Alain Delon is a hit-man who decides he wants out of the mob and finds that they don't want to let him go. When his bosses decide to take him out the hit goes wrong and his wife and son are killed in a car explosion. Things get even more complicated when they try to kill him moments after laying his loved ones to rest. Okay action film has some spectacular action set pieces and some good performances. Unfortunately the film has a plot that is as old as the day is long and once we move away from the action the film becomes less interesting. Its not that its bad, its just that we've been here before any number of times and you can pretty much write the plot yourself. I'd say take a pass except the car chases are very well done and worth a look (on a slow night)

This film was shown on cable the other day in its English version. It probably would have been more rewarding in the Italian original, but that's how it came, and that's the way we had to watch it. The condition of the DVD was not the best one could have hoped for. It shows the transfer didn't go too well as the colors show a faded look.The main interest for this viewer was to catch Alain Delon as a criminal from Sicily now operating in more sophisticated locales. When we first meet Tony Arzenta, he is celebrating his young son's birthday. Little prepares him, or the viewer, for what fate has in store for him. Suffice it to say, Tony proves to be a formidable rival as the powerful big guys get after him without much success. The action relies on special car effects, that while exciting, don't add much to the story. There is enough blood as Tony, who proves to be a man to be reckoned with, is always a step ahead of the criminals that want to kill him.Duccio Tessari, a veteran Italian director of lesser known films was in command of this story that feels like a travelogue. It was shot in a lot of locations. The story of Tony Arzenta's rise and fall has its moments, but it has a dated feeling. Alain Delon does what he can to create the tension that is required for his character. He has been more effective with his other movies. Veteran Richard Conte appears as the boss of one side of criminals. Carla Gravina has a small pivotal role.To be seen as a curiosity with a lot of car chases.

Stylish, moody, innovative revenge-driven bloodbath. Also cheesy, of course, and sporadically very cheesy. It reminded me a lot of The Big Heat because it has the revenge plot set off by the exact same event, and the girl comes around to the good guy's side because of the same bad behavior by the bad guy. It's sad there's no Gloria Grahame but so fantastic that it's Alain Delon and not Glenn Ford. Could there be anyone as beautiful as Alain going around in a cashmere sweater and trenchcoat? Yet he's totally tough and icy cool. No one nowadays can touch him--though someone like Jude Law could try I guess. Hard for any girl to look good with him. The music was funky and perfect and there were several excellent car chases (and those aren't generally my cup of tea)--especially one willy nilly one in the woods. People also met their dooms in creative and bloody fashion, for instance in a junkyard cruncher. But beyond the cheese, the overall atmosphere was affecting and expertly pulled off. More creativity, excitement and freshness in that "forgotten" movie than most of what I've seen lately.

I have just finished watching a Japanese video version of this film (titled Big guns) and found it very entertaining. I would recommend this Franco/Italian made movie to any lovers of the Italian crime genre,why, well for a start the great cast of Euro-stars, apart from Alain Delon there's Marc Porel (Murder to the tune of 7 black notes/live like a cop die like a man), Anton diffring, Richard Conte, Carla Gravina and Erika Blanc. Also the way the movie was executed, a familiar story (of a mafia hitman who wants to retire) but shot and paced excellently. Of course- things don't go to well for the 'want-out' hitman (Delon) and finds himself with a personal vendetta on his hands.Great bloody shoot-outs, great car chases, sexy leading ladies (who also get ruffed-up) and a phat "Schiffrintastic" score sometimes reminiscent of 'Harry's creed'. The version I watched ran into 112 mins and was widescreen.If you get the chance, check this one out.