Sottozero
Sottozero

Movie spotlight

Sottozero

1987
Movie
90 min
Italian

An Italian blue-collar worker finds a job on a Norwegian oil platform, hoping to earn the money he needs to open a bar in his country.

Insights

IMDb5.8/10
Director: Umberto LenziGenres: Crime, Thriller

Plot Summary

A ruthless criminal known as 'il Freddo' is released from prison and immediately seeks revenge on those who betrayed him. He orchestrates a series of violent heists and murders, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake. Detective Moretti is tasked with bringing him to justice, but il Freddo is always one step ahead, making for a deadly cat-and-mouse game.

Critical Reception

Sottozero is a typical example of Italian crime cinema of the era, characterized by its gritty atmosphere, violent action, and stylish direction by Umberto Lenzi. While not a critical darling, it found an audience among fans of the genre for its straightforward plotting and intense sequences. It is often cited as a solid, if unexceptional, entry in Lenzi's filmography.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its brutal and unflinching portrayal of violence.

  • Lauded for its atmospheric tension and gritty urban setting.

  • Criticized by some for its predictable plot and underdeveloped characters.

Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce for this film, but those available often highlight its effectiveness as a violent crime thriller, appreciating its fast pace and Lenzi's signature stylistic choices. Some viewers found the narrative a bit simplistic.

Fun Fact

Umberto Lenzi was a prolific director known for his work in various exploitation film genres, including giallo, cannibal films, and poliziotteschi (Italian crime films), often under pseudonyms.

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