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Special Features
New high-definition transfer, supervised and approved by director Matteo
"Five Stories:" a 60-minute documentary on the making of Gomorrah
New video interviews with Garrone and actor Toni Servillo
Interviews with writer Roberto Saviano and actors Gianfelice Imparato
Deleted scenes
Theatrical trailer
PLUS: A booklet featuring an essay by critic Chuck Stephens
"Five Stories:" a 60-minute documentary on the making of Gomorrah
New video interviews with Garrone and actor Toni Servillo
Interviews with writer Roberto Saviano and actors Gianfelice Imparato
Deleted scenes
Theatrical trailer
PLUS: A booklet featuring an essay by critic Chuck Stephens
Editorial Reviews
Matteo Garrone’s Gomorrah is a stark, shocking vision of contemporary gangsterdom, and one of cinema’s most authentic depictions of organized crime. In this tour de force adaptation of undercover Italian reporter Roberto Saviano’s best-selling exposé of Naples’ Mafia underworld (known as the Camorra), Garrone links five disparate tales in which men and children are caught up in a corrupt system that extends from the housing projects to the world of haute couture. Filmed with an exquisite detachment interrupted by bursts of violence, Gomorrah is a shattering, socially engaged true-crime story from a major new voice in Italian cinema.
Stills from Gomorrah (Click for larger image)
Stills from Gomorrah (Click for larger image)
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
41 of 44 people found the following review helpful
By darklordzden
Gomorrah was one of the old testament cities judged and laid waste by God on the grounds of it's sin and corruption.
Scampia is a district in contemporary Naples.
At first glance, the council estate in Scampia on which the majority of Matteo Garrone's "Gomorrah" takes place appears to be your usual raffish, rough-around-the-edges melting pot of low income families, wannabes, try-hards and dreamers: there's Toto, who works as a delivery boy for his mother's grocery store; Pasquale, who works as the lead tailor in a factory which creates high-end fashion designs; Roberto who, after years of unemployment has just managed to land a prestigious job with a councilor, Franco, and is in the process of learning the ropes; Ciro, who, at first glance, appears to be a kindly, middle-aged building manager who looks after the welfare of families on the estate; then there are Marco and Ciro, two bored teenagers who spend their days imitating Al Pacino in "Scarface" and getting into trouble. However, before the final percussive strains of the film's minimalist soundtrack play out over some devastatingly well-placed captions which detail the current reach of contemporary organised crime, the comparisons between the corrupt old testament city-state and the contemporary housing estate will have been made explicit in the most visceral way possible and the viewer will observe just how corruption and criminality insinuates its way into virtually every level of Neapolitan society (as well as every one of the previously mentioned characters' lives).
The lexicon of modern cinema has inculcated contemporary audiences with a fascination of all things Mafiosi (or "Camorra" as the Neapolitan organisation is known). Cinematic short-hand has bombarded us with a fictionalized, glamourous world of sleek suits, pearl-handled revolvers and witty profanity. "Gomorrah", although a work of fiction, is not concerned with screen artifice or the rewards reaped by crime; it is explicitly concerned with those who have to live under the yoke and suffer the consequences of organised crime's insinuation into every level of private and public life.
If you want to see what a world ruled by Tony Soprano or Vito Corleone would really look like, then look no further. But believe me, its not pretty. And there is very little in the way of "honour" to be seen here.
Garrone eschews the grandiose operatic flourishes of a Scorsese or a Coppola and instead favours a laconic, naturalistic tone which resembles the Neo-Realism of Rossellini's, Open City. Many of the film's scenes have an almost improvised quality to them which only compounds the frighteningly realistic nature of the film. Garrone doesn't spoon-feed the plot or the relationships between the characters to you and, depending on how eagle-eyed you are, it may take you a fair deal of time to ascertain just 'what is what' and 'who is who to whom'. Make no bones about it - this is not a film to be watched whilst surfing the internet on your mobile phone; this is a film to which you must pay full attention.
An epic in every sense of the world and probably the best big-screen feature ever made about the Mafia/Camorra, I recommend it unreservedly.
It makes an ideal companion piece to Roberto Saviano's expose of the Neapolitan crime syndicates, which I haven't read, but which apparently provided the film's inspiration, as well as the more conventionally told, but similarly brilliant tale of the Milanese Mafia, Romanzo criminale / Crime Novel (Original Italian Version - with English Subtitles), and Ricky Tognazzi's chilling examination of a group of "sitting-duck" Police Bodyguards, La Scorta.
Scampia is a district in contemporary Naples.
At first glance, the council estate in Scampia on which the majority of Matteo Garrone's "Gomorrah" takes place appears to be your usual raffish, rough-around-the-edges melting pot of low income families, wannabes, try-hards and dreamers: there's Toto, who works as a delivery boy for his mother's grocery store; Pasquale, who works as the lead tailor in a factory which creates high-end fashion designs; Roberto who, after years of unemployment has just managed to land a prestigious job with a councilor, Franco, and is in the process of learning the ropes; Ciro, who, at first glance, appears to be a kindly, middle-aged building manager who looks after the welfare of families on the estate; then there are Marco and Ciro, two bored teenagers who spend their days imitating Al Pacino in "Scarface" and getting into trouble. However, before the final percussive strains of the film's minimalist soundtrack play out over some devastatingly well-placed captions which detail the current reach of contemporary organised crime, the comparisons between the corrupt old testament city-state and the contemporary housing estate will have been made explicit in the most visceral way possible and the viewer will observe just how corruption and criminality insinuates its way into virtually every level of Neapolitan society (as well as every one of the previously mentioned characters' lives).
The lexicon of modern cinema has inculcated contemporary audiences with a fascination of all things Mafiosi (or "Camorra" as the Neapolitan organisation is known). Cinematic short-hand has bombarded us with a fictionalized, glamourous world of sleek suits, pearl-handled revolvers and witty profanity. "Gomorrah", although a work of fiction, is not concerned with screen artifice or the rewards reaped by crime; it is explicitly concerned with those who have to live under the yoke and suffer the consequences of organised crime's insinuation into every level of private and public life.
If you want to see what a world ruled by Tony Soprano or Vito Corleone would really look like, then look no further. But believe me, its not pretty. And there is very little in the way of "honour" to be seen here.
Garrone eschews the grandiose operatic flourishes of a Scorsese or a Coppola and instead favours a laconic, naturalistic tone which resembles the Neo-Realism of Rossellini's, Open City. Many of the film's scenes have an almost improvised quality to them which only compounds the frighteningly realistic nature of the film. Garrone doesn't spoon-feed the plot or the relationships between the characters to you and, depending on how eagle-eyed you are, it may take you a fair deal of time to ascertain just 'what is what' and 'who is who to whom'. Make no bones about it - this is not a film to be watched whilst surfing the internet on your mobile phone; this is a film to which you must pay full attention.
An epic in every sense of the world and probably the best big-screen feature ever made about the Mafia/Camorra, I recommend it unreservedly.
It makes an ideal companion piece to Roberto Saviano's expose of the Neapolitan crime syndicates, which I haven't read, but which apparently provided the film's inspiration, as well as the more conventionally told, but similarly brilliant tale of the Milanese Mafia, Romanzo criminale / Crime Novel (Original Italian Version - with English Subtitles), and Ricky Tognazzi's chilling examination of a group of "sitting-duck" Police Bodyguards, La Scorta.
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I read Roberto Saviano's nonfiction expose on the Cammora crime syndicate and the Naples crime scene in general. Hearing about that a movie was being adapted I was interested to see how the film would take a very dense nonfiction work and turn it into film. Hence Gomorrah released by IFC- which thankfully started VOD distribution which is how I saw the film. The film as it is, is an unflinching portrayl of crime, like Gillo Pontecorvo's seminal Battle of Algiers or City of God shot on location, mixing actors and non-actors ( or in the case of some actors actual Camorra associates). It is not romantic or action packed. It is however good at mixing the facts of Saviano's book into largely fictionalized plotlines as it follows five stories from Don Ciro, a bagman who delivers money to family members of jailed criminals, to Franco a ruthless businessman who does whatever it takes to aquire land for companies to dump toxic waste. Outside of those theres Pasquale working at crafting counterfit clothes, one of the biggest jobs near the port of Naples. And then theres the story of youths Toto who's been initiated into a gang and Marco and Ciro, two wannabe gangsters who wave guns around angering actual gangsters. The story of the two kids was one of the more lasting stories of Saviano's book and smartly ends the film.
Like I said the major accomplisment of the movie is taking the facts of the book and portraying them onto film. The movie as it is isn't for those weened on Scarface or The Wire. Its more an uncompromising, realistic, depiction of crime and the effect it has on people. The actors are naturalistic and good with the standout being Toni Servilo as Franco. Mostly though the filmmakers and writers are the reason the movie works making an unromanticized crime film. They obviously wanted to respect Saviano's sacrifice and they've done so. If theres one thing to say against it most might not like the films tone. In its attempt to be as realistic as possible respecting their subject, not a whole lot happens in the film action wise which is why it has been called boring by some. The characters in my opinion and their journey from begining to end were interesting but thats me. Others might not like the film for that fact, something stressed by the films need for realism. Outside of that the film, and Saviano's book are an interesting combination in my opinon.
The film might not be for everyone but for those who want an unflinching view of crime this is the film to see, one that will be marked as a classic in the future in my opinion. I'm glad Criterion picked up the film for home release even though I have not seen the finished product. With them releasing it for home markets I'm sure the DVD will have a great mix of features that wouldn't be put on other releases. Can't wait to see it.
Now that I've seen the disc I have to say the picture is absolutely fantastic. I've never had a bad experience and Criterions release of this recent film is absolutely amazing in terms of audio/visual quality making me wonder how it would look on Blu-Ray in comparision. The extras are pretty good with a load of interviews. Interviews with Matteo Garrone and Toni Servillo are lengthy dialogues recorded especially for Criterion. Most of the other materials were ported from other editions of the movie. Theres an hour long making of documentary, deleted scenes, interviews with Servillo and several other actors and best of all a nearly hour long interview with Author Roberto Saviano who imparts a lot of information from his book. While the movie covered topics Saviano seeks to cover a lot of facts and for anyone who hasn't read his book its an interesting segment. If you're a fan of the movie Criterion definitely delivered the version to own whether it be in Standard or Blu.
Like I said the major accomplisment of the movie is taking the facts of the book and portraying them onto film. The movie as it is isn't for those weened on Scarface or The Wire. Its more an uncompromising, realistic, depiction of crime and the effect it has on people. The actors are naturalistic and good with the standout being Toni Servilo as Franco. Mostly though the filmmakers and writers are the reason the movie works making an unromanticized crime film. They obviously wanted to respect Saviano's sacrifice and they've done so. If theres one thing to say against it most might not like the films tone. In its attempt to be as realistic as possible respecting their subject, not a whole lot happens in the film action wise which is why it has been called boring by some. The characters in my opinion and their journey from begining to end were interesting but thats me. Others might not like the film for that fact, something stressed by the films need for realism. Outside of that the film, and Saviano's book are an interesting combination in my opinon.
The film might not be for everyone but for those who want an unflinching view of crime this is the film to see, one that will be marked as a classic in the future in my opinion. I'm glad Criterion picked up the film for home release even though I have not seen the finished product. With them releasing it for home markets I'm sure the DVD will have a great mix of features that wouldn't be put on other releases. Can't wait to see it.
Now that I've seen the disc I have to say the picture is absolutely fantastic. I've never had a bad experience and Criterions release of this recent film is absolutely amazing in terms of audio/visual quality making me wonder how it would look on Blu-Ray in comparision. The extras are pretty good with a load of interviews. Interviews with Matteo Garrone and Toni Servillo are lengthy dialogues recorded especially for Criterion. Most of the other materials were ported from other editions of the movie. Theres an hour long making of documentary, deleted scenes, interviews with Servillo and several other actors and best of all a nearly hour long interview with Author Roberto Saviano who imparts a lot of information from his book. While the movie covered topics Saviano seeks to cover a lot of facts and for anyone who hasn't read his book its an interesting segment. If you're a fan of the movie Criterion definitely delivered the version to own whether it be in Standard or Blu.
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
The polished portrayal and slight glorification of the workings of the criminal underworld has been dramatized in movies such as "The Godfather" and in the hit HBO smash "The Sopranos". Director Matteo Garrone's "Gomorrah" is a film based on the novel by Roberto Saviano that identifies events very similar to historical ones compared to the Scampia feud. This Italian crime saga attempts to dispense of the lure of glory, riches and power by presenting an undaunted look at the inner dealings of the Camorra crime organization.
The film is a collection of intertwining tales of the different people from different walks of life. The lives of a grocery delivery boy who wants to get a taste of criminal life, a tailor who has connections with the criminal underworld, two cocky teenagers who dream of becoming crime lords, two working business men who make their profit in dumping toxic waste and a man who distributes cash; all these people struggle to make ends meet all the while being influenced by the mob whether directly or indirectly. They try to make their reputation and money under the shadow of the Camorra.
Matteo Garrone's film may hold some similarities to the crime epic "City of God" with the manner he shoots his film. The film's look and atmosphere exude that very realistic and gritty feel that sidesteps the polished look that mainstream audiences have gotten used to over the years. The film's focused is five intertwined stories that exposes different corrupting and seductive elements that can affect the young naďve mind. The film is a powerful look on the destructive effects of the corrupt, the greedy and the callous activities encouraged by this criminal network.
The film goes into the beginnings of a criminal in the personas of the two teenagers, Marco and Ciro (Marco Macor and Ciro Petrone) and Toto (Salvatore Abruzzese), the 13-year old delivery boy who gets a taste of the lifestyle; while one ending abruptly and the other showing its advancements. The tailor, Pasquale (Salvatore Cantalupo) and the cash dealer, Don Ciro (Gianfelice Imparato) are timid individuals who many may say that they are `stuck' with their situation. Roberto (Carmine Paternoster) is young man who works for Franco (Tony Servillo) who dumps illegal waste on unused patches of land for the sake of making huge amounts of profit. Garrone brings his observational perspective in his fragmented style filmmaking that just brings his viewers into the world of the mob in the beginning, the present and the future of its many dealings. It is a bleak and unflinching vision as to what the Camorra has done to Italy that threatens to wring every cent off its citizens.
The film's dialogue is accompanied by the use of incredible close-ups to bring the film's emotions right into the face of the viewer. I thought this was a very clever move for Garrone to bring us into the depths of conversations that gives the viewer a feeling of `being there'. The film starts off on a high note with a mob hit then it takes a slower pace as we see Marco and Ciro imitating "Scarface", Don Ciro going about his daily routine and so forth. The film is a little bit of a slow burn, the energy slowly exudes from its slow build up and lets the scenes come about naturally. "Gomorrah" is very realistic so expect no polished use of colors, style and elaborate visual manipulation, the film is as straight-forward as it can be with its portrayal. The film has a fair share of violence and the more I thought about it, it may not be as disturbing as to how the violence is all connected under one strong inevitable force of nature.
The performances in the film are very good. Marco Macor and Ciro Petrone almost takes the show as they represent the raw stupidity fueled by sheer cockiness that turns them into outcasts of society. They are power hungry (they want to be Tony Montana) and mad for blood, as they wish to make their reputation. Toto (played by Abruzzese) gets a taste of mob life through his own set of rules, not by making waves but through obedience and respect; the young actor manages to bring forth a likeable yet so disturbing personality in the film's script. The recent under-grad , Roberto (played by Paternoster) represents something unnerving as even sensible, level-headed individuals can be dragged into illegal activities when the situation presents itself. Much as the film goes into the other dealings of the Camorra, I thought the manner with which Garrone brings the `youthful' perspective into play is the film's main strength; the young people are after all, any nation's future.
"Gomorrah" sidesteps any glamorization of the criminal underworld and unrelentingly paints a very real `truth'. The film is a powerful anti-mob movie, and while it does take some inspiration from glamorous Hollywood mob films such as "Scarface" and "Good Fellas", it educates us with its raw unflinching message. It doesn't give us a reason to see `crime' as something necessary or a lifestyle, but provokes a thought and a reaction with the bleakness of its premise. It paints a painful reality that when Garrone closes his film, I was awed with the fact that these intertwined stories were touched upon by truth. The film is a gut-wrenching crime drama that packs a lot of visceral punch. Garrone makes it even more powerful with its realistic natural-looking visuals that almost looks like a documentary. Compelling, haunting and brutally realistic, Matteo Garrone's "Gomorrah" nicely blends brutal violence, melodrama and art house sensibilities that it earns a highly recommended rating from me.
Highly Recommended! [4+ Stars]
Criterion boasts of a very nice if grainy 2.35 ratio anamorphic widescreen that was shot intentionally to look a little dirty to capture a realistic feel. The 5.1 Dolby Digital Italian track is very powerful as it captures the gunfire and the noises of water very nicely. Subtitles are excellent.
The film is a collection of intertwining tales of the different people from different walks of life. The lives of a grocery delivery boy who wants to get a taste of criminal life, a tailor who has connections with the criminal underworld, two cocky teenagers who dream of becoming crime lords, two working business men who make their profit in dumping toxic waste and a man who distributes cash; all these people struggle to make ends meet all the while being influenced by the mob whether directly or indirectly. They try to make their reputation and money under the shadow of the Camorra.
Matteo Garrone's film may hold some similarities to the crime epic "City of God" with the manner he shoots his film. The film's look and atmosphere exude that very realistic and gritty feel that sidesteps the polished look that mainstream audiences have gotten used to over the years. The film's focused is five intertwined stories that exposes different corrupting and seductive elements that can affect the young naďve mind. The film is a powerful look on the destructive effects of the corrupt, the greedy and the callous activities encouraged by this criminal network.
The film goes into the beginnings of a criminal in the personas of the two teenagers, Marco and Ciro (Marco Macor and Ciro Petrone) and Toto (Salvatore Abruzzese), the 13-year old delivery boy who gets a taste of the lifestyle; while one ending abruptly and the other showing its advancements. The tailor, Pasquale (Salvatore Cantalupo) and the cash dealer, Don Ciro (Gianfelice Imparato) are timid individuals who many may say that they are `stuck' with their situation. Roberto (Carmine Paternoster) is young man who works for Franco (Tony Servillo) who dumps illegal waste on unused patches of land for the sake of making huge amounts of profit. Garrone brings his observational perspective in his fragmented style filmmaking that just brings his viewers into the world of the mob in the beginning, the present and the future of its many dealings. It is a bleak and unflinching vision as to what the Camorra has done to Italy that threatens to wring every cent off its citizens.
The film's dialogue is accompanied by the use of incredible close-ups to bring the film's emotions right into the face of the viewer. I thought this was a very clever move for Garrone to bring us into the depths of conversations that gives the viewer a feeling of `being there'. The film starts off on a high note with a mob hit then it takes a slower pace as we see Marco and Ciro imitating "Scarface", Don Ciro going about his daily routine and so forth. The film is a little bit of a slow burn, the energy slowly exudes from its slow build up and lets the scenes come about naturally. "Gomorrah" is very realistic so expect no polished use of colors, style and elaborate visual manipulation, the film is as straight-forward as it can be with its portrayal. The film has a fair share of violence and the more I thought about it, it may not be as disturbing as to how the violence is all connected under one strong inevitable force of nature.
The performances in the film are very good. Marco Macor and Ciro Petrone almost takes the show as they represent the raw stupidity fueled by sheer cockiness that turns them into outcasts of society. They are power hungry (they want to be Tony Montana) and mad for blood, as they wish to make their reputation. Toto (played by Abruzzese) gets a taste of mob life through his own set of rules, not by making waves but through obedience and respect; the young actor manages to bring forth a likeable yet so disturbing personality in the film's script. The recent under-grad , Roberto (played by Paternoster) represents something unnerving as even sensible, level-headed individuals can be dragged into illegal activities when the situation presents itself. Much as the film goes into the other dealings of the Camorra, I thought the manner with which Garrone brings the `youthful' perspective into play is the film's main strength; the young people are after all, any nation's future.
"Gomorrah" sidesteps any glamorization of the criminal underworld and unrelentingly paints a very real `truth'. The film is a powerful anti-mob movie, and while it does take some inspiration from glamorous Hollywood mob films such as "Scarface" and "Good Fellas", it educates us with its raw unflinching message. It doesn't give us a reason to see `crime' as something necessary or a lifestyle, but provokes a thought and a reaction with the bleakness of its premise. It paints a painful reality that when Garrone closes his film, I was awed with the fact that these intertwined stories were touched upon by truth. The film is a gut-wrenching crime drama that packs a lot of visceral punch. Garrone makes it even more powerful with its realistic natural-looking visuals that almost looks like a documentary. Compelling, haunting and brutally realistic, Matteo Garrone's "Gomorrah" nicely blends brutal violence, melodrama and art house sensibilities that it earns a highly recommended rating from me.
Highly Recommended! [4+ Stars]
Criterion boasts of a very nice if grainy 2.35 ratio anamorphic widescreen that was shot intentionally to look a little dirty to capture a realistic feel. The 5.1 Dolby Digital Italian track is very powerful as it captures the gunfire and the noises of water very nicely. Subtitles are excellent.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
good book wife loves it
ordered for wife saw it advertised in one of her oggi magazines so i looked on amazon and ordered it in the italian version since she is from the area where it takes place. Read more
Published 10 days ago by ron louvier
3.0 out of 5 stars
Well made but it simply didn't grab me, and it was rather boring!
In general there is nothing wrong with this film at all. Its extremely well made in a very documentary style that literally feels like real events being captured on film. Read more
Published 14 days ago by Natja Kristy
3.0 out of 5 stars
TOO SHATTERED WORK.
ALTHOUGH TRULY SHOCKING, BUT NOT EASY TO GET THE MAIN POINT. NO WONDER IT WASN'T OSCAR-NOMINATED. WELL. I STILL THINK MANY PEOPLE WILL FIND IT ATTRACTIVE.
Published 3 months ago by HAN XIAO
4.0 out of 5 stars
did not meet high expectations
Although this product was of good quality, it did not deliver on what I thought could have been a great italian mafia movie.
Published 4 months ago by hjavier
5.0 out of 5 stars
WOW
Better than the Godfather but set in modern times. This movie gives an excellent inside look at what the "mafia" is and has been in Italy and what it has turned into here in the... Read more
Published 7 months ago by Biker Bob
5.0 out of 5 stars
Inner-City Blues...
~~~
The awkward issue concerning this film is the fact of its media advertising presentation.
It's presented and sold as a `mafia' picture because certainly in America... Read more
The awkward issue concerning this film is the fact of its media advertising presentation.
It's presented and sold as a `mafia' picture because certainly in America... Read more
Published 8 months ago by Sébastien Melmoth
3.0 out of 5 stars
Too Many Stories Told At Once!
I purchased Gomorrah on a blind buy, hearing something about it, and its praise of the mob in Naples. Read more
Published 9 months ago by John
4.0 out of 5 stars
Nowhere to Escape
Golden Globe-nominated Italian film "Gomorra" (2008) is a detailed and realistic look at the lives and activities of those involved in Camorra, the Naples crime syndicate. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Tsuyoshi
5.0 out of 5 stars
The real world!
One of the most realistic crime films made. The interview with the writer of the book was especially interesting and at the same time, frightening.
Published 9 months ago by D. Vick
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fingers in like talons...
Tapestry films are really a dime a dozen these days. There was a time when it felt like they were few and far in-between and so the luxury of an excellent one was a rare treat. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Andrew Ellington
