This documentary explores the rise and fall of the violent Italian poliziotteschi genre, which may have started with Dirty Harry and The Godfather clones but emerged as its own unique film form that was uniquely able to address red terrorism and organized crime.

There’s a lot to learn here, including how the idea of shooting without permits and live sound led to the creativity that these movies all have. Plus, you’ll hear from the stars and makers of these films as they explain how these low budget rushed movies were made.

Nearly everyone you would ever want to hear from in this style of movie is here, including Franco Nero, John Saxon, Henry Silva, Antonio Sabato, Fred Williamson, Richard Harrison, Chris Mitchum, Enzo Castellari, Joe Dallesandro, John Steiner and Claudio Fragrasso.

I learned a ton about why Italian movies have dubbed sound and quick zooms that I would have never known if I hadn’t seen it. Throw in some great anecdotes and an explanation of how peblum led to spaghetti westerns which led to giallo which then led to these films and I was hooked.

You can watch this on Amazon Prime and Tubi.