Rulers of the City

Rulers of the City, released in 1976, is a gritty must-see for fans of vintage crime cinema. This Italian crime film, known as “Padrino e Padrone” in Italy, is woven with threads of drama, action, and dark humor to create an engaging narrative that resonates with audiences who enjoy tales of underworld misdeeds, orchestrated with an irresistible 70's flair.

Rulers of the City opens with the small-time hustler, Tony (Harry Baer), earning his living in the streets of Naples through a lottery scam. He’s ambitious and witty, thriving in the chaos of city life, adding color to the tough, risky, and often violent environment of the criminal underbelly. Tony, despite the inherent danger of his fraudulent operations and his connections with the underworld, isn’t a typical hard-boiled gangster; he’s vulnerable, charming and has a subtle sense of humor that gives him an appealing dimension.

In contrast, we encounter American actor Jack Palance, who plays the cool, calculating, and ruthless Frank Labruzzo, a mafia boss based in America. Palance, famous for his menacing roles, doesn't disappoint with his portrayal of an icy, take-no-prisoners gangster who is feared by his subordinates and loathed by his enemies.

Joining Tony in his escapades is Napoli resident and ambitious criminal, Rick (Al Cliver). Rick has a personal vendetta against Labruzzo, who was responsible for the death of his father. With a shared enmity, Tony and Rick find common ground, making an unlikely but powerful duo. Their ambition to climb the criminal ladder is as robust as their desire to bring down the formidable Labruzzo, setting the stage for an enthralling game of cat and mouse.

Director, Fernando Di Leo, renowned for his work in the crime genre in the 70's, brings to Rulers of the City his signature style of realistic violence juxtaposed with dark humor and pulsating drama. It's this cinematic finesse that elevates this mafia drama into a unique piece of celluloid – a blend of Italian style noir with the pulpy action of American gangster films.

Woven into a tale of crime and revenge is a subtext of societal commentary on the hopelessness of the lower class, a recurring theme in Di Leo’s works. Move beyond the surface of mobsters and vengeance, and you'll find a bitter perspective on how the divide of power and wealth perpetuate a cycle of crime and violence in society, a message still relevant to this day.

The cinematography in Rulers of the City shines with the retro aesthetics of the time. The camera captures the raw energy of the streets adding depth to the characters’ performances and bringing the city to life. It adds a layer of realism that draws audiences further into the world created onscreen.

Elaborate chase scenes, volatile confrontations, and tense moments provide plenty of action, with the film’s pacing ensuring that audiences are kept on the edge of their seats. The film never loses sight of its primary narrative thread, with the various subplots and themes interlacing without overpowering each other.

Rulers of the City unarguably benefits from a strong cast. Baer and Cliver, both familiar faces in Italian crime cinema of the era, deliver believable and captivating performances as Tony and Rick. They embody the spirit of the underdogs fighting the system that has continuously oppressed them. Palance's ominous portrayal of Labruzzo is equally impressive, providing a formidable antagonist for our heroes.

Rulers of the City isn't a romanticized portrayal of the gangster lifestyle. It offers the raw, often brutal reality of it, showing the unseen machinations behind the scenes, the toll it takes on those involved, and the societal structures that help perpetuate it – all wrapped up in the guise of an entertaining gangster flick.

Ultimately, Rulers of the City is fueled by the promise of retribution and the struggle for power. It's a classic crime tale that goes beyond the conventions, offering unforgettable characters, visceral action, and thought-provoking commentary on the societal structures that amplify crime and violence. Rulers of the City is truly a testament to what the genre can offer when done right.