A.C.A.B. La serie

I watched this series on Netflix in the UK. I found the series extremely enjoyable. I enjoy these dramas from other countries and recently enjoyed Caliphate from Sweden and Fauna from Israel. I was shocked to see the featured review had given this series 1/10. Several characters have interesting arcs through the series and it shows the difficult lives that riot officers face and how this affects their health physical and mental and their family life also. I dont want to give away spoilers but it was recommended to me by a friend who also enjoyed it. In virtually all TV and Film entertainment you have to 'suspend disbelief' to some extent. All shows and movies would be fairly slow and boring if they were completely true to real life. Some people don't like subtitles but they don't bother me and after a few minutes a don't even realise I am reading them. I've never seen anyone look so grizzled as the character Mazi. Working as a police officer just breaks people and makes them cynical. I recommend this show. I work in medicine and I agree with the featured review I keep away from medical dramas because they are not realistic and I end up saying OMG another get the bullet out and it will be all right show. They pack a lot in to six episodes.

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.

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.

This Italian series starts off with very little context or background as to what is happening. There is a lot of bad camera work, enough to make one nauseous, followed by events that are intended to explore each character and their issues. Unfortunately, the way the narrative unfolds is so confusing that it is impossible to really understand. The scenes seem to be strung together in a random fashion, making story continuity quite challenging for the viewer. The series is just told in too confusing a way to make it interesting or retain viewer engagement. It seems to be a B level production for Italian TV. Not worth the watch!

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.