Bezenby Every criminal in Milan thinks that small time crook Ugo Piazza (Moschin) has stolen $300,000 from local crime lord the Mikado (Lional Stander), from Mikado's sadistic enforcer Rocco, who has already brutally tortured and killed three people involved with the cash, to Ugo's own girlfriend, exotic dancer Barbara Bouchet. Most people even believe that he had himself thrown into jail for three years until the heat died down, but Ugo denies everything.That doesn't stop Rocco harassing the hell out of him, however. First he's taken to a scrapyard to have the crap beaten out of him, then Rocco and his goons turn up at Ugo crap hotel and destroy the place, but Ugo still denies taking the cash. Ugo goes to his old partner Phillip Leroy for help, but the man can only offer him money and advises him to go see the Mikado (although he does give Rocco a kicking for good measure). The Mikado, knowing that if Ugo has the money, then there's no point in killing him, hires him as a runner and has him work for Rocco, but things go from bad to worse when a red-clad figure who has been following Ugo kills one of the goons, steals more cash, and sets in motion a series of events that ends in a bloodbath. I suppose this being 1972 they had to throw in a mysterious killer somewhere.This all sounds like your usual Euro-crime movie, but there also an ongoing socio-political debate between two cops (An animated Frank Wolff and a subdued Luigi Pistilli) about the differences in the rich and the poor, and the North and the South of the country. This is reflected in the Mikado's speech about the old and new mafia, and how honour is not practised by the 'new' criminals, which is something that comes back to haunt the film's bleak ending. Just about every actor involved here stands out. Phillip Leroy tries to live in peace but his hand is forced by events beyond his control – his weary resignation at what he has to do in the end is a highlight, Gastone Moschin is no oil painting but as the quiet, brooding lead plays a very good burned out criminal, but Mario Adorf blows them all of the screen as the manic 'moustache Pete' who may be violent and cruel, but still knows how to stick to the code of honour. His character is no fool either, as a tense, and mostly silent scene between Ugo and himself in a police station shows.The soundtrack is a killer too! Although not my favourite Poliziotteschi film (for that is what they are called), it's probably my favourite Fernando De Leo film. Oh! Special mention to the set design of Barbara Bouchet's flat – amazing use of black and white. This was one of two films released after Frank Wolff's suicide. His co- star here, Luigi Pistilli, would also go on to commit suicide after receiving bad reviews and having a public meltdown (much later, in 1996). On a happy note Phillip Leroy and Mario Adorf still walk the Earth!

christopher-underwood A really good, uncompromising, violent and sexy police thriller with a fabulous lead performance from Gastone Moschin. Just out of jail, he is presented as being stuck between a rock and a hard place as he tries to manoeuvre himself so as not to get re-arrested by the police or killed by his mafia inspired ex-employers. He gives such a solid and believable performance which helps(or hinders) the viewer as we seek the truth in this exciting and twisting tale. Barbara Bouchet is ushered in as an exotic dancer in a wonderful beaded two piece. She gives a great performance, both as a dancer and key figure in this beautifully written piece. The action slows somewhat whenever we return to the police station but the double act of Frank Wolff and Luigi Pistilli and bad cop and good cop, help to keep things moving and Pistilli's dialogue seems to be very much the personal and political thoughts of writer/director Fernando Di Leo. A marvellous rock soundtrack and so, so, 70s decor help to ensure a very watchable, if very violent and thrilling ride.

chaos-rampant Milano Calibro 9 is story-wise closer to noir, complete with femme fatale, a laconic and weathered protagonist and unexpected plot- twists but in the same time is plagued by the usual workmanlikeness that plagues many of these Italian police films. Di Leo's direction lacks the unique touch, visual and otherwise, that elevated Melville's films from simple potboilers. So even if the movie attempts to break the mold of typical poliziotos, the direction makes it look like the kind of films it tries to distance itself from. The political aspect is pretty heavy-handed, to the extent that it is almost entirely and explicitly manifested through the dialogues between Luigi Pistilli's "criminals are the effect, not the cause" left-ist inspector and Frank Wolff's typical hard-assed police captain.On the good side, Gastone Moschin's understated performance as Ugo Piazza is fantastic and thankfully makes up for Adorf's atrocious overacting, Barbara Bouchet is gorgeous as usual and also gets to show her dancing skills in a bikini, the music is cool and the plot twists near the end are effective in their unpredictability. The story is interesting enough I guess but as a whole color me unimpressed.

The_Void Films like Milano Calibro 9 are the reason I watch this sort of film. After trudging through so many disappointing Italian thrillers, it's always great when you find a diamond in the rough - and that's exactly what this well crafted little gem is. The film is a thriller bordering on the 'Polizia' style of films that would go on to become Italy's version of the Dirty Harry franchise, although the main plot focus here is on crime and the mafia. It has to be said the plot isn't overly deep - as the themes of stealing and treachery exist only to further the complex and twisted plot, but the film is great fun to watch and a success for that reason. The plot focuses on Ugo Piazza; a convict just out of prison. He soon meets up with his sexy girlfriend Nelly Bordon, and with the unpredictable and sadistic Rocco, who revels in committing acts of violence, and we later learn that £300,000 has gone missing, and the local crime syndicate believes that Ugo has it - as does the local police inspector, who has his own opinion about why Ugo went to jail in the first place.The main reason why this film excels is thanks to the fantastic performances. Gastone Moschin leads the film with a performance that reminded me of something Ray Winstone would deliver. He provides a likable anti-hero, while Mario Adorf gets to enjoy himself with the meatiest role in the film. Barbara Bouchet co-stars and looks great, especially in her dancing scene in a bar. Bouchet is one of my absolute favourite Italian actresses, and I always enjoy seeing her in films - especially when they're up to the standard of this one. The film does somewhat adhere to the pitfall plaguing many Italian thrillers - that being that the story doesn't always make sense, but generally; the plot flows really well and the twists and turns ensure that it never gets boring. The climax of the film is excellent, and director Fernando Di Leo excellently pulls off the double twist at the end, which both resolves the story and provides neat entertainment. Overall, Milano Calibre 9 may not be the most well known cult Italian film - but it's one that shouldn't be missed by fans of this sort of stuff, and therefore comes highly recommended.