One of the challenges with any film concerning the Mafia is that they're usually compared (intentionally or subconsciously) with "The Godfather" trilogy. Tough company, right? Some films still manage to retain respectability, such as "The Last Don", "Casino", or "Goodfellas". Then there are films like "Bella Mafia".
"Bella Mafia" is well-acted. How can it not be with capable actors like Redgrave, Kinski, Tilly, Farina, etc.? Yet even they're abilities can't overcome some of the lines they're forced to deliver. Let me be clear - I'm not a professional writer nor actor. I can, however, detect "cheese" when I see or hear it. At one point about half-way through the film I looked at my wife and said, "They should re-name this "Those Wacky Lucianos". Some of the situations, dialogue, and mannerisms of the performers seemed like it was almost poking fun at the mob-movie genre. I won't go into details of the plot, just suffice it to say the twists turns were more than implausable. Even my wife, who LOVES mob movies, admitted it was more than a bit weak.
Here's the bottom line. If you REALLY like movies about the Cosa Nostra, then check it out. Just keep your expectations low. That way, the talented actors may just do enough to keep your interest. They really do nice work, especially considering what they had to work with. Otherwise, skip this one and watch something else.
"Bella Mafia" is well-acted. How can it not be with capable actors like Redgrave, Kinski, Tilly, Farina, etc.? Yet even they're abilities can't overcome some of the lines they're forced to deliver. Let me be clear - I'm not a professional writer nor actor. I can, however, detect "cheese" when I see or hear it. At one point about half-way through the film I looked at my wife and said, "They should re-name this "Those Wacky Lucianos". Some of the situations, dialogue, and mannerisms of the performers seemed like it was almost poking fun at the mob-movie genre. I won't go into details of the plot, just suffice it to say the twists turns were more than implausable. Even my wife, who LOVES mob movies, admitted it was more than a bit weak.
Here's the bottom line. If you REALLY like movies about the Cosa Nostra, then check it out. Just keep your expectations low. That way, the talented actors may just do enough to keep your interest. They really do nice work, especially considering what they had to work with. Otherwise, skip this one and watch something else.