I rated this film a 6. There is so much dysfunction, violence and darkness in this film. While the intrigue is fascinating, the Mafiosa "gangsta" violence aspect is over-played. There is little goodness, resulting in an imbalance between good and evil.
The actors, on the other hand, are superb if not superior in their respective character roles.
Massimiliano Caiazzo as Carmine is simply outstanding. He is highly versatile in portraying a multitude of emotions. Nicolas Maupas as Filippo is good, but not "outstanding". Artem Tkachuk as Pino plays well as the proverbial "bad boy". Valentina Romani as "Nad" plays well her role as a gypsy. Carolina Crescentini as Paola, director of the Juvenile Detention Center, is palpably emotive. The same can be said for Carmine Recano as Massimo, one of the Center's direcctors. The foregoing is not to diminish the performances of the other cast members.
The series held me captive as I binge-watched it. I kept hoping someone would "take out" Edoardo (Matteo Paolillo). Well, I guess we must wait for Season 4 on that one since Edoardo if left fighting for his life in the hospital after being gunned down.
I find it refreshing how the men openly and freely hug one another, often with kisses on the cheek. That behavior is very European/Italian. The easiness of one's emotions (even the negative, hostile emotions) are superbly presented.
I suspect some Italians may dislike this film as it plays to the stereotypical image of Italians as gangsters and murderers. (I am thinking about how the Italians became angry over "The Sopranos".) The only lives that have "value" are the lives of one's own family. No one else. I found that theme to be frustrating, as it was repeated time and time again. I do look forward to Season 4, which I understand is due to premiere this coming October.
The actors, on the other hand, are superb if not superior in their respective character roles.
Massimiliano Caiazzo as Carmine is simply outstanding. He is highly versatile in portraying a multitude of emotions. Nicolas Maupas as Filippo is good, but not "outstanding". Artem Tkachuk as Pino plays well as the proverbial "bad boy". Valentina Romani as "Nad" plays well her role as a gypsy. Carolina Crescentini as Paola, director of the Juvenile Detention Center, is palpably emotive. The same can be said for Carmine Recano as Massimo, one of the Center's direcctors. The foregoing is not to diminish the performances of the other cast members.
The series held me captive as I binge-watched it. I kept hoping someone would "take out" Edoardo (Matteo Paolillo). Well, I guess we must wait for Season 4 on that one since Edoardo if left fighting for his life in the hospital after being gunned down.
I find it refreshing how the men openly and freely hug one another, often with kisses on the cheek. That behavior is very European/Italian. The easiness of one's emotions (even the negative, hostile emotions) are superbly presented.
I suspect some Italians may dislike this film as it plays to the stereotypical image of Italians as gangsters and murderers. (I am thinking about how the Italians became angry over "The Sopranos".) The only lives that have "value" are the lives of one's own family. No one else. I found that theme to be frustrating, as it was repeated time and time again. I do look forward to Season 4, which I understand is due to premiere this coming October.