Gangbusters
Gangbusters

Movie spotlight

Gangbusters

1977
Movie
89 min
Italian

Mario Gastaldi, a lawyer with no clients and no money, agrees to be a negotiator in a deal on stolen paintings, between the boss Peseti and the engineer Farnese, who plots kidnappings unsuspectedly. After he cashed from Farnese three hundred millions of lire to deliver to Peseti, Mario lets money be robbed by four pickpockets, which he is naturally in cahoots with and which he will share out it with. Money cannot be used since it comes from a kidnapping and it was marked. The lawyer will be able to make the boss get arrested.

Insights

IMDb5.0/10
Director: Sig ShoreGenres: Crime, Drama

Plot Summary

In 1970s New York City, a tough detective goes undercover to infiltrate a violent organized crime family. He navigates the dangerous underworld, facing betrayal and escalating threats as he attempts to dismantle the criminal enterprise from within. The film chronicles his perilous journey as he grapples with the moral compromises and personal sacrifices required to bring down the mob.

Critical Reception

Gangbusters received largely negative reviews from critics, who often cited its derivative plot, gratuitous violence, and weak performances. While some acknowledged its attempt at gritty realism, the consensus was that it failed to deliver a compelling or original crime drama.

What Reviewers Say

  • Criticized for its formulaic storyline and uninspired direction.

  • The film was often noted for its excessive and often unconvincing violence.

  • Performances were generally seen as unmemorable, failing to elevate the material.

Google audience: Audience reviews for Gangbusters are scarce due to its limited release and critical panning. Those who have seen it tend to agree with critics, finding the film to be a forgettable and poorly executed crime drama.

Fun Fact

The film was made in the wake of the success of gritty, urban crime dramas of the early to mid-1970s, attempting to capitalize on the genre's popularity but ultimately failing to make a significant impact.

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