Detective Montalbano (TV Series) Rice Croquettes (2002) User Reviews

Some awkward moments for Mimi

[Tweekums · 8/10 · 6 April 2012]

When a couple are killed as their car plummets into a quarry it initially looks like a tragic accident; however certain things are suspicious; why are the dead woman's fingernails broken and is it more than a coincidence that their home was burgled on the same night that they died? It appears that the Albanians working on the property could have something to do with it, the chief of police certainly seems to think so although Montalbano isn't convinced. The dead woman once dated Montalbano's colleague Mimi, which leads to a couple of awkward situations between Mimi and his girlfriend Beba.

This series continue to entertain with is fine blend of an interesting murder mystery along with plenty of laughs. Luca Zingaretti continues to do a great job in the title role and Cesare Bocci does well as Mimi; while I had to feel sorry for his character it was funny how he kept putting his foot in it with Beba. It was nice to see Isabell Sollman return as Ingrid even though she had a relatively small role.

Tragedy or murder?

[TheLittleSongbird · 8/10 · 12 October 2017]

Love detective mystery dramas, particularly those from the UK and US ('Inspector Morse', 'A Touch of Frost', 'Foyle's War', 'Inspector George Gently', 'Midsomer Murders', 'Law and Order', 'Criminal Minds', 'Monk' and 'Murder She Wrote' for examples,, and non-English/American ones (i.e. The Swedish 'Wallander' and the Danish 'The Killing') also fascinate me.

'Inspector Montalbano' is one of the best and most entertaining examples. It is not easy breathing freshness into a well-worn genre but 'Inspector Montalbano' manages to do so with aplomb. Watching 'Inspector Montalbano' is like eating a delicious Italian meal that immensely satisfies and leaves you wanting more. There may be very familiar tropes, but in a way it's inevitable and doesn't detract from the enjoyment at all.

"Rice Croquettes" is not one of my favourite 'Inspector Montalbano' episodes but is still very good. For 'Inspector Montalbano' the story is pretty slight and there are a few awkward moments with Mimi.

One always expects 'Inspector Montalbano' to look good. As always with 'Inspector Montalbano', "The Sense of Touch" is beautifully shot and the scenery is stunning, making those who've never been to Italy want to book a holiday there as soon as possible and is a treat for anybody who loves all things Italian. The music is never over-bearing or low-key with a nice atmosphere and flavour, a lot of it is very cleverly used. The sound effects are remarkably authentic.

Writing is tightly structured and taut, with very funny to hilarious humour, nail-biting tension and involving and poignant human drama balanced beautifully. The subtitles are not hard to follow and the story, slightness aside, intrigues and is notable for giving Catarella a more substantial role to usual (which was great). As always, it suitably challenges the viewer while still being logical and cohesive.

Characters may be stereotypes but well-written ones, especially one of the most fascinating foreign detective mystery dramas titular characters there is to me and the scene-stealing Catarella (hilarious comic relief but more than that). The supporting characters intrigue too.

Acting is terrific, especially from Luca Zigaretti who is a treasure in the title role. Angelo Russo's comic timing is a refreshing and always perfectly timed joy and the supporting cast are strong. Katharina Bohm, Peppino Mazzotta and Cesare Bocci also give very well judged performances as does Isabell Sollman (although with not as much to do).

In summary, very good if slight. 8/10 Bethany Cox

Rather Slight Episode of the Detective Series

[l_rawjalaurence · 6/10 · 18 August 2014]

Compared to others in this excellent series, GLI ARANCINI DI MONTALBANO is rather slight. This time the focus of attention is on the double murder of an elderly financier and his much younger spouse, who fall into a deep pit in their car. The plot involves a disinherited son (Ludovico Caldarera), a car mechanic, plus cameos from other characters appearing in other episodes such as Don Balduccio Sinagra (Francesco Sineri), the local Mafia leader who expresses surprise when Montalbano (Luca Zıngaretti) comes to him for information. Set in and around the New Year, this episode includes several plots involving Mimi's (Cesare Bocci's) on-off relationship with latest flame Beba (Carmela Gentile), and Montalbano's decision about whether to spend the holiday in Sicily or in Paris with Livia (Katharina Böhm). Alberto Sironi's production illuminates the sense of community existing in Montalbano's town at this particular time of year - even though the police never give up in their pursuit of the murderer, they inhabit a fundamentally generous world. Agente Catarella (Angelo Russo), so often the butt of Montalbano's and Mimi's scorn, has a more substantial role here, and has the chance to participate in the festivities, suggesting that his fellow-officers do not despise him as much as they pretend to.