In the dirty side-streets of late 19th century Rome, with its knife fights and bright-eyed young women, Adriano Celentano is the most irresistible tough guy one could hope for
In the Trastevere district of Rome, Romeo Ottaviani was the most famous local “tough guy”: a common phenomenon in late 19th century Rome, a cross between a small-time criminal and a knight dedicated to protecting his neighbourhood. The main character in this film is clearly based on Ottaviani, embodied brilliantly by Adriano Celentano, who is at once charming and rude and manages to make his Roman accent sound natural and irresistible. Featuring an excellent reconstruction of the period, the film takes us into an exciting world of seedy side-streets, knives, vendettas, boastfulness, love and honour. Well-paced, funny, colourful, sentimental, dramatic, grotesque: Sergio Corbucci’s assured hand manages it all with confidence. The huge success of this film led to Storia di fifa e di coltello, a quickly put together parody featuring comedy duo Franco Franchi and Ciccio Ingrassia, who were always quick to recognise a winning trend.
When neighbourhood “tough guy” Nino gets out of prison he goes back to his girlfriend Rosa. While Nino was in prison, Augustarello tried to steal his woman away, leading to a rivalry between the two. Nino and Augustarello get into a knife fight and Augustarello is killed. His brothers swear to avenge his death…
In the dirty side-streets of late 19th century Rome, with its knife fights and bright-eyed young women, Adriano Celentano is the most irresistible tough guy one could hope for
In the Trastevere district of Rome, Romeo Ottaviani was the most famous local “tough guy”: a common phenomenon in late 19th century Rome, a cross between a small-time criminal and a knight dedicated to protecting his neighbourhood. The main character in this film is clearly based on Ottaviani, embodied brilliantly by Adriano Celentano, who is at once charming and rude and manages to make his Roman accent sound natural and irresistible. Featuring an excellent reconstruction of the period, the film takes us into an exciting world of seedy side-streets, knives, vendettas, boastfulness, love and honour. Well-paced, funny, colourful, sentimental, dramatic, grotesque: Sergio Corbucci’s assured hand manages it all with confidence. The huge success of this film led to Storia di fifa e di coltello, a quickly put together parody featuring comedy duo Franco Franchi and Ciccio Ingrassia, who were always quick to recognise a winning trend.
When neighbourhood “tough guy” Nino gets out of prison he goes back to his girlfriend Rosa. While Nino was in prison, Augustarello tried to steal his woman away, leading to a rivalry between the two. Nino and Augustarello get into a knife fight and Augustarello is killed. His brothers swear to avenge his death…
