Black Souls

A lot is played on atmosphere and stylization. The play of light and darkness, or perhaps even the absence of light, is immediately apparent, as is the color filtering, which adds dark shades to the film. Unfortunately, plot-wise I didn't find the film all that interesting and just looking at how beautiful and interesting the images are doesn't seem that essential in a mafia film. I would have appreciated a better plot. (10/27/2016)

I was expecting a gloomy Italian gangster movie and I got a boring family drama based in the human-wise pretty disgusting Calabria, which is however being elevated by the camera. If it wasn’t for the ending which at least created an impression that something was happening in the movie at all, I would probably go for an even worse rating. (09/27/2018)

Films from the world of organized crime (I intentionally don't use the term mafia films or gangster films because Munzi definitely didn't make an attempt at this genre; he was essentially focused on a family drama set in the environment of the Calabrian 'Ndrangheta) are usually made in three ways. The first involves gunfire and explosions, the second involves a lot of talking and scheming, and the third is dominated by gloomy silent faces and long meaningful glances. Black Souls falls into the third category, which in and of itself wouldn't be a serious problem. I know of a number of films filled with several-minute shots of men walking down the street or performing mundane tasks, and yet while watching them, you're on the edge of your seat, holding your breath with excitement. It's because these films have atmosphere and know how to work with tension. However, Munzi doesn't know how to draw the viewer into his world, nor make the setting more appealing or create interest in the characters. He avoids any elements that would bring him closer to popular culture and directs his offer toward the festival environment and club scene. His film is slow, which, I repeat, is not a problem in and of itself. The problem is that it falls into the category of boring or not entertaining. What he unfolds can now be seen in any episode of HBO or Netflix series productions, and they know how to sell it in a much more attractive package full of ideas and interesting scenes, without giving up on artistic ambitions. Overall impression: 45%. (04/26/2020)