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Synopsis
Set against the gritty backdrop of Milan in 1967, The Ruthless delves into the tumultuous life of Santo Russo, a boy of Calabrian descent who moves north with his family in search of a better life. However, a series of unfortunate events land him in prison, where he receives an education of a different kind—one steeped in the harsh realities of crime and survival. As the narrative unfolds, we witness Santo's transformation from a naive youth into a hardened criminal mastermind, navigating a dangerous world alongside his loyal friends, Slim and Mario. Their journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of power and wealth, leading them down a dark path filled with robberies, kidnappings, and the seedy underbelly of heroin smuggling.
The film artfully explores themes of ambition, loyalty, and the moral dilemmas that arise in the pursuit of the so-called Italian Dream. Santo's character embodies the struggle between familial loyalty and the seductive allure of crime, making for a compelling study of how circumstances can shape one's destiny. With its raw portrayal of the criminal underworld and the emotional toll it takes on its characters, The Ruthless offers a gripping, if not unsettling, examination of ambition and the lengths one will go to escape their past. Balancing moments of brutal reality with the camaraderie of friendship, this 2019 crime drama invites viewers to reflect on the choices that can lead to both success and ruin.