High Crime

High Crime, also known as "The Marseilles Connection," is a thrilling and exhilarating crime drama that pairs the vision of legendary director Enzo G. Castellari with the talent of actors Franco Nero, Fernando Rey, and James Whitmore. Released in 1973, this gem of Italian crime cinema resembles a complex puzzle and promises to have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

Set in the coarse, bleak, and lawless landscape of Genoa, Italy, High Crime puts forth a compelling narrative that deftly deals with issues of corruption, power, and criminality. The film is an exciting journey into the grimy back alleys and the seedy underbelly of the bustling port city, a place where the line between the law and criminal activity is blurred, and where the promise of justice often tragically turns into a harrowing game of survival.

Franco Nero, renowned for his eloquent acting and charismatic screen presence, stars as Commissario Belli. He is the epitome of the hard-nosed, uncompromising, and uncorrupted police detective. Belli isn't just good at his job; he is relentless in his pursuit of justice, defying the pervasive and insidious corruption that has infiltrated the city's police force and judicial system. Despite the growing despair and the increasing pressure, Belli remains steadfast in his mission - to dismantle the powerful and vicious Marseilles crime syndicate that has a stranglehold on the city. This task is made all the more difficult by the unwillingness of his superiors to support his crusade, thus painting a more intricate picture of the internal politics and under-the-table dealings rampant within the law enforcement agencies.

Fernando Rey delivers a memorable performance as a suave, urbane, but cruel and manipulative drug lord. Rey's character represents the embodiment of the city's corruption, having people in high places under his control and orchestrating a vast network of drug trafficking from the shadows. Despite his ruthless and criminal actions, the character is portrayed with a level of charisma and cunning that makes him a magnetic and eerily enticing figure. Rey's persona is essentially a counterpart to Nero's Belli, causing an intense and volatile rivalry that is thrilling to watch.

Besides Nero and Rey, the film also features James Whitmore, who plays an American journalist trying to expose the rising narcotics trade. Whitmore's character serves as a moral compass in a world that seems to have lost its way, and his attempts to speak truth to power add another layer of complexity and tension to the narrative.

High Crime is more than a traditional police story or a simple good versus evil narrative. Instead, it is a dark and stark portrayal of rampant corruption, a rogue's gallery of grotesque and fascinating characters, and a complex, interwoven web of power dynamics. Furthermore, the film is enriched by impactful and gritty visual storytelling, creative cinematography, and tight pacing. From high-speed chase sequences through narrow winding streets, tense standoffs, and brutal fistfights, to quieter, more poignant moments of introspection under the city's neon lights, High Crime delivers a cinematic treat.

Also noteworthy is the film's haunting musical score by the acclaimed Guido and Maurizio De Angelis, which perfectly complements the gritty ambiance and the narrative tension, giving the film a distinctive character of its own.

High Crime delivers a highly charged and immersive cinematic experience fueled by potent performances, a gripping storyline, and a rich atmosphere. Its down-to-earth interpretation of the classic police narrative, coupled with an honest depiction of law, order, and corruption, has cemented its place in the pantheon of Italian crime cinema. To watch High Crime is to step into a world where morality is constantly in question, the prospect of justice is often grim, and the struggle between right and wrong is a perpetual battle. It is, without doubt, a must-watch for crime film enthusiasts, noir lovers, and connoisseurs of 70's Italian cinema.