This is not a "Mafia" movie, per se. And it is FAR from the worst. Other than the fact that they are both secret Italian criminal societies, the Sicilian Mafia and Neopolitan Camorra are two very different entities. I personally loved Gomorra and think it gets even better with repeat viewings. It's also a very realistic, nuanced depiction of the crime and hopelessness that swamps Naples (just about every actor in the Marco/Ciro storyline - with the exception of the two leads - was a real-life associate of the Casalesi clan).
I can understand why some may not like it (non-linear storylines, subtitles), but I personally get the impression that many people went in expecting the European equivalent of Goodfellas and becoming hugely disappointed when they didn't get it. In today's short-attention span society, some unfortunately seem to think that less action equals bad movie.
"Worst Mafia movie ever"? Hardly.
In fact, I'd respectfully submit that Gomorra is one of the BEST movies ever made about Italian organized crime.
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Husskade
12 years ago
I watched it for the first time last night and was astonished by it.....
I found the total 'matter of factness' of the violence absolutely convincing and quite scary.
It looked completely 'real' the locations were superb (it struck me that they were pretty brave to film inside the housing complex...not sure I would have wanted to do that)and I had to keep reminding myself that some of this people were actually acting and it wasn't a documentary.
I agree with racehorse that the non linear story lines may initially put people off but it becomes pretty clear within a short space of time what is going on.
Initially I thought it was a series of vignettes of types of criminality in Naples from low level to sophisticated and it was done so well I was quite happy if that is what it had turned out to be but I was wrong it was far more and better.
And on reflection I think that being sub-titled helped the film....because it distanced me a little and I had to read the faces and body language of the actors,locations etc as well as the stripped down words,which in turn made me work harder to concentrate on the film so as not to miss anything.
In short...I loved it and would certainly watch it again.
It certainly is enough to keep anyone away from Naples!
'He's a very naughty boy!'
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