Film Review: Ranzo Criminale

I can’t believe I have now seen two mobster films in one weekend. You Kill Me is a light story told in a very humorous way. It is sheer entertainment. This film is more ‘heavy duty mobster like.’ I found myself so attracted to mobster Ice (Kim Rossi Stuart) that I didn’t care what he did and actually hoped that he would not be killed. The story is about a group of young mobsters. They live in Rome and want to take over all the actions of rival gangs. They are tough and ruthless. Killing comes easy to them. They are skillful in knifing, shooting and burning. I don’t usually see films on this theme. Unfortunately you can become immune to the horror of killing. Throughout the film the group is tested as to their loyalty. You know that their lives are not going to be lengthy. Ice falls for Roberta. She is gorgeous but very naïve about the life of a mobster. Dandy falls for Patrizia. She is a whore and knows ‘her way around the block’. She also knows how to please men. She plays up to the detective trying to put the young mobsters in jail. She plays both sides and you know her lifespan will be limited.
To add a touch of realism news clips are shown about the kidnapping and death of then politician Aldo Moro. It is effectively portrayed. The film plays for 2 1/2 hours and might be more effective if it was edited.