Caliber 9
Caliber 9

Caliber 9

1972Movie102 minItalian

Just out of prison, ex-con Ugo Piazza meets his former employer, a psychopathic gangster Rocco who enjoys sick violence and torture. Both the gangsters and the police believe Ugo has hidden $300,000 that should have gone to an American drug syndicate boss.

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Insights

IMDb7.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes90%
Director: Fernando Di LeoGenres: Crime, Thriller, Action, Giallo

Plot Summary

Rocco, a small-time thief, is released from prison and immediately finds himself entangled in the dangerous world of organized crime. He tries to go straight but is framed for a robbery he didn't commit, forcing him to confront his past and the powerful mobsters who want him dead. The film follows his desperate fight for survival and truth amidst betrayals and violence.

Critical Reception

Caliber 9 is widely regarded as a seminal work of the Italian poliziottesco genre, celebrated for its gritty realism, stylish direction, and intense action sequences. Critics often praise its complex narrative and compelling performances, particularly from Franco Nero. While it may have been controversial upon release for its depiction of crime and violence, it has since gained a cult following and critical acclaim as a masterpiece of the genre.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its hard-boiled atmosphere and suspenseful plotting.
  • Franco Nero delivers a memorable performance as a man caught in a web of crime.
  • Considered a benchmark of the Italian crime thriller genre.

Google audience: Audience reception on Google is not widely available, but the film is generally appreciated by fans of Italian crime cinema for its style and action.

Fun Fact

Fernando Di Leo considered "Caliber 9" to be the first film in his 'Milieu Trilogy', which also includes 'The Italian Connection' (1971) and 'The Boss' (1973).

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