Crime Novel May 4, 2006

In the tradition of Visconti, Coppola, and Scorsese, Michele Placido's classic gangster tale spans 25 years of Italian history from the '70s to the '90s. We follow the gritty journey of a group of street kids, who grow up to be the most powerful and ruthless gang men Rome has ever seen. This classic story of loyalty, brotherhood, revenge, sexual passion, and violence unfolds within the context of modern Italian history. Interwoven with the storyline is the kidnapping and murder of Aldo Moro, the attempted assassination of Pope John Paul, and the bombing of the Bologna train station-all driven by a high-octane rock n' roll soundtrack. Freddo, Lebanese, and Dandy form a dynamic trio of brothers who came up from the streets to form this modern mob family with the singular dream of ruling Rome's drug and sex trade. Their fearlessness and disregard for tradition leaves a terrifying wake of mayhem and bloodshed. As time passes and the body count grows, they are pursued by intrepid Police Lieutenant Scialoia who is driven to bring them to justice and win the heart of Dandy's girlfriend Patrizia, the beautiful call-girl-turned-Madame of the gang's brothel. In true operatic fashion this visceral story keeps you glued to the screen as the bonds of loyalty and trust unravel, leaving no one unscathed. Based on magistrate and crime writer Giancarlo De Cataldo's book Criminal.

- Jim Browne

Event submitted by Eventful.com on behalf of globetrotterny.