A.C.A.B. La serie

Following the recent riot in Milan and the general public disorder in Italy, being an Italo/Australian now living in Italy I was very curious to watch this TV series. It's very well written and executed, excellent casting with some great actors and performances.

Well crafted, directed and photographed.

Very well handled considering the delicate subject matter and the political implications.

The fighting, the violence and all the action was very realistic and it would have been very difficult for the main actors to be involved.

I like how the private personal life of the police officers was portrayed.

I read in someone else review an insulting comment: "Fascists with families"well in my opinion the police in Italy is not fascist enough considering that after the riots there are far more police officers in hospitals than demonstrators.

I noticed only a couple of continuity faults: Agent Lovano uses his gun with his right hand but he masturbates with his left hand.

Agent Marta checks Lovano's gun, takes the magazine out but she doesn't rack the slide to check if there was one bullet in the chamber.

The hair styles are a bit weird.

Over dramatized story of a riot police squad. I don't know anything about Roman law enforcement but this ain't police work. This unit comprises of unit members that would be disqualified from light desk duty. They are all mentally unstable and on the brink of losing their minds. I suppose this might be so because the story presents Roman streets full of angry rioters on a daily basis.

The biggest defect in the show is the ... show. What is this really about? Much of the time we are exploring the chaotic personal lives of all the main characters in the unit. The home drama is just filler for what should have been at best a 4 episode season. The last 10 minutes of the final episode is irrational and beyond belief. If you have even the slightest casual knowledge of policing you should avoid this series at all costs.

Series follows a squad of Italian riot police who first beat up a group of protesters and then deal with the fallout. Usual "cops stick together", "us vs them" and "we did nothing wrong but our superiors blame us for it".

It also tries to look into personal lives of police officers, but tends to go with "their personal lives are messed up and they tend to bring that mess to work". Not one has "normal" personal life.

Overall I liked the gritty feel to it and trying to not glamorize the job nor excuse what they do. Police beat up people, they don't see anything wrong with it but show doesn't sway it's OK, just how they feel about it.

It's an interesting show and a welcome departure from other police shows that focus on detectives or uniformed police.

Public Disorder (2025), also known as A. C. A. B. La serie, is a standout crime drama that delves deep into the complexities of law enforcement in Italy. The series follows a riot squad as they navigate the chaotic streets, dealing with personal struggles and the overwhelming tension of their daily work. Created by Filippo Gravino, Public Disorder introduces a gritty, no-holds-barred depiction of the blurred lines between right and wrong in the lives of police officers, making it a compelling watch for fans of the noir genre.

The show is a triumph of storytelling, expertly capturing the internal and external conflicts that its characters face. The ensemble cast, led by Julia Messina, Francesco Buttironi, and Francesco Primavera, delivers strong, nuanced performances, adding depth to the characters and elevating the narrative. The series does an exceptional job of portraying the human side of law enforcement, making the officers feel both relatable and morally complex. There are no clear-cut heroes or villains here - just individuals caught up in a system that often challenges their personal values.

Filippo Gravino's direction perfectly complements the raw nature of the story, using the tension of the daily grind in law enforcement to push the characters to their breaking points. The show's pacing is methodical, allowing for the development of its characters and the slow buildup of the narrative's emotional weight. The gritty, noir atmosphere adds to the film's somber tone, with the Italian setting providing a striking backdrop to the complex, dark themes explored in the series.

The cinematography is striking, with the harsh city streets, dimly lit interiors, and stark visual contrasts evoking the best elements of classic noir. The contrast between the personal turmoil of the characters and the intense situations they face on the job is brought to life in vivid detail. The show excels at balancing moments of explosive action with quieter, more introspective character-driven scenes, ensuring that each episode feels grounded in both tension and emotion.

Public Disorder is a standout in Italian television, offering something unique with its mix of crime, drama, and moral ambiguity. Its ability to blur the lines between good and evil, all while drawing viewers into a raw and visceral world, makes it a truly special experience. It's a true noir that will keep you on edge, captivated by the characters and the world they inhabit. It's just a shame that the series is too short - it leaves you wanting more.

Rating: 8/10. A powerful and compelling Italian noir that blends the tension of law enforcement with complex character studies, offering a unique take on morality and justice.

Really enjoyed Public Disorder. Tight scripting. Good acting. Nice filming. Very nice allusions to the Roman Army's (the original one from 2,000 years ago) tortoise formation of inter-locked shields, particularly in the opening episode. Good use of ambiguity in terms of the impact of violence on those who administer it on behalf of the state.

I've read on other reviews there was a previous film (which I've not seen) but this stands very well in its own right.

Whilst watching it I kept being brought back to The Shield which I view as one of the very best series from the US cop shows. Characters, atmosphere and scripting of similar quality.

If you want something that will entertain and also make you think about policing, politics and the use of violence, this is for you.