Ultra'

Ultra' is an Italian drama film that was released in 1991 and directed by Ricky Tognazzi. Boasting a powerful ensemble cast which includes Claudio Amendola, Ricky Memphis and Gianmarco Tognazzi, this movie delves into the world of football fanaticism, painting a deeply human and distressingly violent picture of life on the fringes of society.

Set against the backdrop of Rome, Ultra' paints a vivid picture of the city's hardcore football subculture. Football, often more than just a game, serves as a central theme throughout the film. It's presented as a religion; a unifying thread that binds men and women to a passionate and sometimes violent cause. The film capitalizes on the game's massive cultural relevance in Italy and Europe and intelligently translates that fanaticism and loyalty into an engaging narrative.

Claudio Amendola turns in an exceptional performance in the leading role as Principe, the charismatic leader of an ultra group supporting AS Roma, one of Rome’s two major football clubs. Amendola portrays Principe with a delicate balance of ferocious loyalty and humane vulnerability, allowing audiences to empathise with his character despite his ruthless exterior. There's a sense of depth and nuance in Amendola's performance, with his love for the club and his brothers-in-arms being both his strength and tragic flaw.

In supporting roles, Ricky Memphis plays a hotheaded die-hard fan named Red, while Gianmarco Tognazzi plays the erudite and more reserved intellectual, known as the Count. The dynamics between these three main characters drive the narrative, showcasing opposing personalities and ethics within the ultra group. Ricky Memphis and Gianmarco Tognazzi bring strong performances to the screen, effectively contributing to the harsh realism of the plot while adding emotional context to the storyline.

In its essence, Ultra' is an exploration of the sociocultural aspects of fanatic football supporters, known as Ultras. Combining intense action sequences with slow, simmering displays of friendship, loyalty, and rivalry, the film successfully displays the juxtaposition of love for the sport and the violence often associated with it.

The cinematography is gritty and raw, providing an intimate look into the life of the Ultras, their practices, their rituals, and their unabashed passion for their club. The film captures the grim realities of the streets and stadiums, immersing viewers into a riotous milieu dominated by flares, chanting and fighting.

One powerful component of this film is the dialogue, peppered with Roman dialect, lending greater authenticity to the narrative. The script maintains a gripping balance of humor, pathos and tension that weaves seamlessly with the underlying echoes of brutality and camaraderie.

Another noteworthy aspect of Ultra' is its original score, which contributes significantly to the film’s overall atmosphere and tone. The music is a mix of thunderous anthems and quiet, melancholy tunes that echo the highs and lows of life on the terraces.

Despite the violence and disorder, Ultra' is also a story of deep-rooted bonds, brotherhood, and an undying devotion to their football club. It delves into the personal lives of the Ultras, offering glimpses of vulnerability, personal struggles and their humanistic sides that starkly contrast with their aggressive public persona.

At its heart, Ultra' is more than just the violent, passionate world of football's extreme enthusiasts. It's a profound exploration of the human condition and the lengths some will go to defend their honor, their friendships, and their allegiance to their football club. Offering a gritty and poignant look at football fanaticism in Italy, Ultra' is an enduring classic that has solidified its place in European cinema.