Milano Odia: La Polizia Non Può Sparare (1974)

A brutal poliziottesco that grabs you by the balls right from the start with Morricone's penetrating leitmotif. A failed robbery, a murder, a hostage situation, and a roaring chase involving those small, silly four-wheelers from back then. Lenzi shoots out of the starting blocks, and although he eases off the gas a bit afterwards, it maintains that energy. Especially thanks to Tomas Milian, who portrays one of the most barbaric psychopaths in cinema. A massive bastard who eliminates anyone who might stand in his way. No one is safe with Giulio around. Prestige and ransom are what he's after, and he does so with venomous humor and, above all, a stream of merciless violence that leaves you gasping for breath at times. This must be one of the most brutal films of its kind.

Translated from Dutch · View original

A fairly standard kidnapping story, but with a healthy dose of sadism. Given its reasonably solid cult reputation, I found it a bit disappointing. The story is too familiar for that, and there is no real empathy from the parties involved. Otherwise, quite decent viewing material for the fan.

Translated from Dutch · View original

A petty thug becomes a hardened criminal and, with two henchmen, takes the daughter of a wealthy industrialist hostage. While watching this film, I couldn't help but think of Scarface and the path Tony Montana took from migrant to drug lord. Sacchi doesn't become a crime king, but this psychopath operates quite ruthlessly and eliminates anyone who tries to thwart him. It is Italian exploitation at its most vicious, and the violence is still quite brutal even today. These kinds of films aren't made anymore, and for that reason alone, they are worth watching. The acting is actually quite good, and there are plenty of action scenes too. It is strange to see that filmmakers had more freedom fifty years ago than they do now.

Translated from Dutch · View original