Watch Silent Action
- 1970
- 1 hr 32 min
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6.4 (565)
Silent Action is a gripping crime thriller that delves into the complex underworld of organized crime, political corruption, and police accountability. Set in Rome, the movie follows the story of Inspector Grifi (Luc Merenda), a tough and idealistic cop who is tasked with investigating a series of brutal murders that seem to be connected to a powerful underworld syndicate. Despite the numerous obstacles he faces, including bureaucratic red tape, personal threats, and an uncooperative police department, Grifi is determined to get to the bottom of the case and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The movie opens with a harrowing scene of a young woman being brutally murdered on a deserted street by a group of masked assailants. This is just the first in a series of ruthless killings that sends shockwaves through the city and leaves the police baffled. Grifi, who is known for his sharp intellect, is assigned to lead the investigation and is immediately consumed by the case. As he delves deeper into the murky world of organized crime, he realizes that his own department is riddled with corruption and that he can't trust anyone.
One of the key themes of the movie is the tension between the police department and the judiciary. Grifi is frustrated by the fact that his hands are tied by bureaucratic procedures and that he cannot pursue the leads that he thinks are relevant because he doesn't have the necessary permissions. He also has to deal with a judge (Mel Ferrer) who is suspicious of the police and who wants to ensure that the investigation doesn't violate any legal procedures. This leads to an interesting dynamic between the two where Grifi is constantly trying to operate outside the law while the judge is doing his best to keep everything legal.
At the same time, Grifi has to navigate his personal life, which is complicated by his complicated relationship with a fellow police officer, Giulia (Delia Boccardo). While they are initially presented as partners who have a professional relationship, it's clear from the beginning that there is a deeper connection between them. However, they are kept apart by the machinations of the corrupt department, which is determined to keep them from working together.
The movie is captivating because it manages to weave together all of these different strands into a coherent narrative. While the central mystery is at the heart of the story, it's the relationship between the characters that really brings the movie to life. Grifi is a strong protagonist who is determined to do the right thing, even if it means going against his superiors. He's also a sympathetic character, as we see him struggling with his own personal demons while trying to solve the case. Similarly, Giulia is a strong female character who is more than just a love interest. She's a competent police officer who is also dealing with her own professional and personal struggles.
The movie has a distinctly Italian flavor to it, which is evident in the way the city of Rome is depicted. The streets are filled with bustling markets, crowded cafes, and winding alleyways that lend an air of authenticity to the movie. The score, composed by Franco Micalizzi, is also noteworthy, with its funky 70s beats adding to the tension and excitement of the movie.
One of the strongest aspects of the movie is its portrayal of the Italian justice system. While the movie is clearly critical of the corruption in the police department, it's also sympathetic to the challenges faced by the judiciary. The judge is depicted as a reasonable person who is trying to ensure that the investigation is conducted within the bounds of the law, even if it means slowing down the pace of the investigation. This is in contrast to many other crime movies where the judiciary is often presented as a passive or corrupt authority figure.
In the end, Silent Action is a well-crafted crime thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. With its complex characters, authentic setting, and intricate plot, it's a movie that will leave a lasting impression on anyone who watches it. So, it can be concluded that Silent Action is a must-watch for all those who love well-made crime thrillers.
Silent Action is a 1970 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.