This “Limited Edition” Blu-ray from Radiance Films is now available.
As mentioned in previous reviews, Radiance Films is doing a wonderful job of finding older international titles and introducing (or, in some cases, reintroducing) them to cinephiles. Italy is a country that has produced several mob-related movies, but A Man on His Knees aka Un Uomo in Ginocchio from Damiano Damiani (The Reunion, The Case is Closed, Forget It, Mafia, Goodbye & Amen) is one that completely passed me by. I had never heard of it, and that’s unfortunate, because it’s an incredibly compelling and effective crime movie.
Now, Radiance Films is making it available to anyone who is interested (and frankly, you should be). Their “Limited Edition” Blu-ray marks the first high-definition release of the movie anywhere in the world. The picture quality is excellent and has been sourced from a 4K restoration taken from the original camera negative. While the fact that this is available at all is something to be grateful for, like other titles from the distributor, it also contains excellent extras that provide further insight into the filmmaker and the background of the production.
This story is set in Palermo, Sicily and introduces viewers to troubled protagonist Nino Peralta (Guiliano Gemma). He’s an ex-con attempting to go straight after serving a couple of years in prison for stealing cars (which were sold on the black market). Now operating his own downtown coffee stand, the man’s focus is on providing for his wife Lucia (Eleonora Giorgi) and kids. Unfortunately, his past catches up with him in an unexpected manner after a kidnapping and murder plot takes place in the building behind his business. Everyone, from the cops, to some members of warring mob families, believe that Nino served as some kind of informant and was involved in the crime. When hitman Platamona (Michele Placido) appears in town to eliminate a series of targets, Nino begins to believe he might be on the list. He talks with his best pal Colicchia (Tano Cimarosa) about what to do next.
This is an incredibly tense drama about the mob and their control over an entire community of people, including both criminals and the innocent. When Nino sets out to talk with mobsters and ask for them to clear his name, they aren’t interested in helping and further incriminate the lead when they are murdered. As things get more desperate and the protagonist tries to confront the hitman, he doesn’t get a straight answer. The less-than-trustworthy figure asks for a hefty payment to talk to his employers and, should Nino be on the list, try to have his name scratched off.
As Nino spends more time with the secretive Platamona, things become even more tense. The lead considers selling his business and losing everything in the process, but keeping his life in order to provide for the kids. He also considers dying, but realizes that the mob or others will likely take his business anyway. The option to return to a life of stealing vehicles is also considered (which may not get him off the hook), but goes poorly. More and more complications arise over the course of the story as it builds to a chilling and violent climax.
The walls always feel like they’re closing around Nino with no means of escape. The feature shows just how interconnected the mob is with not only the criminal underworld but the general public, and the effects that one Don’s random whim has on crooks under duress, as well as average people and the families of the individuals.
The photography is also top-notch, with real locations that feature crumbling walls and gray skies. Nino and the other characters appear to be walking down streets and passing by random locals, adding to the authenticity of the story. The well lived-in apartments also assist in maintaining a realistic tone to the picture.
When events play out, the results are somewhat unexpected and result in a few nasty and very ugly confrontations. Nino boldly plots a way out to safety, but things don’t necessarily go according to plan. It’s a grim story, but one that makes a lasting impact. In fact, it is rather incredible that the movie isn’t better known in this part of the world, as its themes are relatable and the story is consistently taut from beginning to end.
The image quality on this Blu-ray is very impressive, capturing all kinds of impressive background details like the distinctive architecture of Palermo. This is a high-quality transfer that looked wonderful when the Blu-ray was upconverted on a 4K Ultra HD player.
Extra features also provide plenty of facts about the movie. There is an interview with a film historian who wrote a book on director Damiani. He details all of the filmmaker’s mob-related pictures and notes the changes in Damiani’s feelings that occurred over time. While early pictures were a little more sympathetic towards gangsters, Damiani began to note all of the unpleasant and far-reaching effects of the Sicilian mob and wanted to portray this. The themes of the picture and the behavior of the characters are all discussed, including the slimy, manipulative assassin and the unexpected individuals assisting him. The expert also notes that this movie wasn’t initially popular with the public during its original release, but keeps gaining acclaim and a bigger fanbase as the years pass.
There are also a pair of great archival interviews with star Giuliano Gemma as well as one with the assistant director. Both note that Damiani was very determined to capture a realistic vibe. So, in some of the wide shots featuring the actors walking through markets and other busy locales, the cameramen hid and, from a distance, shot the actors moving through real crowds.
The star notes that the production built an actual working coffee stand for the film. Once or twice, random people would appear and order drinks from him. The actor obliged, serving them and stating the beverages were “on the house”. He considered these experiences helpful for his performance. Ultimately, it all worked well, as Gemma won the Italian equivalent of a Best Actor Oscar for his work in the movie.
A trailer is also included in the package.
And, like other Blu-rays from Radiance Films, the case includes a reversible sleeve featuring new and original artwork for the movie and a booklet with an essay on the film and its importance in Italian cinema.
I was blown away by A Man on His Knees. It manages to tell a story about the mob from a new perspective and delivers its message in a terrifying way. One can completely understand the lead character and the turmoil he and his family are randomly put through by horrible characters (including some who have been placed in a similar boat). It’s a powerful movie that continues to resonate. The disc is also exceptional and anyone who appreciates international cinema or mobster movies is advised to pick this Blu-ray up.