Romanzo criminale - La serie

Romanzo criminale was hidden away on the Sky arts channel and I'm glad i found it. I have watched the three series devotedly and i must say this was one of the best TV programme I've followed. In my opinion, its an Italian version of The Sopranos, if you've ever watched the Sopranos you'll definitely enjoy this. The whole series was in sub titles and I think the sub titles added to the intensity of this show. It goes into very graphic detail of the rise of a criminal gang in Rome, starting from the seventies. All the characters were believable and I wouldn't be surprised if it was based on some criminals of their time in Italy/Rome.

When this series came out Italy was taken by a storm. Usually Italian TV it's a mix of boring carabinieri and saints portraits...This is the best series we ever produced. And I can assure you that not only it's based on a real story, but the associates and the families member still alive are very much part of the criminal web of Rome.And like me, whoever was born in Rome knows very well La Banda della Magliana and it's legacy.All the characters have different name but if you look up for the real story they're easy to spot. Some of them are still alive and the actual Freddo is just being taken off the special witness protection program and he's back in Rome.

What a wonderful series. Just finished watching the finale of series 2 and it has be breathing hard. And it's not just becomes its the finale, its the whole series and every episode with has been like that. Yes it's in Italian so the subtitles are key, that way I think we tend to focus more and are less distracted by other things at home, and that makes it much more enjoyable. The storyline itself is quite good which makes the core of the series of great quality. The direction keep the story moving fast , though it feels that the transition sometime isn't that smooth. But I thought the crude sense makes the series even more charming. The main leads do a great job and are quite ably supported. I have manly seen series2 and now have to see the first series for sure , the other way round would be much better but I think it'll be great fun all the same. The editing is brilliant and hence thrill of the series is kept alive through every episode because of that. A must watch for people who love good action TV ( it is a crime series so expect a lot of gun related action) ....a have to have to watch for people who love mafia related television.

This series although in Italian is highly watchable because of excellent cast and cinematography combined with the authenticity of the recreation of the time and the story lines build upon the previous episode. Also the way each character inter bonds with each other and that they are shown as both criminals who are portrayed as both evil and human. If you don't mind subtitles then this is a must see. If you liked programmes like Underbelly this is ten times better and will be right up your street. From the police commissioner and his sidekick trying to capture the gang at every opportunity to there interaction with the other criminals and how they go about achieving their goals is both well written and believable. There is not a bad actor in this series and the unfortunate thing is that I am watching this on Sky Arts(no disrespect) but this is a premier show which is based on the movie but broadens the story of each character. At the end of each episode each character has a touching moment where you almost feel sorry for them and this creates characters that you can have apathy with and also care about and in a way feel almost sorry for. I will definitely be buying the boxset.

This is quite simply one of the best pieces of television ever from any country, its rates alongside older classics like I Claudius and Poldark and more recent classics like The Wire and The Shield

The casting in this is absolutely spot on for each and every character.

The way the story unfolds is script writing at its best with a number of stand out Oscar worthy performances.

The interplay between the characters within and outside the gang of criminals is a joy to watch.

The series can be both violent ,ruthless and quite simply beautifully poignant also. All in all a true masterpiece.

I cannot recommend this enough;]