Portrait of a Hitman

A ruthless hitman named Michael establishes his dominance in the criminal underworld through a series of brutal assassinations. However, his violent lifestyle and increasing paranoia begin to take their toll, leading him into a dangerous spiral of betrayal and violence. He finds himself targeted by rivals and even within his own organization, forcing him to fight for survival.

Portrait of a Hitman, also known as 'The Tough Ones', is a brutal and violent Italian crime film from the late 70s. While appreciated by fans of giallo and poliziotteschi films for its gritty atmosphere and action sequences, it was often criticized for its excessive violence and thin plot. Critical reception was generally mixed to negative, with some noting its stylistic flair but lamenting its lack of depth.

• Praised for its intense action and gritty, nihilistic tone.

• Criticized for its gratuitous violence and convoluted narrative.

• Seen as a typical, albeit very violent, example of the Italian crime genre.

Google audience: Audience reviews often highlight the film's raw brutality and effectiveness as an action-thriller, though some find the violence overwhelming and the story underdeveloped.

Director Umberto Lenzi was known for his prolific output in the exploitation and crime genres, often pushing the boundaries of violence in his films.