Fernando Di Leo's Milano Calibro 9 is an out-and-out masterpiece of Italian Crime cinema and, in my opinion, one of the most astonishing crime stories ever told. The first film in Di Leo's excellent 'Milieu' trilogy, Milano Calibro 9 was followed by La Mala Ordina (aka. Manhunt, also 1972) and the brilliant Il Boss (1973). The three films are not connected story-wise, but all three are excellent, and highly realistic portrayals of organized crime. As far as I am concerned Manhunt is (allthough excellent) slightly inferior to this one and Il Boss which both stand out as absolute all-time highlights of crime cinema. Milano Calibro 9 is the best of them all, a film that is astonishing in all aspects, be it the ingenious plot that, apart from a compelling story and clever twists, includes social criticism, the performances, the gritty atmosphere and suspense or the brilliant score. I can hardly find the right words to express my admiration for this masterpiece which easily ranks among the
