THE CYNIC, THE RAT AND THE FIST

Cinemavixion Review

Umberto Lenzi's "The Cynic, the Rat and the Fist" (1977) is a prime example of the Italian poliziottesco genre, delivering a gritty and relentless crime thriller. Starring Maurizio Merli as Inspector Tanzi, the film plunges into a brutal cat-and-mouse game after Tanzi is left for dead by the associates of a gangster he once incarcerated. The plot, as detailed in the external data, sees Tanzi defying orders to hide and instead embarking on a personal vendetta to bring the escaped gangster, Luigi Maietto, to justice. Merli embodies the archetypal tough, incorruptible cop, a role he perfected throughout his career. The narrative, enriched by the contributions of writers like Ernesto Gastaldi, maintains a brisk pace, characteristic of Lenzi's directorial style. While the external data notes a 6.7 IMDb rating, the film's enduring appeal lies in its raw energy and unflinching portrayal of urban crime and police procedural grit, making it a compelling watch for fans of 70s crime cinema.