FilmCriticLalitRao
"Cadaveri Eccelenti" is an intelligent thriller which incites viewers to find out the truth about the motives behind some senseless killings.It does not give easy clues to viewers to ascertain the identity of the killer.This is why viewers are somewhat forced to guess till the very end about the real identity of the killer.Francesco Rosi has shot "Cadaveri Eccelenti" in a very formal manner in which it is hard to tell whether some influential people are behind the political killings or are they the brainchild of a lunatic who is determined to take revenge on judges who punished him for no fault ? The political milieu depicted in the film appears to be true as well as close to reality as one watches with interest how phones are tapped,conversations of key persons recorded and influential politicians rub shoulders with their business associates.The saddest thing about the film is its depiction of how an honest police man is defeated.It forms an integral part of a surprising end which might be a little disappointing for some. However,it can be accepted solely for being highly unpredictable.
christopher-underwood
Made in between, Lucky Luciano and the much acclaimed Christ Stopped at Eboli, this is a fabulous, very impressive tale of the power of corruption and paranoia. The wonderful Lino Ventura is spot on as the laconic detective investigating, first the assassination of judges and then to what lies behind. Not everyone is so keen, of course, and as the plot thickens we begin to join up the dots that represent, the church, the judiciary, the mafia and the government. Maybe its all the fault of the hippies and students or maybe the corrupted officials will inadvertently fan that flame. Measured, beautifully photographed and never too explicit, we journey with mr Ventura and just hope he is on the right track. Fantastic opening with long corridor and religious artefacts and mummies that wouldn't look amiss in a Luis Bunuel film leading us to the first brutal killing. Surely a candidate for best film opening ever.
Maziun
I rarely watch Italian movies. I just don't have the opportunity and time. I found this movie by friend's recommendation . I didn't expected much. Boy , was I wrong ! This is a movie about a detective that is trying to figure out who kills the judges.It's a great movie . There is a dark atmosphere , but not Hollywood dark atmosphere . It's more of an European pessimistic feeling that covers the whole movie . The mystery is very intriguing and engaging . The pacing is very good . Acting is good too. Not your usual Hollywood type of ending. The death scenes are actually very scary . The movie doesn't say anything original about corruption and politics , but it's still a great movie .I give it 8/10.
gridoon2018
There is no doubt that "Illustrious Corpses" is the work of a cinematic master. There are some scenes that can shock you or leave you absolutely breathless. And Pasqualino De Santis' cinematography is stunning. But the film is also snail-like in its pacing (when a character is walking up or down some stairs, the camera will stay on him every step of the way), a little too vague in the "hows and whys" of its conspiracy plot, and it also has an air of self-importance about it, as if it is the first movie to tell us that the System is powerful and corrupt from top to bottom. It is (the System), but the film is not (the first one to tell us that). If technique alone was enough, "Illustrious Corpses" would be a great movie. Now it's just an interesting one. **1/2 out of 4.
AD
