Blu-ray Review – Weapons of Death (1977)

      Weapons of Death, 1977.

      Directed by Mario Caiano.

      Featuring Leonard Mann, Henry Silva, Ida Galli, Jeff Blynn, Massimo Deda, Tino Bianchi, and Kirsten Gille.

      SYNOPSIS:

      A police commissioner seeks to bring a gangster to justice as the kingpin's escalating crimes turn even his own criminal associates against him. In 1970s Naples, crime is rampant, and tenacious detective Belli (Leonard Mann) is struggling to maintain order with his limited team of officers. Matters worsen when the ruthless crime lord Santoro (Henry Silva) arrives to dominate the underground and push the police to their breaking point. Santoro orchestrates a series of bank heists that result in the deaths of both officers and civilians, and as he answers to Mafia boss Don Alfredo (Tino Bianchi) for protection, Belli finds himself with few options without bending the rules.

      In every film genre, there’s often that one title that mixes various elements in hopes that most will resonate, and in the realm of the poliziotteschi crime thriller, that title is Weapons of Death. Directed by Mario Caiano, known for a diverse range of films including Nightmare Castle, Nazi Love Camp 27, The Dragon Strikes Back, and Violent Milan, Weapons of Death adheres to the Euro-crime formula of merciless criminals against steadfast cops, set against a backdrop of bleak social commentary. But amid the violent confrontations and car chases, Caiano infuses some warmth into the plot with the introduction of a child sidekick. While Gennarino (Massimo Deda) may not be a standout character, he does provide some emotional depth to an otherwise cold film that might feel as icy as Henry Silva's chilling gaze without him.

      Silva remains the centerpiece, though his time onscreen feels insufficient. His fashion choices even elevate his charm in this film. Despite Gennarino's presence—who primarily helps Belli yet remains a street urchin not entirely free from trouble—this film is anything but soft; Silva’s captivating yet menacing demeanor overshadows every scene he occupies, and even a few he doesn’t.

      However, even with all the action, engaging dialogue, and character development, Weapons of Death doesn’t break new ground within the genre, which contributes to its generic feel. The interactions between Belli and Gennarino provide necessary pauses between action, with Gennarino having his own subplot that culminates effectively. Certain plot details seem to disregard common sense—like one of Belli’s men moonlighting as a taxi driver, resulting in hijinks as he takes unwitting passengers while chasing suspects—but this feels like flimsy embellishment atop the violence and chaos.

      Nevertheless, Weapons of Death proves to be an enjoyable watch for those who prioritize entertainment over plot intricacies and prefer to see villains receive their due (as well as some innocent victims). The film opens with a bank heist where a pregnant woman is kicked in the stomach, serving as a visual metaphor for the relentless, violent, and brutal nature of the film. Still, it also features Henry Silva, a catchy funk soundtrack, and a child commandeering a sports car, offering something for everyone, even if not everything appeals to all viewers.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★

      Chris Ward