Borsalino [DVD] [2013]

If the above review title doesn't make any sense then this film probably is not for you. Borsalino (Edition Simple)DVD is in French only, as are the optional sub-titles. This is not made clear on the Amazon entry so be warned. That being said, its a great film and its reissue is welcome as it was unavailable new for a long time. Made in 1970, its two stars - Delon and Belmondo - were at the top of their game and the biggest actors in France. They portray two gangsters in Marseille in 1930, beginning as rivals who become partners in crime and rise up the criminal hierarchy. The tone changes in the second half from light hearted pastiche to something altogether darker. Alain Delon is particularly good, preceding the Michael character from 'The Godfather 1/11' in portraying the loneliness and paranoia necessary on becoming a capo. The film uses its locations well in the old docks area in Marseille which is still there. Clearly a lot of resource was given to recreating period clothes, cars, weapons,even hairstyling. The soundtrack, which became as famous in its own right, pervades the whole story. By the standards of today, the lighting and colouring might look a little bright and the shirts a lttle too clean for 1930 - compared with 'The Road to Perdition' for example, but the film should be considered more as a companion piece to 'The Sting', along which it compares very well and again, preceded by a few years. Recommended.

After the death of belmondo I thought I would have a look at this. It looks magnificent and both delon and belmondo have considerable magnetism. But the film can’t make up its mind as to whether it’s a gangster movie or a pastiche of one. The comedy and the catchy sound track distance the viewer and the actors from the reality of the violence but there still seems a sense that they want to say something serious, but fail.

Well, FGS! Alain Delon and JeanPaul Belmondo- black and white film with choreographed, bordering on mime routines. Mr Delon can never cease to please ❣️XxxR

Good storyline, although dated

Nothing to dislike

As the headline says, but as that film was after this film was made, it must have ripped this film off in a major way.

Would prefer french dialogue with english subs. Otherwise great under rated movie.

Really lovely film, portrays a nicely moody seedy and touching gangster scene