes documentaries on the making of the film, poliziottesco, and the careers of both di Leo and Scerbanenco, an interview with Mochin and trailers.

Five-Word Verdict: A masterpiece, through and through.
Score: 5/5