The films

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Cops vs. Thugs

Fukasaku again, arguing the two categories in the title are the same.

obscure

Free Hand for a Tough Cop

Tomas Milian debuts Er Monnezza, the filthiest man in Italian crime cinema, and steals his own movie.

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The Cynic, the Rat and the Fist

Late-cycle Castellari. Everyone is exhausted and it shows productively.

cult

The Violent Professionals

Martino sends Luc Merenda undercover and off the leash. Prime cop-on-a-rampage stuff.

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Violent Naples

Merli takes his no-mercy cop routine to Naples. Fast, brutal, and politically incoherent as ever.

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Live Like a Cop, Die Like a Man

Two cops who are clearly the villains. Ruggero Deodato, before the jungle.

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Rome Armed to the Teeth

Maurizio Merli punches Rome for 100 minutes. Politics: incoherent.

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Shoot First, Die Later

Di Leo's dirty-cop picture, and the rot goes all the way home.

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Almost Human

Tomas Milian as a repellent psychopath. Deeply unpleasant, very good.

cult

High Crime

Castellari's breakout in the genre, and Franco Nero furious for ninety minutes.

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Street Law

Castellari's Death Wish. An ordinary engineer, brutalised and ignored, arms himself.

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The Big Racket

Castellari's best. The car-rolling-down-the-hill shot is famous for a reason.

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The Boss

Di Leo's most cynical crime film. A mob enforcer navigates a Mafia war where everyone is corrupt.

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The Italian Connection

Mario Adorf on foot versus a car. Best chase in Italian cinema.

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Revolver

Di Leo's saddest. Oliver Reed, and a Morricone theme that hurts.

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Milano calibro 9

Di Leo's masterpiece. Cold, fast, well written.