Review of La piovra

This is the one to chose, if you can only watch one of the ten mini television series started from the public recognition of La Piovra outstanding quality. The first two series are so closely woven together, that you'd better watch them together. This can stand on its own, as the anti hero Corrado Cattani takes refuge from the mafia and the generally corrupt magistracy in a Franciscan monastery, only to be dragged into action, and love, again by a DEA agent. This seven part mini has a few good moments of action and gory death, like its predecessors, but its the slow rhythm of the story, the clever dialogue, what you'll learn about import-export trade, international banking, and reasons to be alive and successful - up to a point - that will get you forever. Some twenty years after seeing this on TV, I set two nights in a row reviving the images, and the dialogues, that had caught me unawares the first time, when I couldn't even tape it on VHS. I regret that (I believe) all DVD editions are so poor, with nothing but the nationally subtitled television screenings of the series, but at least you get pretty decent colour and sound - better than I had on my TV set then. Women do not play a big part in a story that is most about the mafia and the banks, and Italian machismo, but I beg you pay attention to every supporting actress in the minute they're given; they are all meaningful. The beautiful Maria Laforet and Giuliana De Sio are difficult to forget, and help explain why Italian men were killing each other so much... Even if you'll not be surprised with the criminal key to the film, I assure you'll be with its romantic conclusion. So, it's a nice series to watch in romantic company, too!