User Reviews

Started out very good, ended very boring. I lost track of what was going on. the writing was no so good, in my opinion. Good had been much better but it wasn't.

Is it obvious that this is a formulaic gangster movie? One reviewer notes "la frase dice tutto" (the phrase says it all). It has all the ingredients of this genre, and the viewer might be wondering whether there's something different about it that sets it apart from the usual fare.

Well, there are several positive points.

First, the acting of Riccardo Scamarcio (as Santo Russo) is convincing which prods the viewer to see where the ruthless story goes. Second, the story explores different angles and plot lines that add texture to the storytelling. And, third, a pinch of dark humor in the right places. All these elements work together to produce an entertaining watch.

Many viewers on here complain about the predictability and formulaic composition of Italian gangster films. They complain that they are unoriginal. Well, so was the Sopranos. Every plot, every subplot, character arc, drama and tension was almost completely informed by either Mob classics or Mob folklore. The beauty of the Sopranos was it's subtle parody of mafia stereotypes - and perhaps for the first time viewed as a daily drama. Larger than life gangsters dealing with everyday life made for great viewing. Essentially though, it was a dramedy. It was social commentary and skilful intricate character development.

Not every mobster flick can live up to be Goodfellas, Casino or the Godfather.

Because it is a thoroughly mined genre, mediocrity is inevitable-but that doesn't mean it's trash, or by the numbers storytelling.

How to rise in the Mafia ... still being moral and all about it. As with many tales this begins later and goes back to show us how our main character became the person he ... became eventually. There is violence, there is nudity, there is obviously also crime.

Very well played and confident in it's structure and timeline this is an entertaining enough watch, even though you could not compare it to the greats in the genre. But that doesn't mean you should knock it down.

The story starts interesting, great shots and has a nice Italian feeling. Especially all the typical Italian cars look great! But the movie seems way longer than 90 minutes, the second half kind of drags. The storytelling does not really explain the choices that are made by the main characters. Stuff happens, but the reasons behind it are not so well explored. The story lost my attention to some degree. Cinematography is great, the 80's vibe is present, but overall I was not completely satisfied. I hoped for more...

It's the story of a young guy that came to the North from the South of Italy and, in the center of the Italian business (Milan), take its place between the local Mafia. The film is based on the story of a real guy (Saverio Morabito). For the Italian market, especially for the Milan's people, this is a well-known situation as in the 80's the Italian businessmen were terrorized by the chance to be kidnapped. This was the start of the mafia raising in the North of Italy, that used money to rule the drug business and become more and more powerful. Today, after 40 years, in the North of Italy it's difficult to catch the difference between a real businessman and a businessman that has done money thanks to the Mafia.

Good storyline, well filmed and acted.

Slightly predictable but enjoyable nevertheless.

La narrazione è eccessiva, enfatizzata, fin troppo sofisticata ma al contempo intensa e lo scenario storico è plasmato dettagliatamente. Ottimo Scamarcio, convincono ma non eccellono le altre interpretazioni. Tutto sommato più che godibile.

Fun, stylishly produced and directed. A refreshingly different slant on a Mafioso story.

With the watch if you appreciate a good black comedy.

Very very nice gangster movie played in Milan in the 70s. Scamarcio is the best for this role.

Ça va sans dire.

La frase dice tutto.

La frase dice tutto La frase dice tutto La frase dice tutto La frase dice tutto La frase dice tutto La frase dice tutto La frase dice tutto La frase dice tutto.

Santo Russo is finding his way as a criminal. Her and his gang started small but are now starting to hit the big time. This will make Russo a powerful crime lord and a man to be feared.

A so-so crime drama. It doesn't really go anywhere new and just about everything feels derivative of a much more famous, and far better, crime drama film.

It doesn't help that the main character is not that engaging. It's not that he's a criminal - there's been plenty of criminal characters in films who were engaging - it's just that he's bland and nondescript.

The writers' attempts to inject humour into proceedings don't help either. A bit difficult to take the film seriously when the writers themselves are lightening the mood.

It is imposible not to compare this movie to that gorgeous film, Goodfellas. It has some of that spicy Italian humor added, But it has some very anticipated parts specially if you saw the Scorsese's film. Good movie to what with friends.

The Merciless One tells the story of how our main character became the person he eventually became. At the beginning, the protagonist's voice over dominates and explains to us how one rises in the mafia.

The movie is carried by Riccardo Scamarcio's acting and charisma. He gives his character an authentic and convincing image. There are also a few shining moments from Sara Serraiocco, who embodies a beautiful lonely wife who degenerates into a mother figure, and Marie-Ange Casta (sister of Laetitia Casta) as the French mistress is simply beautiful. Lover is simply beautiful.

The setting, the décor and the music (Italian) all fit perfectly into the era of the 80s and are on point. Technically and in terms of acting, everything was very well realized. Unfortunately, the story has no particular highlights and develops slowly. You could also call it formulaic. The poor, ambitious kid becomes a rich gangster and everything gets out of control. There is violence, there is nudity and a small dash of black humor, but given the title and the synopsis, I had expected more overall.

------------- Conclusion:

Even if the story isn't innovative, the mafia movie was solidly realized. For mafia movie enthusiasts in search of new fodder, the film could be a little snack.

Rise and fall of a maffia gangster, situated in Milan. As such entertaining, but nothing more. The real plot line an quality is delivered by the female cast, in the role of wife and mistress. Adds a lot of intelligence, chemistry and depth to the screenplay. Soundtrack had me when they played Self Control in the disco scene.

Good for a rainy evening, couch, wine and grapes.

Predictable - shamelessly rips not just elements but straight plotlines from other gangster movies and even dramedies.

I did not like this one bit. I saw everything coming 30-45 minutes in, so predictable it made a generic gangster crime glorification movie somehow dull, even though on paper it shouldnt have been at all.

I want my <45 minutes back.

Too lazy today to write an extensive review today, sorry for that. But I enjoyed every minute of this well-made movie. It's funny, it shows how raw Italian society can be, nice camera work and styling, good contemporary music and fine acting. It helps if you know a little about the recent history of Italy and love the country (not just the Elelesian hills of Tuscany) to appreciate some details more, but it's not necessary. Definitely recommended!

I can't believe how bad this film was. It's as if they made a film around all the stereotypical gangster films ever made. Was supposed to be funny ? I never laughed once, i just cringed. If you like gangster films, just put your Godfather DVD on and don't waste your time watching this.

It starts off well but leads no where, the storyline lacks a punch. The actors are ok but everything about the movie is average and below. The only thing they managed to do was give an authentic old eighties film(the average ones) feel to the movie but i think that is actually not intended and accidentally achieved through mediocrity.

Not worth the watch , if you have taste in movies , it is a waste of time. unless u r having a few drinks and dont want to bother concentrating while chatting.

The movie doesn't give us anything new.

The way the story is being told, isn't new.

I mean we have seen it all before.

In movies like scarface, goodfellas, american gangster etc.

It doesn't revolve layers and layers of suspense or malice or thrill or get your pulse racing.

Why I like the movie is the lead actor's acting, the direction and the camera work.

So if you have nothing else to do on a Friday night, grab a bowl of popcorn,lays, hay whatever :P and enjoy this mafiasco in the italiano way.

You wont get bored.

It's trying to be goodfellas but it just doesn't achieve it. Hasn't got the personalities, or the right feel, or a good enough story.

not convincing as a mafia movie regardless of it being Italian, this does nothing to make it feel authentic.

I'd only recommend watching this if you've really really run out of anything else to watch. And if you have run out of viewing meterial then go back and watch something else again, maybe watch goodfellas for the fifth time or something, it will be more satisfying than this

I never heard of this movie before it just popped up in my netlfix feed. The trailer was good and although I couldn't even find the Imdb page at first, I decided to give it a chance.

Just, WOW! I am blown away by how incredible this movie was! This is one of the best mafia / gangster movies I've ever seen. The setting, locale, time period, music, style, acting are all top notch. The end is slightly weird but it didn't detract from the otherwise incredible movie.

The story is similar to most if not all gangster movies. Poor ambitious kid grows into a rich mobster and it all spirals out of control. But man, what a story and ride it is.. There are some surprises and the fact that the movie is Italian is both great, because it makes it different from all the American movies and shows the Italian mob in their home country. But it's also slightly confusing for a non Italian because of certain cultural references etc

If you like movies about the mafia.. 110% watch this right now! I can't believe this didn't get more marketing and hype! My only complaint is that the movie isn't longer.

The film is low rated but I really enjoy it!!! Great acting and music.

Good movie . Lead actor was good . Brought character to the role . Def worth a watch. Authentic feel. Seems low budget but none the worse for it. Good show , check it out.