Diabolik: Chi sei?

The third chapter of the cinematic saga dedicated to Diabolik, "Diabolik - Chi Sei?" directed by the Manetti Bros., brings viewers back into the dark and captivating atmosphere of Clerville. Residing near the filming locations in Bologna, I was able to observe with satisfaction actors and crew at work, demonstrating dedication even in inclement weather. The directors handle the celebrated character of Angela Giussani with total respect, bringing to the big screen a fascinating version of "Diabolik - Chi Sei?". If the first film may not have shone at its best, the directors' courage has given life to a sequel that stands out. The choice of Giacomo Gianniotti as the new Diabolik proves to be fitting, bringing freshness to the King of Terror. His neutral face adapts splendidly to the multiple rubber masks of the protagonist. The plot set in the 1970s incorporates elements of poliziottesco and thriller, with Miriam Leone and Valerio Mastandrea confirming their talent in the roles of Eva Kant and Inspector Ginko, adding modernity to the story. The visuals are a strong point, with shots reminiscent of the structure of torn comic book pages during the reconstruction of Diabolik's past. However, while remaining faithful to the original plot, the directors allow themselves some liberties, especially highlighting the roles of the protagonists Altea (Monica Bellucci) and Eva, who bring a sprinkle of modernity. The screenplay, while entertaining, shows some naiveties and situations less believable today. However, the film captures attention and adds depth to the character of Diabolik, showing a more human side. Director Marco Manetti emphasizes the importance of maintaining fidelity to Diabolik rather than to the comic book, introducing characters like Altea to enrich the story. The result is a film faithful to the spirit of the original comic book, with careful direction and a style that evokes the cinematography of Mario Bava. "Diabolik - Chi Sei?" is a passionate and blood-soaked chapter of the Manetti Bros.' trilogy. The meticulous direction and convincing performances contribute to making the film engaging for fans and devoted viewers. A journey into the origins of Diabolik, adding new layers of complexity to this iconic Italian anti-hero.

It is so bad and naive that it is very good. Cinematography is great. Women are beautiful. Acting is terrible but who cares. Pace is too slow for an action film. Italian cities, cars and fashion of 1960s (or maybe 1970s?) are made meticulously what is quite enjoyable and maybe the best aspect of the movie. Problem is that a comic "Diabolik chi sei?" (I read it long time ago, but remember it with pleasure) is much, much better. It was really a challenge to make such a bad movie based on good comic. Anyway it was fun to watch. So I gave it "7" because I had great time in spite of all said flaws. I am looking forward for 4th sequel.

The Diabolik comic series stands as one of the most beloved Italian comic franchises, and it certainly holds a special place in my heart. Established in 1962, it continues to thrive today, boasting over 900 titles. With sales exceeding 150 million copies, it ranks among the top-selling comic series in Europe. Unfortunately, there have been relatively few film adaptations featuring this iconic character. I recall the 1968 film "Danger: Diabolik," along with the more recent "Diabolik" from 2021, "Diabolik - Ginko Attacks" from 2022 (which I have yet to see), and the latest installment, "Diabolik - Who Are You?" from 2023. Despite my 64 years, I felt like a child again in anticipation of this film.

I was unaware of Diabolik's backstory, making this film a completely new experience for me. It is loosely inspired by comic book No. 107: Diabolik, Chi sei?, which I evidently overlooked during the 2.5 months of summer school holidays in Europe. Back then, we had no computers or electronic devices, and we were only allowed to read comics on weekends and during school breaks!

This film was a nostalgic journey for me, evoking cherished memories. It finally sheds light on the true identity of Diabolik. Set in the tumultuous 1970s, the narrative opens with thrilling car chases and gunfire that leave innocent victims in their wake. While Diabolik adheres to his own ethical code and only resorts to lethal force when absolutely necessary, it is a gang of criminals that instigates the chaos, unleashing senseless violence upon the city. Captured by this gang, both Diabolik and his adversary, Inspector Ginko, find themselves trapped in a cell with no escape.

It was invigorating to witness authentic portrayals of men and women in action, devoid of contemporary political correctness, capturing the essence of the 70s in a remarkably realistic manner. The performances were consistently strong, and the direction effectively maintained the dynamic energy of the comics action. The music enhances the experience, immersing you in the atmosphere. Therefore, I wholeheartedly recommend it to all fans of Diabolik.

The exceptional thief Diabolik gies back in this third installment of the saga inspired by the comic 'Noir' of the same name from the sixties by the Giussani sisters. As on previous occasions, this thriller with a marked retro aesthetic emulates the psychedelic adaptation to the big screen carried out in the 1968 classic, Danger Diabolik by Mario Bava. This sequel titled Diabolik chi sei? (2023) boasts a good cast with Giacomo Gianniotti as Diabolik , Miriam Leone as Eva Kant , Valerio Mastandrea as Ispettore Ginko and Monica Bellucci as suspicious duchess. On this occasion the elusive , implacable thief with a thousand disguises, Diabolik, whose true identity no one knows, returns to drive his iconic Jaguar E-type to strike a new coup. Starred by two good-looking stars : Giacomo Gianniotti as the professional thief Diabolik and Miriam Leone. Diabolik returns to the fray with the most exquisite theft systems possible while Ginko, the police inspector, is hot on his heels, then a criminal gang carries out violent heists. While Inspector Ginco (Valerio Mastandrea) takes every precaution to ensure that the robbing don't take place. Captured by a ruthless criminal gang, Diabolik and Ginko get locked in the same cell, with no way out. Diabolik reveals his mysterious past to the inspector. Meantime, both Eva Kant and Altea are desperately looking for their men. Captured by a cunning enemy, Diabolik get locked, with no way out. He robs from the rich to give to the girls !. Meet Diabolik. Slick !. Suave!. Gentle !. Brutal!. Wild!. Out for all he can take, seduce, or get away with...!

This adaptation of the homonymous comic book has a display of resources as advanced as they are ingenious, Diabolik is an exceptional thief who always has the upper hand, whether by having his lair inside a mountain, or escaping a robbery with a paragliding. Two charming starring , Giacomo Giannotti -replacing Luca Marinelli- and Miriam Leone , star this nice and enjoyable movie set in a nameless European nation. Dealing with popular hero from famous comic books, who previously performed John Phillip Law and Marisa Mell. Adaptation of the Noir comic book of the sixties by the Giussani brothers, concerning the world's deadliest and most dazzlingly robber, he evades the law while performing his criminal antics, as he eludes the police by disguising , changing cars, hot pursuits, and masking himself . Along the way , Diabolik uses his extraordinary powers to foil criminals and steal valuable jewels. As the anti-hero of the film, Diabolik must face off botcher law enforcements. The film is a thriller with a markedly retro aesthetic that emulates the psychedelic adaptation to the big screen carried out by Mario Bava: Danger Diabolik (1968).

This is an agreeable and brilliant rendition, not taking any situation seriously ; being based on famous strip-cartoon thriller titled "Diabolik", one of the longest running - and most successful - Italian comic strips , known as "fumetti" drew by Angela Giussani and Luciana Giussani. A very campy picture contains thrills, action, phantasmagoria, psychedelia, pop art, tongue-in-cheek, absurd situations , and being competently developed. Criminals and dark shadows of the past coincide, once again, in this film in which Diabolik and Inspector Ginco are locked in a claustrophobic basement with no way out and our protagonist tells the commissioner his mysterious past. Therefore, these flashbacks of the past enlighten us about the inner life since childhood of the most elusive thief in history. Thanks to these frames, this last film of the trilogy redeems itself effusively since what is told to us about his origins and his relationship with a 'Black Panther' is very interesting. Fantastic production design and art design influenced by the original comic books and James Bond movies , showing splendidly the breathtaking settings at a remote cave in a mountain and others . Through a retro aesthetic , this new reboot introduces the viewer into a tense and cold atmosphere that has the best ingredients of Noir cinema: impassive femme fatales , twisted criminals , a staging full of shadows and a police investigation determined to unmask to this relentless thief . Here Giacomo Gianniotti and Miriam Leone replace John Philip Law and Marisa Mell but they do not reach those iconic figures resulting in being an inferior and overlong film compared to Mario Bava's classic

The main and support cast -with everyone having fun- are frankly good. Giacomo Giannotti is fine in the title character as the masked career thief known only as Diabolik, who eludes his official pursuers with his mistress and partner-in-crime. Bombshell Miriam Leone as wonderful colleague is ideal actress to her role, she shines and expands her beauty and extreme sexuality. The best of the interpretations result to be Valerio Mastandrea as obstinate police inspector who's usually duped and the always gorgeous, though already mature, Monica Bellucci. It contains lively and catching original music score by Calibro 35, Aldo De Scalzi and Pivio. As well as luxurious and glamorous cinematography by Angelo Sorrentino. This delightful motion picture was decently directed by Antonio Manetti, and Marco Manetti who have made the former films, ¨Diabolik¨ (2021), that won the 2022 David Di Donatello Award for Best Original Song : La profondita degli abiss and was nominated for 11 more statuettes, including a Best Lead Actress nomination for gorgeous Miriam Leone and ¨Diabolik: Ginko Attacks¨ (2022) . The picture will appeal to thriller genre buffs . Rating 6/10.