Chris J
MOVIE REVIEW
The Iron Prefect (Il prefetto di ferro/I Am the Law)
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Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Year Released: 1977, 2023 Radiance Films Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 50m
Director(s): Pasquale Squitieri
Writer(s): Arrigo Petacco (novel,) Arrigo Petacco (story and screenplay,) Ugo Pirro (story,) Pasquale Squitieri (screenplay)
Cast: Giuliano Gemma, Claudia Cardinale, Francisco Rabal
Where To Watch: available July 18, 2023, pre-order here www.radiancefilms.co.uk, www.mvdshop.com, or https://amzn.to/3rt5cTs
RAVING REVIEW: THE IRON PREFECT whisks you off on a cinematic journey into the heart of pre-War Sicily, inviting you to step into the boots of Cesare Mori, the steely law enforcer known to locals as the "Iron Prefect." His tale is riveting, full of justice, grit, and peril amidst the suffocating clutch of the Sicilian mafia. Giuliano Gemma's incarnation of Mori not only electrifies the screen but also captivates audiences. See Sicily as you've never seen it before in this gorgeous restoration of a film with a lot to say!
THE IRON PREFECT gleams with its unique blend of carefully stitched political intrigue and a tight-knit narrative. October 1926, Gemma's Mori dusts off his badge and buckles up for a mission – an assignment from Mussolini himself to bring down the looming shadow of Cosa Nostra in Sicily. By his side, his loyal wingman Maggiore Spano, brought to life by Stefano Satta Flores, helps Mori dismantle the mafia's vice-like grip. This is no walk in the park – potential assassinations and a terrified public are just a few hurdles in their way.
The film lauds Mori's jaw-dropping feats, especially his audacious conquest of a notorious mafia bastion. This win paves the way for capturing several mafia kingpins but also shakes the uneasy balance of power between mafia dons and corrupt fascist rulers. Undeterred by the crosshairs on his back, Mori's unwavering chase for justice lasts until 1929, when he is politically sidelined into a senatorial role.
Stepping onto the Sicilian landscape as a venerated judge, Mori has one goal etched: pulverize the mafia. However, this proves easier said than done, as the mafia's tendrils have burrowed deep into Sicilian society and reached Italy's pinnacle of power. Mori's early triumphs are marred by the discovery that several of his former arrests have been given a get-out-of-jail-free card after his return from World War.
THE IRON PREFECT's canvas stretches across Sicily, a historical backdrop that adds depth and authenticity to the film. Shying away from the modern settings of Poliziotteschi cinema, this film painstakingly recreates Sicily's unique atmosphere with authentic shooting locations and impeccable costume design. Squitieri's political inclinations further color the narrative, adding a dose of intrigue to Mori's saga.
Mori's mission extends beyond the mafia. He casts his net wider, aiming to trap other influential figures with ties to the mafia. This strategy unveils links to Mussolini and his cronies. THE IRON PREFECT straddles the biopic and thriller genres. The narrative, grounded in historical events, is skillfully expanded for maximum dramatic intrigue.
In the hands of Squitieri, THE IRON PREFECT becomes a rich canvas of biography with thriller elements and a deep dive into mafia politics. Although it occasionally struggles to reach its full potential, the film offers gripping moments of high-octane intensity. THE IRON PREFECT serves up a slice of Sicilian history, artfully balancing the demands of cinematic spectacle and historical integrity.
LIMITED EDITION BLU-RAY SPECIAL FEATURES
– 2K restoration of the film from the original negative presented with Italian and English audio options
– Uncompressed mono PCM audio
– Archival interview with director Pasquale Squitieri and star Giuliano Gemma (2009)
– New interview with Squitieri biographer Domenico Monetti (2023)
– New appreciation of Giuliano Gemma and the film by filmmaker Alex Cox (2023)
– Original trailer
– New and improved English subtitles for Italian audio and English subtitles for the deaf or hard of hearing for English audio
– Reversible sleeve featuring designs based on original posters
– Limited edition booklet featuring new writing by Italian cinema expert Guido Bonsaver and an original article on the real-life Cesare Mori and his Mafia raid as depicted within the film
– Limited edition of 2000 copies, presented in full-height Scanavo packaging with removable OBI strip leaving packaging free of certificates and markings
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Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
07/14/23
Full Review
Audience Member
In the realm of Italian Poliziotteschi crime thrillers, there is a broad spectrum that the films cover. On one side there is the violent "Dirty Harry" and "French Connection" clones that follow a hard edged cop as he takes down syndicates. These entries are high on action, lower on plot. On the other end there are politically charged thrillers that are low on action, and high on plot with judges or higher class officials taking on the mafia. "I Am the Law" easily falls n the latter end of the spectrum as it is extremely low on action, but full of politically charged intensity.
Unlike most politically charged Poliziotteschi films at the time which took place at the time they were made, "I Am the Law" actually takes place in a pre-World War II Sicily. What we have is a high class, determined Judge (Giuliano Gemma) arriving in Sicily to do away with the Mafia once and for all. It of course is not an easy job as the Mafia has their greedy little fingers in every aspect of the lives of Sicily's citizens. Gemma finds that he's on his own as the Mafia's influence infects all they up to the highest order in Italy.
The setting of this film is the biggest draw to this period piece as it is so rare for films in this genre to take place in a historical setting. The filmmakers realistically capture the backdrop of pre-World War Sicily with its amazing on site locations. These amazing historic locations mixed with convincing costume design ensures your going take a trip back in time.
The biggest surprise from "I Am the Law" is the solid performance from Giuliano Gemma. If you go into "I Am teh Law" expecting the same cocky cowboys he portrayed in his Spaghetti Westerns with the boyish charm then you are going to be sorely disappointed. There is no silly charm to this character as it it is all business. It's unique, almost bizarre to see Gemma play such a serious, stoic character with anger boiling in his veins. This however makes the performance that much better. Hell to be honest this might very well be the best performance as his career.
Director Pasquale Squitieri, a rather unknown director in Italy, handles the film with a sure hand and gives the film a stark, dark look, matching the films dark nature of its plot. His approach to the subject matter is comparable to the works of Damiano Damiani, only more dark and bleak. Ennio Moriconne's fabulous score on serves aid in the films dark atmosphere.
"I Am the Law" was quite a surprise for me. Though I still prefer my Poliziotteschi films to be more action orientated and over-the-top there's no denying that "I Am the Law" is a terrific film made unique by it's period setting , strong performances and visualistic direction. This obscure rarity was given a fantastic DVD release by Wild East Productions in a double feature with another politically charged crime film simply titled "Mafia".
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
01/17/23
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