Camorra (A Story of Streets, Women and Crime) (1985)

Camorra (A Story of Streets, Women and Crime) Poster
Original Title: Un complicato intrigo di donne, vicoli e delitti

After Annunziata (Angela Molina) opens up a hostel with her friend Antonio (Daniel Ezralow), she is saved from being raped by a Camorra boss as the gangster is suddenly killed. The killer escapes before Annunziata is able to see who it was. Following this murder are several others, and always with the same “signature” — a syringe in one of the testicles of the victims. As the gangsters continue to be killed off, the identity of the killer – or killers – slowly becomes obvious.

Introduction
"Camorra (A Story of Streets, Women and Crime)" is an Italian police procedural movie launched in 1985, directed by Lina Wertmüller. Wertmüller, renowned for her socially mindful storytelling, delves into the gritty underworld of the Neapolitan mafia, known as the Camorra, through a female-centric story that challenges the common male-dominated perspective of criminal offense movie theater. The movie centers around the battles of women in a crime-infested Naples, offering a nuanced expedition of their roles within both the household and the criminal organization.

Plot Summary
The motion picture traces the life of Annunziata (played by Ángela Molina), a young woman deeply ingrained in the daily complexities of the Camorra-controlled slums of Naples. Annunziata is introduced as a streetwise figure associated with illicit activities connected to the Camorra's operations. She imagines ascending the ranks to acquire power, regard, and a level of autonomy in the petrifying environment.

Her journey is contrasted with the experiences of other females in the movie, who each bear the impact of the criminal world in different ways. The characters include a rich lady who starts a hazardous affair, a sex worker knotted with mob affairs, and a homemaker trying to secure her family. The ladies's lives converge in ways that highlight their individual and cumulative battles within a societal framework managed by the Camorra's callous rule.

The movie squanders no time at all in portraying the violent and unforgiving world of the Camorra, where disputes are settled through bloodshed, and loyalty is the currency of survival. In the middle of this mayhem, Annunziata works for a godmother figure in the company, Dona Nunzia (played by Assunta Legnante), who wields substantial power in spite of the male-dominated hierarchy. Observing Dona Nunzia and her operations, Annunziata finds out the ruthless methods required to make it through and grow in this type of work.

Dispute develops as Annunziata's aspirations encounter traditional worths and the existing class structure. She faces resistance from both the male leaders of the Camorra and the standard expectations placed on females in her community. As the narrative unfolds, Annunziata's relationship with Dona Nunzia ends up being stretched, requiring her to make tough choices that might result in her rise or downfall within the organization.

Styles and Analysis
Camorra explores themes of power, gender dynamics, and the impact of the mob on the fabric of society. The movie's feminist undertone is a driving force, stressing the strength and resilience of women who browse a harmful world not of their making. Through its gritty representation of street life, the film highlights the severe realities of poverty and marginalization, showing how these aspects press individuals toward the criminal underworld.

While depicting the perils and transgressions of its characters, the film delves deeply into the moral ambiguities and complex social constructs that define their existence. It is a stark pointer of the restricted choices readily available to those caught in the oppressive grip of the mob and systemic corruption.

Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, "Camorra" got combined evaluations from critics. While some applauded Wertmüller's raw and unflinching representation of female characters in a criminal backdrop, others slammed the movie for its melodramatic components and the director's method to the subject. However, "Camorra" is recognized as a substantial work that added to the conversation about females's roles in both movie theater and society. It stays a recommendation point in discussions about the intersection of gender and category in movie.

Conclusion
"Camorra (A Story of Streets, Women and Crime)" is a notable contribution to the crime category, providing a vibrant representation of the Neapolitan underworld through the eyes of its female characters. Lina Wertmüller's movie is a rich, thought-provoking work that examines the crossways of criminal activity, hardship, and gender, delivering an engaging story about the struggle for power and identity amidst a world of chaos and corruption.

Top Cast

  • Ángela Molina (small)
    Ángela Molina
    Annunziata
  • Harvey Keitel (small)
    Harvey Keitel
    Frankie
  • Isa Danieli (small)
    Isa Danieli
    Carmela
  • Paolo Bonacelli (small)
    Paolo Bonacelli
    Tango
  • Francisco Rabal (small)
    Francisco Rabal
    Guaglione
  • Daniel Ezralow
    Toto
  • Elvio Porta
    Cpt. Puglisi
  • Vittorio Squillante
    Tony
  • Cecilia Miniucchi
  • Pino Ammendola (small)
    Pino Ammendola
    O' Dimonio
  • Tommaso Bianco (small)
    Tommaso Bianco
    Baba