Gomorra – 2008 – Matteo Garrone

Gomorra is both a revelatory mafia movie and a far remove from the effusive Hollywood Sicilian jobs. Set mostly in the sprawling maze of Scampia, a Neapolitan suburb, the movie is based on the tell-all book of the same name. It’s a raw, violent and unflinching portrayal of one of the most ruthless gangs on earth. JJ

My Brother Is an Only Child – 2007 – Daniele Luchetti

Lucchetti’s best film remains The Yes Man (Portaborse, Il), but with My Brother is an Only Child, he recreates the tension in republican Italy post WW2, through his portrayal of two brothers, one a fascist the other a communist. Dramatises the delusion on both sides and how it led to “left” and “right” terrorism of the ’70s. Mario Alemi

The Consequences of Love – 2004 – Paolo Sorrentino

More stylish than Milan during fashion week, TCOL undresses as seductively as Boticelli’s Venus to reveal a dark understated Mafia masterpiece. It’s the antithesis of the idolatry American Mafia flick; a reticent middle-aged banker, a stunning waitress, a sedate Swiss hotel, a clutch of Mafioso and a missing suitcase containing thousands of euros. JJ

Valzer – 2007 – Salvatore Maira

Assunta is on the last day of her job in a nondescript Italian hotel. Valzer captures all the interlinked events during her final shift and in doing so sets itself up for failure. Everything from match fixing, suicide bombers, stolen identities, prostitution and narcissism is covered in this didactic meandering postmodern tale.
JJ