LA SCORTA
(THE ESCORT)
A film review by Ben Hoffman
Copyright 1994 Ben Hoffman
From the moment the machine guns rattle and the old father runs out into the street, letting out a heart-rending cry when he sees his son has been assassinated in a car, along with a judge, the action never lets up ... and this is before the opening titles. Timely, because of the political corruption being unveiled in Italy, the film depicts the lengths to which the rightwing government officials and the Mafia will go to silence those who would expose and jail them.
In real-life Italy, the Mafia in 1992 had placed a bomb under the car of anti-Mafia Judge Giovanni Falcone as he was on his way to Palermo airport. The judge, his wife, and three police bodyguards were killed. Based on incdents such as that, La Scorta takes you right into the action in one of the most exciting, tense thrillers in years.
Judge De Francesco (Carlo Checchi) has been sent to this Sicilian town to investigate the murder of his predecessor. For his protection, although he says he does not need them, four body guards are assigned to look after him, to guard him ... and watching how they do just that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
There is Angelo (Claudio Amendola) who has come from Rome to his home town in Sicily to join the Escort. His chief is Andrea (Enrico Lo Verso). The other two guards are Raffaela (Tony Sperandeo) and Fabio (Ricky Memphis). All have bonded together with the one object: protecting the judge. That, of course, is not an easy job as they have to be on the lookout for potential car bombs, grenades, and other forms of mayhem.
When the judge finds that there are politicians who are in the pocket of the well-owners who sell water to the city, he has the water shut off, raising the hackles of the local government who then try to defame him and antagonize everyone against him All sorts of ploys are used by both sides and all are nail-biters. One of the beauties of the film is that, shunning a Hollywood climax, it opts for truth and a realistic ending. You will love it!
Directed by Ricky Tognazzi.
In Italian with English subtitles.
4 bytes. 4 Bytes = Absolutely must see. 3 Bytes = Too good to be missed. 2 Bytes = So so. 1 Byte = Save your money.
Ben Hoffman
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