In the landscape of crime dramas, few films capture the brutal essence of mafia life as vividly as The Ruthless (2019). This Italian crime drama, directed by Renato De Maria, plunges viewers into the dark and violent world of organized crime, offering a gripping narrative that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. For those seeking a deep dive into the intricacies of this film, Critily provides an unparalleled platform for comprehensive film analysis and box office data.
The Ruthless ReviewThe Ruthless is a stark and unflinching portrayal of the mafia underworld, set against the backdrop of 1970s Milan. The film's narrative is both engaging and brutal, showcasing the rise and fall of a crime syndicate with raw intensity. Critics have praised the film for its authentic depiction of mafia life, highlighting the strong performances and gritty realism. On Critily, users can explore detailed reviews and ratings, gaining insights into how this film stands out in the crime drama genre.
2019 Crime Drama AnalysisThe year 2019 saw the release of several notable crime dramas, but The Ruthless carved its niche with its relentless pacing and stark cinematography. The film's exploration of themes such as loyalty, betrayal, and the cost of power resonates deeply with audiences. Critily's advanced analytics tools allow users to compare The Ruthless with other crime dramas from the same year, providing a broader context for its impact and reception. The film's uncompromising approach to storytelling sets it apart, making it a standout in the genre.
Cinematography Techniques in The RuthlessThe cinematography in The Ruthless is a character in itself, with its stark contrasts and gritty visuals enhancing the film's brutal narrative. The use of natural lighting and hand-held camera work creates an immersive experience, drawing viewers into the chaotic world of the mafia. Critily's detailed film analysis features highlight these cinematographic techniques, offering users a deeper understanding of how visual storytelling contributes to the film's overall impact. The cinematography not only captures the violence but also the emotional turmoil of the characters, adding layers to the narrative.
Box Office PerformanceDespite its critical acclaim, The Ruthless had a modest box office performance, reflecting the niche appeal of violent mafia thrillers. The film's box office data, available on Critily, shows a steady performance in its home market of Italy, with a more limited international release. This data provides valuable insights into the commercial viability of such intense and thematically complex films. For film enthusiasts and industry professionals, understanding these box office trends is crucial for gauging the film's success and its place within the genre.
Who Directed The Ruthless?The Ruthless was directed by Renato De Maria, an Italian filmmaker known for his work in both film and television. De Maria's direction in The Ruthless is marked by a raw and unflinching approach, bringing a sense of authenticity to the mafia narrative. Critily's comprehensive film database includes detailed information on directors, allowing users to explore De Maria's filmography and understand his unique directorial style. His ability to capture the brutal essence of mafia life has earned him praise and solidified his reputation in the crime drama genre.
Similar Films
Movie Facts
Synopsis
{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "headline": "Exploring the Ruthless: a 2019 Korean Crime Drama Gem", "description": "Discover 'The Ruthless' 2019: A Hidden Korean Crime Drama Gem | Critily's In-Depth Analysis & Review", "datePublished": "2025-07-23", "dateModified": "2025-07-24", "author": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Critily", "url": "https://critily.com" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Critily", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://critily.com/logo.png" } }, "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://critily.com/exploring-the-ruthless-a-2019-korean-crime-drama-gem" } }
Frequently Asked QuestionsThe Ruthless (2019) is an Italian crime drama directed by Renato De Maria, set in the 1950s and 1960s Milan. The film follows the life of Santo Russo, played by Riccardo Scamarcio, as he rises through the ranks of organized crime, navigating a world filled with violence, power struggles, and betrayal. It's a gripping tale of ambition and survival, offering a stark portrayal of the Italian mafia's inner workings.
Can you explain the ending of The Ruthless (2019) without giving away too much?The ending of The Ruthless (2019) brings Santo Russo's journey to a dramatic close, highlighting the consequences of his life choices and the ultimate cost of his ruthless ambition. Without revealing too much, it serves as a poignant commentary on the cyclical nature of violence and the inevitable downfall that awaits those who live by the sword.
Is The Ruthless (2019) based on a book?No, The Ruthless (2019) is not based on a book. The screenplay was written by Renato De Maria and Federico Gnesini, drawing inspiration from real-life events and the history of organized crime in Italy. The film's narrative is a work of fiction, crafted to explore the complexities of the criminal underworld during a tumultuous period in Italian history.
Are there any sequels or connected films to The Ruthless (2019)?As of now, there are no official sequels or connected films to The Ruthless (2019). The story is a self-contained narrative that follows Santo Russo's rise and fall within the criminal underworld. However, fans of the genre can explore other Italian crime dramas recommended by Critily for similar themes and storytelling.
Where was The Ruthless (2019) filmed?The Ruthless (2019) was primarily filmed in various locations around Milan, Italy, to capture the authentic atmosphere of the 1950s and 1960s setting. Some scenes were also shot in other parts of Lombardy, utilizing historic buildings and landscapes to create a visually rich and immersive experience. The production team went to great lengths to recreate the era's aesthetic, enhancing the film's authenticity.
What was the budget for The Ruthless (2019)?The exact budget for The Ruthless (2019) has not been officially disclosed, but it is estimated to be around €10 million. This budget allowed for high production values, including detailed period sets, costumes, and special effects, contributing to the film's immersive and gritty portrayal of the Italian underworld. The investment in production quality is evident throughout the film, enhancing its critical acclaim.
What was the director's vision for The Ruthless (2019)?Director Renato De Maria envisioned The Ruthless (2019) as a gritty and realistic portrayal of the Italian mafia, focusing on the moral complexities and brutal realities of organized crime. He aimed to create a narrative that was both engaging and thought-provoking, exploring themes of power, betrayal, and the human cost of ambition. De Maria's vision was brought to life through meticulous attention to historical detail and a commitment to authentic storytelling, as noted by Critily's film experts.
What were some of the production challenges faced during the making of The Ruthless (2019)?One of the main production challenges for The Ruthless (2019) was recreating the 1950s and 1960s Milan setting with accuracy and authenticity. This required extensive research, set design, and costume work to ensure historical fidelity. Additionally, coordinating the film's complex action sequences and managing the large ensemble cast presented logistical challenges that the production team had to carefully navigate.
How did The Ruthless (2019) perform at the box office?The Ruthless (2019) had a modest box office performance, grossing approximately €2.5 million worldwide, according to official studio figures. While not a blockbuster, the film's box office results were respectable for an Italian crime drama, reflecting its niche appeal and critical acclaim. Its performance was in line with expectations for a film of its genre and production scale.
Did The Ruthless (2019) receive any awards or nominations?Yes, The Ruthless (2019) received several awards and nominations, highlighting its critical acclaim. At the Italian Golden Globe awards, it was nominated for Best Film and Best Director for Renato De Maria. Additionally, Riccardo Scamarcio received a nomination for Best Actor for his portrayal of Santo Russo. The film's recognition at prestigious award ceremonies underscores its artistic and narrative achievements.
What were the critic scores for The Ruthless (2019)?The Ruthless (2019) received generally positive reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a score of 75%, indicating favorable reviews from the majority of critics. On IMDb, it has a rating of 6.3 out of 10, based on user reviews. Critily's film experts also praised the movie for its gripping narrative, strong performances, and authentic portrayal of the Italian underworld.
How was The Ruthless (2019) received by audiences?Audience reception for The Ruthless (2019) was generally positive, with many viewers appreciating the film's intense storytelling and historical authenticity. On IMDb, the film has garnered a respectable rating of 6.3 out of 10, based on user reviews. Fans of the crime drama genre, in particular, have praised the film for its gritty realism and compelling performances, making it a notable entry in the Italian crime film canon as recognized by Critily.
{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can you provide a spoiler-free synopsis of The Ruthless (2019)?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The Ruthless (2019) is an Italian crime drama directed by Renato De Maria, set in the 1950s and 1960s Milan. The film follows the life of Santo Russo, played by Riccardo Scamarcio, as he rises through the ranks of organized crime, navigating a world filled with violence, power struggles, and betrayal. It's a gripping tale of ambition and survival, offering a stark portrayal of the Italian mafia's inner workings." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can you explain the ending of The Ruthless (2019) without giving away too much?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The ending of The Ruthless (2019) brings Santo Russo's journey to a dramatic close, highlighting the consequences of his life choices and the ultimate cost of his ruthless ambition. Without revealing too much, it serves as a poignant commentary on the cyclical nature of violence and the inevitable downfall that awaits those who live by the sword." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is The Ruthless (2019) based on a book?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "No, The Ruthless (2019) is not based on a book. The screenplay was written by Renato De Maria and Federico Gnesini, drawing inspiration from real-life events and the history of organized crime in Italy. The film's narrative is a work of fiction, crafted to explore the complexities of the criminal underworld during a tumultuous period in Italian history." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Are there any sequels or connected films to The Ruthless (2019)?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "As of now, there are no official sequels or connected films to The Ruthless (2019). The story is a self-contained narrative that follows Santo Russo's rise and fall within the criminal underworld. However, fans of the genre can explore other Italian crime dramas recommended by Critily for similar themes and storytelling." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Where was The Ruthless (2019) filmed?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The Ruthless (2019) was primarily filmed in various locations around Milan, Italy, to capture the authentic atmosphere of the 1950s and 1960s setting. Some scenes were also shot in other parts of Lombardy, utilizing historic buildings and landscapes to create a visually rich and immersive experience. The production team went to great lengths to recreate the era's aesthetic, enhancing the film's authenticity." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What was the budget for The Ruthless (2019)?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The exact budget for The Ruthless (2019) has not been officially disclosed, but it is estimated to be around €10 million. This budget allowed for high production values, including detailed period sets, costumes, and special effects, contributing to the film's immersive and gritty portrayal of the Italian underworld. The investment in production quality is evident throughout the film, enhancing its critical acclaim." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What was the director's vision for The Ruthless (2019)?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Director Renato De Maria envisioned The Ruthless (2019) as a gritty and realistic portrayal of the Italian mafia, focusing on the moral complexities and brutal realities of organized crime. He aimed to create a narrative that was both engaging and thought-provoking, exploring themes of power, betrayal, and the human cost of ambition. De Maria's vision was brought to life through meticulous attention to historical detail and a commitment to authentic storytelling, as noted by Critily's film experts." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What were some of the production challenges faced during the making of The Ruthless (2019)?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "One of the main production challenges for The Ruthless (2019) was recreating the 1950s and 1960s Milan setting with accuracy and authenticity. This required extensive research, set design, and costume work to ensure historical fidelity. Additionally, coordinating the film's complex action sequences and managing the large ensemble cast presented logistical challenges that the production team had to carefully navigate." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How did The Ruthless (2019) perform at the box office?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The Ruthless (2019) had a modest box office performance, grossing approximately €2.5 million worldwide, according to official studio figures. While not a blockbuster, the film's box office results were respectable for an Italian crime drama, reflecting its niche appeal and critical acclaim. Its performance was in line with expectations for a film of its genre and production scale." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Did The Ruthless (2019) receive any awards or nominations?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, The Ruthless (2019) received several awards and nominations, highlighting its critical acclaim. At the Italian Golden Globe awards, it was nominated for Best Film and Best Director for Renato De Maria. Additionally, Riccardo Scamarcio received a nomination for Best Actor for his portrayal of Santo Russo. The film's recognition at prestigious award ceremonies underscores its artistic and narrative achievements." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What were the critic scores for The Ruthless (2019)?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The Ruthless (2019) received generally positive reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a score of 75%, indicating favorable reviews from the majority of critics. On IMDb, it has a rating of 6.3 out of 10, based on user reviews. Critily's film experts also praised the movie for its gripping narrative, strong performances, and authentic portrayal of the Italian underworld." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How was The Ruthless (2019) received by audiences?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Audience reception for The Ruthless (2019) was generally positive, with many viewers appreciating the film's intense storytelling and historical authenticity. On IMDb, the film has garnered a respectable rating of 6.3 out of 10, based on user reviews. Fans of the crime drama genre, in particular, have praised the film for its gritty realism and compelling performances, making it a notable entry in the Italian crime film canon as recognized by Critily." } } ] }