Romanzo criminale - La serie

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.

I really don't understand what took me so long to watch, let alone, discover this amazing show.

Romanzo Criminale is an immensely realistic and edgy show. Based on events of street thugs turned criminal organization in 1970-1980s Rome, the series seemed to portray the decade's atmosphere with perfection and had me captivated for its entirety.

There was some sort of novelty, if not charm, of seeing a group of amateur thugs band together to form lifelong friendships, pursuits of love or strive for a better life in general - all in the backdrop of social/political unrest of Italy at the time.

Despite humble beginnings, these somewhat naive core characters begin to see the stark realities that surround them. Betrayals, murders, greed and revenge are only just a small taste of what ultimately corrupts the main and side characters, turning one against the other or forming alliances.

The characters and how they are conditioned/molded is really what shines here. To see Libanese rise from such impoverished, depressive conditions or the undying struggle for justice by Commissioner Scialoja. The characters and narrative are further strengthened by a well written, intense script, excellent cinematography, truly monumental climaxes and actors that really pull of some outstanding performances (particularly Freddo's character).

Ultimately, this is a show that will drag you in, keep you extremely invested in multiple characters and then crush you at least a few times, but it's okay! Criminale Romanzo's charm and realism never really wears off and manages to tell a great story with conviction. Disregard the fact that you'll have to watch this with subtitles, it is Easily one of the best TV shows I have ever watched.

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;]

One terrific and most powerful Italian crime series, one of the most brutal I have ever seen, far far more bloody than any other American one. I find here the same violence we had in the Italian films from the seventies. Really exciting scheme, with so many outstanding characters to whom you get glued to, no matter the degree in criminality they are involved in. Stefano Sollima is definitely the new master of the Italian crime industry, as Michele Placido was one or two decades ago, and in a more terrific way. I remind you that Stefano Sollima already gave us SUBURRA and GOMORRA series and of course next year the next movie to SICARIO and named SOLDATO, about Mexican drug cartels. So, after Italian mafias, Sollima will be plunged deep into the Spanish spoken underworld, far more brutal than the Sicilian one. Back to this series, I am still shaking, reminding how impressive the late seventies, eighties and early nineties atmosphere were, with the music score of those fantastic years. This is a pure masterpiece. And this actress Giovanna Di Rauso, the female killer amazon with snake eyes, the kind of lady who, if I crossed her path in the street and saw her asking me for the time, I would quickly give her my watch and run away from this shark female. What a dame....What eyes she has...

A pure must see....

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.