Mondocane
Plot
In a dystopian near-future, the once-thriving city of Taranto in southern Italy has been transformed into a lawless territory. A perimeter of barbed wire, imposing and impenetrable, encircles the city, making it a virtual island cut off from the outside world. The authorities have abandoned all hope of restoring order, and the police are powerless to intervene. As a result, the poor and vulnerable are left to fend for themselves in a desperate struggle for survival. They eke out a meager existence on the margins of society, forced to rely on the black market and illegal activities just to stay alive. The gangs that have risen to power in this void prey upon the weak, exploiting their desperation and fear. In the midst of this chaos, Mondocane becomes the focal point of a desperate struggle for redemption and hope. This gritty drama delves into the lives of those who are forced to navigate the treacherous landscape of Taranto, as they confront the harsh realities of poverty, violence, and exploitation.
Reviews
Preston
Brutal
Elsie
Even now, it doesn't come across as cruelly bizarre.
Matthew
A captivating film, not the least bit wicked or taboo. The cinematography is powerful, with vibrant and bright colors, and the music is lyrical and lively. Perhaps having just emerged from World War II, people have become accustomed to cruelty and death, resulting in an indescribable sense of poetry and beauty. Some scenes feel staged, but whether in the civilized or primitive worlds of subtropical and tropical regions, humans and animals alike experience birth, aging, sickness, and death. They indulge in drunkenness, debauchery, killing, and consuming other animals, living naturally and adhering to peculiar customs and traditions.
Margaret
A shocking and disturbing film. Watching this 138-minute director's cut, the portrayal of Black people is deeply troubling, depicting them as foolish, cruel, and violent murderers who destroy the civilization left behind by white people. The tragic fate of the innocent wildlife, slaughtered so brutally, is heartbreaking. It highlights the film's depiction of humans as the most brutal animal in Africa. The photographer's skill is undeniable, capturing battle and slaughter scenes up close and personal, and it's also remarkable that they survived the experience. It's astonishing that this film took three years to make.
Anna
To debate the authenticity of documentaries is utterly foolish, as they are merely another form of "forged reality." This film's sharp and extreme exposure of the ignorance, hypocrisy, violence, and shamelessness inherent in all human "culture" and "civilization" throughout history solidifies it as an exceptional masterpiece in cinematic history.
Kimber
Set in a dystopian near future, Mondocane paints a stark picture of a divided society, where the city of Taranto is torn apart by barbed wire. The film masterfully explores the struggle for survival among the marginalized, as they face off against ruthless gangs in a desperate bid for power. With its gritty realism and unflinching portrayal of societal decay, Mondocane serves as a biting commentary on class inequality and the dangers of unchecked violence.