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No matter how toxic or misogynistic some shojo anime male leads can be, there’s no denying their magnetic appeal. While the genre has shifted towards “green-flagged” heroes rather than glorifying condescending men, fans can’t help but feel drawn to the irresistible allure of the “bad boy” persona. The latest example of this is Yakuza Finace’s Kirishima Miyama. He has become anime viewers' new favorite bad boy with his destructive behavior, killer looks, and noxious personality.

He’s a walking red flag, whether it’s his mischievous nature or obsessiveness with Yoshino. His controlling nature may annoy her, but fans have fallen in love with Kirishima and his unbearably tempting charms. For those who can’t ignore boys like Kirishima with a morally grey personality, these shojo male leads would be great additions to their list.

Related The 25 Best New Romance Anime

With shojo series like Skip And Loafer...

The 1960s were a great time for stylish heist movies, with many classics which are still loved by fans decades later. The heist genre initially sprung out of film noir, but it gradually developed its own identity, and it came to encompass romantic comedies, action thrillers and even spy movies. The 1960s marked a boom for the genre, after films like Rififi and The Killing brought about a new wave of enthusiasm in the 1950s.

Heist movies in the 1970s got much grittier and darker, in line with the trends of New Hollywood. By contrast, the 1960s delivered some more stylish and lighthearted capers, such as Ocean's 11 and How to Steal a Million. This era was defined by suave thieves pulling off intricately plotted heists, and there wasn't much of the violence and bloodshed that's usually associated with crime movies.

Related 20 Best Heist Movies Of All Time, Ranked

The...

Diabolik, a long-running Italian comic series, remains unknown in the Western World despite its popularity and adaptations into other media. Created by sisters Angela and Luciana Giussani, Diabolik is a master thief with a Robin Hood-esque philosophy and an arsenal of gadgets. Diabolik's crossover potential is endless, with a natural cool factor that can appeal to audiences worldwide, similar to James Bond and Batman.

Despite being one of the longest-running comic series on the planet, Diabolik remains unknown to the Western World. Since 1962, more than 900 volumes of Diabolik have been released through the publisher Astorina, becoming one of the world's most popular Italian comic series. Diabolik has been adapted into television shows (including a 2000 cartoon on Fox Kids), several video games, and movies, including the recently released Diabolik: Who Are You? in 2023.

Yet, most Western audiences have likely never even heard of the Diabolik character. For all intents and purposes,...

Agnieszka Holland’s “Green Border” won the audience award at the 53rd edition of International Film Festival Rotterdam in a strong year for the event, which recorded 253,500 visits across its programs.

Holland’s Venice Jury Prize-winner derives its name from the swampy forests found at the border between Poland and Belarus, a perilous place where hundreds of migrants — mostly from the Middle East and Africa — try to make their way into the European Union. “Green Border” chronicles the intertwined lives of people caught in the geopolitical webs of the crossing and joins several of Holland’s films to have played at IFFR, including “Europa Europa” and “Burning Bush.”

This year’s edition of the festival, which took place between Jan. 25 – Feb. 4, featured 424 films, 183 of which were world premieres, plus accompanying programs including Art Directions and IFFR Talks. As part of the Talks program, the festival welcomed names such as Sandra Hüller,...

Italian directors Marco and Antonio Manetti, a.k.a. the Manetti Bros. and best known for the “Diabolik” franchise, are producing the next film by “Orlando” filmmaker Daniele Vicari. The film, titled “You Get Tired of Killing,” is based on the life of a real-life gangster who grew tired of being in charge of running the Mafia’s dirty business.

Speaking exclusively with Variety at the International Film Festival Rotterdam, where they are the subject of a career-spanning retrospective, the directing duo confirmed “You Get Tired of Killing” is in pre-production. The film is being produced by Mompracem, the production company run by the Manettis alongside German sales company Beta Film and actor/producer Pier Giorgio Bellocchio, the son of Italian director Marco Bellocchio.

Vicari, whose previous work includes “Diaz — Don’t Clean Up This Blood,” “Velocità Massima” and Venice Film Festival award-winning “The Human Cargo,” joins a growing talent roster at Mompracem.

"Diabolik - Who Are You?" is the new Italian-produced live-action superhero feature, directed by the Manetti Bros, adapting the comic book title "Diabolik" by Angela and Luciana Giussani, starring Giacomo Gianniotti, Miriam Leone and Valerio Mastandrea, now playing internationally in theaters, with a North American release Tba:

"...a new group of criminals that 'Inspector Ginko' defines as more ruthless than 'Diabolik' himself, breaks into 'Clerville'.

"Both Ginko and his nemesis Diabolik, who derives his name from a black panther, investigate the gang, one to arrest them and the other to get hold of the money they stole. 

"Both, on separate paths, arrive so close to the group that they find their hideout at different times, but are caught by surprise and kidnapped.

"They are locked and chained together in a room, facing each other, waiting to be killed. 

"Faced with the prospect of not making it, Ginko...

International Film Festival Rotterdam has revealed that Belgian cinematographer Grimm Vandekerckhove will be the recipient of the fifth annual Robby Müller Award, which pays homage to the craft of artists working behind the lens in the spirit of the celebrated cinematographer.

Vandekerckhove is “known for delicately capturing the inner lives of characters,” the festival said, such as a cleaning lady on a late-night journey in “Ghost Tropic” or the encounter of a foreign construction worker and a moss researcher in “Here,” both directed by Bas Devos. He also shot Stephan Streker’s “A Wedding,” about a teenager forced into an arranged marriage.

“With profound commitment and a wondrous tranquillity he captures details and hidden shades of everyday existence in his own singular way that mirrors the emotionally moving images of Robby Müller,” the jury stated.

In other announcements, the festival, which runs Jan. 25 – Feb. 4, revealed that the jury for the...

"Diabolik - Who Are You?" is the new Italian-produced live-action feature, directed by the Manetti Bros, adapting the comic book title "Diabolik" by Angela and Luciana Giussani, starring Giacomo Gianniotti, Miriam Leone and Valerio Mastandrea, now playing in theaters:

"...a new group of criminals that 'Inspector Ginko' defines as more ruthless than 'Diabolik' himself, breaks into 'Clerville'.

"Both Ginko and his nemesis Diabolik, who derives his name from a black panther, investigate the gang, one to arrest them and the other to get hold of the money they stole. 

"Both, on separate paths, arrive so close to the group that they find their hideout at different times, but are caught by surprise and kidnapped.

"They are locked and chained together in a room, facing each other, waiting to be killed. 

"Faced with the prospect of not making it, Ginko asks Diabolik the fateful question: 'Who are you?'...

"Diabolik - Who Are You?" is the new Italian-produced live-action feature, directed by the Manetti Bros, adapting the comic book title "Diabolik" by Angela and Luciana Giussani, starring Giacomo Gianniotti, Miriam Leone and Valerio Mastandrea, releasing November 30, 2023 in theaters:

"...a new group of criminals that 'Inspector Ginko' defines as more ruthless than 'Diabolik' himself, breaks into 'Clerville'.

"Both Ginko and his nemesis Diabolik, who derives his name from a black panther, investigate the gang, one to arrest them and the other to get hold of the money they stole. 

"Both, on separate paths, arrive so close to the group that they find their hideout at different times, but are caught by surprise and kidnapped.

"They are locked and chained together in a room, facing each other, waiting to be killed. 

"Faced with the prospect of not making it, Ginko asks Diabolik the fateful question: 'Who are you?'...

“Diabolik – Who Are You,” which has its market premiere this week at AFM, following its world premiere at the Rome Film Festival, is the third in a series of adaptations of an Italian comic-book franchise. The books, written by sisters Angela and Luciana Giussani, have sold more than 150 million copies.

Kino Lorber has picked up U.S. rights for all three instalments of the stylish crime-comic movies, written and directed by brothers Marco and Antonio Manetti. Beta Cinema is handling world sales for the films. International buyers for the third film so far include Metropolitan Film in France, Spain’s Flins & Piniculas, Plaion Pictures in German-speaking territories, and Discovery Film in the former Yugoslavia. 01 Distribution is releasing the pic in Italy on Nov. 30.

The franchise centers on Diabolik, an ingenious gentleman thief, living in the fictional city of Clerville in the 1960s and 1970s. Luca Marinelli played the master criminal in the first film,...

"Diabolik”, Who Are You?” (‘Diabolik chi sei?”) directed by Antonio Manetti and Marco Manetti is the new Italian-produced live-action TV series, based on the best-selling comic book title by Angela and Luciana Giussani, airing October 26, 2023:

"...'Diabolik', taking his name from a dangerous black panther, steals from criminals...

"...courtesy a set of lifelike masks he uses to fool opponents...

"...assuming alternate identities at will...

"...thanks to a deep knowledge in many scientific fields...

"...including mechanics, computers, chemistry...

"...and his deep friendship with lover 'Eva Kant'..."

Click the images to enlarge...

Key deals for ’Operation Napoleon’, ’The Fox’, ’Let The River Flow’ and ’Diabolik’ films

Germany’s Beta Cinema has agreed a raft of major territory deals for its Cannes slate.

Icelandic thriller Operation Napoleon, starring Iain Glen and Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, has sold to Magnolia for North America and Signature Entertainment for UK/Ireland. It has also added Portugal (Pris) and Czech Republic (Bonton Films) to its list of sold territories which already included key territories like France (Mediawan), Spain (Twelve Oaks) and Japan (Tohokushinsha).

The English-language film is about a lawyer drawn into an international conspiracy when falsely accused of a murder.

Kino Lorber has picked up all rights in the U.S. to a trilogy of stylish Italian crime movies — Diabolik, Diabolik – Ginko Attacks! and Diabolik – Who Are You? — based on the popular Italian comic book of the same name.

The series follows the adventures of Diabolik, an infallible, ruthless master thief. All three films are directed by Italian brothers Marco and Antonio Manetti (Love and Bullets). The first film, released in 2021, features The Old Guard and The Eight Mountains star Luca Marinelli as Diabolik. Italian-Canadian actor Giacomo Gianniotti (Grey’s Anatomy) plays the master thief in the 2022 sequel Diabolik – Ginko Attacks! Monica Bellucci (The Matrix, The Apartment), Eva Kant (The Invisible Witness) and Valerio Mastandrea (Perfect Strangers) are among the European ensemble cast. Diabolik – Who Are You? is currently in post-production.

“Diabolik is one of the most beloved characters in Italian pop culture, a sharp and stylish master thief who...

Kino Lorber has acquired all rights in the U.S. to “Diabolik,” “Diabolik – Ginko Attacks!” and “Diabolik — Who Are You?” from Beta Cinema at the European Film Market in Berlin. The movies are based on the smash-hit Italian comic-book series about a ruthless master thief, which has sold more than 150 million copies worldwide.

The stylish crime-comic adaptations are written and directed by Marco and Antonio Manetti. “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Marvel’s Avengers” actor Giacomo Gianniotti stars in “Diabolik — Ginko Attacks!” and “Diabolik — Who Are You?,” and Luca Marinelli (“The Old Guard”) in the first installment, “Diabolik.” Monica Bellucci stars in the role of Altea, Miriam Leone as Eva Kant, and Valerio Mastandrea as Inspector Ginko.

Richard Lorber, president and CEO of Kino Lorber, said: “’Diabolik’ is one of the most beloved characters in Italian pop culture, a sharp and stylish master thief who has entertained audiences since his comic book...

Steven Spielberg’s “The Fabelmans,” Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon,” Michael Mann’s “Ferrari,” Roman Polanski’s “The Palace,” “The Son” with Anthony Hopkins, and “Golda” with Helen Mirren are among the theatrical releases lined up for the rest of this year and next year for Italy’s 01 Distribution. Paolo Del Brocco, CEO of the distributor’s parent company, Rai Cinema, presented the lineup at the Torino Film Festival on Friday, and discussed an adjustment in his company’s production strategy in favor of bigger budget Italian films.

As well as the stellar international titles, there is also a strong Italian contingent on the 01 Distribution slate, including Marco Bellocchio’s “La Conversione,” Matteo Garrone’s “Io capitano,” “Il ritorno de Casanova,” starring Toni Servillo, and Saverio Costanzo’s “Finalmente l’alba,” starring Lily James.

“It is a luminous list because cinema in theaters illuminates cities, urban spaces,...

Watch the Trailer for The Passenger: "A group of strangers sharing a ride have their trip interrupted when the driver hits a woman hiking in the dark of night. They decide to help her, but quickly learn that something is wrong and that they shouldn’t have let her in at all."

Starring: Ramiro Blas, Cecilia Suárez, Paula Gallego and Cristina Alcázar Directed By: Raúl Cerez and Fernando González Gómez Written By: Luis Sánchez-Polack

In Theaters June 3, 2022 / On Demand and Digital June 28, 2022

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Night Caller: "Following a successful run on the genre festival circuit, 123 Go Films has announced the North American VOD premiere of Chad Ferrin's Night Caller. The latest feature from the director of The Deep Ones, Exorcism at 60,000 Feet and Someone's Knocking at the Door, the psychic serial killer mystery will be available on a number of digital and cable platforms, including iTunes, Amazon,...

As they celebrate being held as a physical event, Italy’s upcoming 67th David di Donatello Awards epitomize the ongoing shift in generations and genres that is underway in Cinema Italiano.

Leading the pack this year are seasoned auteur Paolo Sorrentino’s most personal film “The Hand of God” and young helmer Gabriele Mainetti’s second feature, the elegant effects-laden historical fantasy “Freaks Out,” which is set in 1943 Rome and involves four “freaks” working in a circus when the Eternal City is bombed by Allied Forces. Both pics scored 16 nominations each.

Close behind are Mario Martone’s classic biopic “The King of Laughter,” about popular early 20th-century Neapolitan actor and playwright Eduardo Scarpetta, with 14 noms. Then come Leonardo Di Costanzo’s subtle prison drama “Ariaferma” and “Diabolik,” an adaptation of a comic book about a charming master thief, directed by Marco and Antonio Manetti, both with 11 noms a piece.

“We...

Paolo Sorrentino’s “The Hand of God” and Gabriele Mainetti’s “Freaks Out” lead the pack at the David di Donatello Awards this year with 16 nominations each.

Here’s the complete list of nominees:

Picture

“Ariaferma” (The Inner Cage), Leonardo Di Costanzo

“The Hand of God,” Paolo Sorrentino

“Ennio,” Giuseppe Tornatore

“Freaks Out,” Gabriele Mainetti

“Qui Rido Io” (The King of Laughter), Mario Martone

Director

“Ariaferma” (The Inner Cage), Leonardo Di Costanzo

“The Hand of God,” Paolo Sorrentino

“Ennio,” Giuseppe Tornatore

“Freaks Out,” Gabriele Mainetti

“Qui Rido Io” (The King of Laughter), Mario Martone

Debut Director

“The Bad Poet,” Gianluca Jodice

“Maternal,” Maura Delpero

“Small Body,” Laura Samani

“Re Granchio” (The Legend of King Crab), Alessio Rigo De Righi, Matteo Zoppis

“Una Femmina” (The Code of Silence), Francesco Constabile

Producer

“A Chiara,” Jon Coplon, Paolo Carpignano, Ryan Zacarias, Jonas Carpignano (Stayblack Productions) — Rai Cinema

“Ariaferma” (The Inner Cage), Carlo Cresto...

Cinecittà CEO Nicola Maccanico, who is a former Warner Bros. and Sky Italia senior exec, is implementing a major upgrade and expansion of the iconic Rome studios where he recently installed Europe’s largest LED Wall on the lot near the large Studio 5 that was once Federico Fellini’s second home. Maccanico, who has ambitions for Cinecittà to become continental Europe’s top studio facility, spoke to Variety from the lot about the symbolic significance of holding the David di Donatello Awards on the premises. Excerpts.

Why is it so important to have the Davids at Cinecittà?

They are being held here exactly a year after the studio’s renewal and new phase started. It’s also a time when Cinecittà is now celebrating being fully booked through most of 2023. So there are symbolic elements of various types: the Italian film community is back together in person at Cinecittà at a time when,...

Munich-based sales agency Beta Cinema has closed sales to several major territories for stylish comic-book adaptation “Diabolik,” which is among the leaders in the race for Italy’s top film awards – the David di Donatello Awards – with 11 nominations. Beta Cinema will kick off presales on the film’s sequels in Cannes.

“Diabolik” has been acquired by buyers in France (Metropolitan), Spain (Flins & Piniculas), and Latin America and Portugal (Sun Distribution Group). All rights have also been sold to Canada (Mongrel Media), South Korea (Contents Gate), Taiwan (Av-Jet International) and the former Yugoslavia (Discovery).

Filming on the two sequels wrapped in March, with Giacomo Gianniotti in the role of the charming master thief Diabolik. Based on the highly popular comic-book series, which has sold more than 150 million copies worldwide, the story is again set in the fictional city of Clerville in the 1960s.

The stylish crime films are written and...

"Diabolik" is the new live-action crime feature directed by the Manetti Bros, based on the best-selling comic book title by Angela and Luciana Giussani, in the second film adaptation of the character:

"...'Diabolik', taking his name from a dangerous black panther, steals from criminals...

"...courtesy a set of lifelike masks he uses to fool opponents...

"...assuming alternate identities at will...

"...thanks to a deep knowledge in many scientific fields...

"...including mechanics, computers, chemistry...

"...and his deep friendship with lover 'Eva Kant'..."

Click the images to enlarge...

Italy’s Vision Distribution has boarded Berlin Panorama title “Swing Ride,” directed by Chiara Bellosi, and will launch sales at the upcoming EFM on the pic about an overweight teenager named Benedetta who is pining for attention.

“Swing Ride” (“Calcinculo”) is a dark fable set in a small southern Italian town portraying the friendship between Benedetta, played by newcomer Gaia Di Pietro, and the skinny non-binary Amanda, played by Andrea Carpenzano whom Benedetta decides to follow in her “stray world,” as the director puts it in her notes.

Described by Bellosi as depicting an unusual friendship and the experience of empowerment, this coming-of-age film follows Bellosi’s first feature “Ordinary Justice,” which examined the lives of two families on opposite sides of a murder case and launched from Berlin’s Generation 14plus section in 2020.

Both pics are produced by Carlo Cresto Dina’s Tempesta which discovered Alice Rohrwacher and is...

"Diabolik" is the new live-action crime feature directed by the Manetti Bros, based on the best-selling comic book series by sisters Angela and Luciana Giussani, in the second film adaptation of the character, opening December 2021:

"...'Diabolik', taking his name from a dangerous black panther, steals from criminals...

"...courtesy a set of lifelike masks he uses to fool opponents...

"...assuming alternate identities at will...

"...thanks to a deep knowledge in many scientific fields...

"...including mechanics, computers, chemistry...

"...and his deep friendship with lover 'Eva Kant'..."

Click the images to enlarge...

Extra-special extras adorn this stunning reissue of a modern sci-fi action classic. Paul Verhoeven’s sledgehammer of graphic-novel brutality and wicked political satire (courtesy of a Michael Miner-Ed Neumeier screenplay that should have won awards) hasn’t diminished one iota. We still feel like we’re being subjected to a shockingly ultra-violent entertainment from the future. Both versions are present, along with enough interview extras to make one feel personally involved in the production. Although later entries in the Robo franchise were marketed to children (we have the toys to prove it) this hard-action show expresses an adult-oriented rage against Reagan’s America. The filmmakers could have earned a lot more money making Robo un-political and kid-safe but instead chose to stay true to their radical concept.

Robocop

Blu-ray

Arrow Video Limited Edition Collector’s Set

1987 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 103 min. / Street Date November 26, 2019 / Available from Arrow Academy

Starring: Peter Weller,...