Watch Violent City
- R
- 1973
- 1 hr 40 min
-
6.2 (3,582)
Violent City is a 1970 Italian film directed by Sergio Sollima and starring Charles Bronson, Telly Savalas, and Jill Ireland. The movie tells the story of Jeff, a hitman for the mob who seeks revenge after being betrayed by his old friend and former partner, Frank. Along the way, Jeff encounters a cast of colorful characters, including an aging gangster, a seductive nightclub singer, and a tough police detective.
The film opens with a tense car chase scene as Jeff (Bronson) narrowly escapes being caught by the police. He's on the run after being double-crossed by Frank (Savalas) during a high-stakes heist gone wrong. Jeff's crew is killed, and he barely escapes with his life. The rest of the movie follows Jeff's efforts to track down Frank and seek revenge.
As Jeff searches for his former partner, he meets a variety of colorful characters. There's Weber, an aging mobster with a taste for fine art and expensive wine. He takes a liking to Jeff and tries to convince him to retire from the hitman game and lead a quiet life. Then there's Vanessa (Ireland), a sultry nightclub singer who catches Jeff's eye. She's working for Frank and may hold the key to his whereabouts.
As Jeff gets closer to Frank, he also draws the attention of the police. Detective Reardon (played by the legendary Italian actor Umberto Orsini) is determined to bring Jeff to justice. He's a tough cop who will stop at nothing to catch his man, but he also has a soft spot for Jeff's girlfriend, Shelia (played by Bronson's real-life wife, Jill Ireland).
The movie is filled with action and suspense as Jeff navigates the seedy underworld of the city. There are shootouts, car chases, and even a bit of romance. Bronson is perfectly cast as the brooding, tough-guy hitman. He's a man of few words but plenty of attitude. Savalas is equally good as the slimy Frank, a man who will do anything to stay one step ahead of Jeff.
One of the standout scenes in the movie is a climactic showdown between Jeff and Frank in a deserted warehouse. The tension builds as the two men circle each other, guns drawn. It's a classic Western-style shootout that's both thrilling and satisfying.
The movie is also notable for its stylish direction and beautiful cinematography. Sollima uses creative camera angles and striking visual compositions to create a sense of tension and unease. The city itself is a character in the film, with its dimly-lit alleys and smoky nightclubs.
Overall, Violent City is a classic example of the Eurocrime genre that was popular in Italy in the 1970s. It's a gritty, violent, and stylish movie that's sure to satisfy fans of the genre. Bronson and Savalas are both at the top of their game, and the supporting cast is excellent as well. It's a movie that's definitely worth seeking out for fans of classic action cinema.
Violent City is a 1973 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.