Silent Action

"Silent Action" is an action-packed Italian film with a noir feeling that takes the audience on an incredible, thrilling journey filled with intrigue, conspiracy, and unexpected twists. Released in 1975, it stars the talented Luc Merenda, Mel Ferrer, and Delia Boccardo, and is directed by the renowned Sergio Martino.

The term "poliziotteschi" refers to violent, action-oriented crime films from Italy, and "Silent Action" is a benchmark of this genre. Known in Italy as "La polizia accusa: il Servizio Segreto uccide," the film has been hailed as a highly rewarding ride for fans of gritty seventies' European crime cinema.

Luc Merenda, a French actor renowned for his performances in European genre films of the 1970s, delivers a steadfast performance in "Silent Action." He stars as Inspector Giorgio Solmi, a resilient and determined policeman who works for the Milan police and is known for his inflexible devotion to justice. His character is complex and multi-layered, bringing depth to the hard-boiled detective trope.

The renowned actor, Mel Ferrer, known for his notable work in Hollywood classics, portrays a credible and mysterious role as District Attorney Ricciuti. Ferrer’s composed performance as the ambiguous Ricciuti is nuanced and adds a layer of intrigue to the film.

Delia Boccardo, a popular actress in the Italian cinema of the sixties and seventies, stars as Maria, the love interest of Luc Merenda’s character. Boccardo's performance reflects the grit and perseverance embodied by women characters in the poliziotteschi genre. Her contribution to the story adds depth and layers of emotion.

"Silent Action" opens up with a series of mysterious murders. Three high-ranking officers from the military and two wealthy entrepreneurs are found dead, and their common connection is hard to figure out. All leads seem to indicate single crimes without a link, but Inspector Solmi, familiar with such scenarios, suspects that there is more brewing in these mysterious and paradoxical circumstances.

While Solmi is drawn into this perplexing case, he finds himself facing an intricate web of conspiracy and deceit. As the film progresses, Solmi discovers that the strings are controlled at levels much higher than he expected. This raises more questions, ringing silent alarms in his detective mind. Is there a secret power play? Can he trust his sources, or are they setting him up for a fall? The narrative brilliantly uses suspense to keep the audience on the edge of their seats.

Throughout the movie, director Sergio Martino keeps the tension high, blending intense car chases and fiery shoot-outs with a complex plot. The crime thriller leans heavily into political drama, reflecting the socio-political scenario of 1970s Italy, riveted by corruption, terrorism, and civil unrest.

The backdrop to "Silent Action" is the grimy underbelly of Milan, where corruption seems a way of life, setting the perfect stage for the cinematic action. From the urban sprawl to the dingy corridors of power, the film brilliantly captures the mood of the city and its people. Combining this with a killer soundtrack by Luciano Michelini, which sets the rhythm of the movie and enhances the viewing experience, "Silent Action" has a distinctive appeal that is deeply rooted in its genre and era.

In conclusion, "Silent Action" is an absorbing, pacey, hard-hitting crime movie that delves into conspiracy, corruption, and the very nature of power. The performances of its lead actors raise the quality of the film, making it a classic that crime movie fans should not miss.