Watch Angel of Evil

Angel of Evil is an intense psychological thriller based on the true story of Renato Vallanzasca, a notorious Italian criminal who terrorized Milan during the 1970s and 80s. The film follows the rise and fall of Vallanzasca, played with stunning authenticity by Kim Rossi Stuart, as he builds his criminal empire and becomes a legendary figure in the underworld.

The film begins with Vallanzasca as a young man, growing up in poverty in Milan and dreaming of a different life. He quickly finds himself drawn to a life of crime, and he and his friends start pulling off small-time robberies and heists. But Vallanzasca is ambitious, and he soon begins to plot bigger and more daring crimes, often targeting wealthy businessmen and public figures.

As Vallanzasca's reputation grows, so does his ego, and he becomes increasingly violent and ruthless. He enjoys the thrill of the chase and the adrenaline rush of pulling off daring heists, but he also revels in the power that comes with being a feared and respected criminal. He becomes known as the "Angel of Death" because of his cold-blooded killings, but he also attracts a cult following of young men who see him as a hero and a rebel.

The film is structured like a classic gangster movie, with Vallanzasca at the center of a network of loyal followers who help him plan and carry out his crimes. But it also delves deep into his psyche, exploring the complex motivations and emotions that drive him to commit such heinous acts. He is not a one-dimensional villain, but a complex and contradictory character who is both charming and repulsive, sympathetic and terrifying.

The film is also notable for its incredible performances, particularly from Kim Rossi Stuart as Vallanzasca. He brings an intensity and depth to the role that is truly remarkable, capturing both the charisma and the brutality of the real-life criminal. Filippo Timi is also excellent as Vallanzasca's partner in crime, Enzo, a troubled and volatile young man who becomes increasingly dependent on Vallanzasca's leadership.

Valeria Solarino deserves special mention as Antonella, Vallanzasca's long-suffering girlfriend who is torn between her love for him and her horror at his crimes. She is a three-dimensional character who becomes increasingly important as the film progresses, and Solarino gives a powerful and nuanced performance.

The film is set against a backdrop of 1970s Italy, and the director Michele Placido does an excellent job of recreating the era. The costumes, music, and locations all contribute to a vivid sense of time and place, and the film has a gritty and realistic feel that is both immersive and unsettling.

Overall, Angel of Evil is a gripping and thought-provoking film that explores the darkness of the human psyche. It is not a comfortable or easy watch, but it is an important and powerful work of cinema that deserves to be seen. Fans of crime dramas, psychological thrillers, and Italian cinema will not be disappointed.

Angel of Evil is a 2011 crime movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 5 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 48.