La piovra (1984–2001) User Reviews

fast moving all the way

[dannycboon · 8/10 · 11 November 2001]

10 hours seems to be a long run but after 5 minutes you immideately get sucked into a story about justice,loyalty,blackmail,romance,betrayel and murder it's fast moving all the way. Everything is just excellent from production values to the music and most important the great acting especially from Michele Placido as Cattani Patricia Millardet as Judge conti, Simona cavalari as esther but the finest of all is Remo Girone as Tano Carridi his performance is absolutely over the top the character Tano is one of the most fascinating evil persons i have ever seen

a little bit about the story cattini has arrested a man who has killed the owner of a casino but the suspect refuus to speak to the police during the investigation he get's help from a female Judge sivia conti meanwhile the maffia has given Tano the manager of a great bank a whole lot of money to invest for them together with a corrupt senator and and an allknowing man called Espinosa he is going to make big plans and everybody who's crossing there way get's doomed or death

you don't have to see the first 3 part the understand the movie and even if you know how it's gonna end it's still worth another view!

simply the best

[Ucurian · 9/10 · 12 June 2002]

La Piovra is simply the best film about the mob. I'm very sad, that only the seasons 1-7 had been shown in German TV. I can't understand, that there is no way to buy it on DVD or on VHS. The series was a big success and I know a lot of people who have watched every repeat of the seasons 1-7, like myself. Only the 6. Season is a little worse than the other ones. The pace is fantastic, even it is a TV-series. The cast and acting is great. Not only fantastic Italian actors had been casted, but a lot of great European actors join the series too, like Bruno Craemer, Rolf Hoppe, Mario Adorf. Now, in 2005 in Germany the first three seasons a released on DVD (German dubbed and Italian) and, as I read in the net, they startet on DVD in Portugal, France and Sweden. In the Netherlands you got the first four seasons in Italian with dutch subtitels. I hope, that this will bring more people to the series.

the battle goes on

[dannycboon · 8/10 · 8 May 2002]

After corrado cattani is murdered maffia think they have won but they are wrong. Corrado's last girlfriend judge Silvia conti and ex policeman Davide licata won't let them.

The Battle goes on

this is the first episode without Michele Placido as the charismatic investigator and when this series first came out people were missing him,but without him this still is an excellent tvmovie

vittorio mezzogiornio is our new hero an italien ex cop living in new york and then going back to sicily to find the man responsible for the slaugter of his unit. Mezzogiorno is a good replacement for Placido not a broken man but a no-nonsense cop

out real hero of course is Patricia millardet as female judge Silvia Conti Corrado's last loved one she promise to find them all that's not only the assasins and those who ordered to kill but also those responsible of the dead of other innocent people

while Mezzogiornio and Millardet are the lead actors most credit goes out for Remo Girone as Tano carridi a brilliant played evil insaint character that in someways doesn't look that evil. Girone plays Tano in a way not even an american actor has played a bad guy.

La piovra 5 is as good as the first 4 parts it's another story of vengeance, betrayal, loyalty, corruption and death.

One of the best series ever, and not just about the mob.

[suceveanu_eugen · 10/10 · 14 June 2004]

First of all, this series has the best music ever seen in film. Ennio Morricone in my mind has the stature of a Beethoven or Bach or Wagner.. really he's that good, and his music will last that long.

Now that this is out of the way .. to have a series that lives up to Ennio's music is really a miracle.

If you think about it, TV has always been a "second hand" medium when it comes to quality. Well, as TV series go .. this doesn't feel like a TV series.

Even if it's long, and the whole series has two or three arcs over 7 seasons, it's not diluted at all. It's focused from beginning to end so you only grow more attached to the characters, you invest more and more emotion in it. It's like the best tragic movie you can think of, tweaked at 75% intensity, but with incredible peaks of emotion, and keyed to the most beautiful music on earth.

Think about the countless hours you've spent watching garbage in front of the TV, and try to get this series and watch it, as revenge. :)

I can't see anything better being made on TV.

One of the TOPS

[maumaz · 30 June 2003]

I consider "La Piovra" as a movie (despite of being it TV-series) equal to such masterpieces as "Godfather" by Copolla or "Once Upon A Time in America" by Leone. It seems that only italians may create really impressive and realistic movies about mafia. There must be something in the blood ;-)

If you are looking for the intelligent script, impressive pace and atmosphere, real characters from the blood and flesh, perfect acting - you will like "La Piovra". There is not much action but there is a lot of life. And death.

One of the best TV series ever.

[armans15 · 10/10 · 30 January 2007]

La Piovra, or SPRUT in Russian, the version that I saw as a boy in early nineties is nothing short of a masterpiece. American audiences are all over the Sopranos, a good series in its own right, but that is because they did not experience La Piovra.

The story of the series at first follows Commissar Cattani and his relentless fight against the Italian mafia and the corrupt bureaucracy. Every episode is full of smart dialogs, rich characters, suspenseful plot,and action. The newer episodes follow the work of a new commissar (I don't want to give away why this happens, watch it and you will see), who just like his predecessor selflessly fights the mob.

The series is mostly shot in Italy and later on in Czech Republic I believe, so scenery does change.

Fortunately for me the local Los Angeles Armenian mom and pop video stores carry the Russian language VHS tapes of the complete series as it was shown in the early nineties, all I need now is a summer holiday to re watch the whole series, it is absolutely worth it.

Exceptionally good as far as I can remember

[marcin_kukuczka · 8/10 · 9 August 2006]

Since the best film about mafia theme has always been Francis Ford Coppola's masterpiece trilogy THE GODFATHER, a lot of people skip this one. LA PIOVRA, appearing also under the English title of THE OCTOPUS, deals with Comissario Corrado Cattani's attempts against mafia in its heart land, the island of Sicily. Moreover, it develops Cattani's private life in a very interesting way: it focuses on how he and his family have to cope with suffering due to the very specific job he does against the mob. I remember seeing the mini series as a young boy and although I have not seen this since then, a lot remained in my memory. The reason is simple: the mini series stands out as one of the best and most unforgettable action films.

The most outstanding actor among the cast is, in my opinion, Michele Placido. He does a great job in the main role as Cattani, a man who copes with huge difficulties in the exceptionally cruel reality. Although he sacrifices everything, his struggles seem endless... Whenever I see him in any film, he always reminds me of this role. Other cast include not very famous people whose performances I cannot evaluate easily since I saw the film a long time ago.

Besides, throughout the series, there is a thrilling sense of suspicion. In this way, a viewer gets involved in the action. Sometimes, I felt the events so intensely that I could not wait for the following episode. All that happens looks very realistic and watching it meant for me feeling it. This is all intensified by the wonderful music by Ennio Morricone and Riz Ortolani, the best Italian film musicians.

Finally, the beautiful landscape of Sicily that can be found in a number of moments provides a viewer with authenticity of the story. Filmed in Trapani on the western coast of the island near Palermo, the movie is a great experience. When I was in Sicily a few years ago and walked in the narrow streets of its cities, the mini series was unintentionally in my mind's eyes.

Since I have seen this mini series many years ago, I cannot discuss cinematography or some details like the single performances or memorable moments. Yet, I felt compelled to entail my opinion on LA PIOVRA because it has its place in my dearest memories from my early teenage years. Generally speaking it is one of the best action films I have seen. Pity they don't show this on TV anymore. I'd really enjoy seeing it after all these years.

operatic miniseries

[neideparente · 10/10 · 25 May 2008]

This was the apex of La Piovra, an Italian miniseries that is unsurpassed. In its own way it is the Godfather in an operatic way. Its villains are over the top (Remo Girone has a great performance going overborad but within limits) as the heroes and heroines are above reproach (great performances also by Michele Placido and the judge). Even the beautiful pawn acted by Simona Cavallari is well done.Its ending is real, if a bad omen to the Piovras that followed ,that went into a sea of mediocrity. I learned Italian especially to understand this miniseries. It is a great pity that it is not on the net. If you like mystery and police stories this is for you. I have never seen a miniseries as good.

Moralistic loner inspector Cattani fights organised crime in Italy

[ingie_ekkie · 9/10 · 19 September 2004]

I saw the series on DVD; there are 4 series with the terrific Michele Placido in the lead as solitary and stubborn police inspector Corrado Cattani, who is determined to conquer the evil elements in Italy.

To start with, it's interesting to see the dramatic quality increase of the production. In the first series the sound and image quality is terrible, yet in the fourth everything seems to be at a higher level. More attention was paid to the cinematography, it looks more professional and there are more dramatic "tricks" than in the previous series. Even the actresses look more beautiful! Patricia Millardet plays the mature and strong judge Silvia Conti to work aside Cattani while Simona Cavallari plays the juvenile Esther Rasi who idolizes Cattani) Next to being a thriller, La Piovra is also convincing as a study of organised crime in Italy. The characters are well developed and the acting is fantastic. The basic plot line: inspector Cattani's eternal conflict of interests between his family life and his professional life, which sometimes leads to very dramatic scenes. He loves his family yet his urge to combat organised crime in his beloved country is equally strong. At various points he is "accused" of being a moralist. Actually he is one of the few that dares to makes a fist against the bunch of opportunists who seem to have infiltrated Italy's political and economic system at all possible levels... The tormented inspector fights different enemies; my favourite one is Tano Carridi (4th series, very well played by Remo Girone). He displays a great mix of villainy and sadness that almost makes you symphatise with him. A worthy opponent of Cattani! The great music by Ennio Morricone in the series also adds a lot to the atmosphere! I highly recommend this series.

A master criminal as bait

[dannycboon · 8/10 · 22 June 2005]

In this Piovra movie Davide Licata is shot down by a mafia killer he survives and after months of recovering he comes in contact with the anti mafia group Nucleo, Davide decides to work for them. his first mission; to find Tano carridi the master brain of the mafia wherever he is and bringing him to them. They want tano as Bait for the New Godfather but Tano isn't exactly what he used to be.

This one has a whole other concept than the other Piovra movies, its concentrating more on the Mafia KGB connection than the Politic intrigues we also getting to see a whole other Tano than we know, the relation with his sister Maria is one important parts of the story. unlike the other parts there is not really much violence, there is more threat than shooting. The Acting is Very Good again we get a wide variation of characters who aren't just good and bad but are just a human as you and me, Camera work Music it's al just fine the only thing weak here is the final which is a little bit to long, but like the rest of the series it's Great entertainment

Perfect a la Tarantino

[mrdonleone · 6/10 · 8 May 2019]

This series was really good. Entertaining and mildly predictable and to our standards nowadays, it still remains one of the best police series available and in any way comparable both to Les Vampires as to The Godfather. The acting in it also is very natural and I got some great life lessons out of it. Keep on rolling this way, Inspector Cattani! And what a great ending shot btw; no doubt Tarantino must have seen this one over and over again for the closure of his movie Deathproof.

Millardet is still excellent

[dannycboon · 8/10 · 21 February 2002]

When magistrate silvia conti returns to sicily to solve the murder of pentito Rosario granchio she has no idea of the local war going on between boss Nuzzo and a streetgang,meanwhille Savario Bronta Nuzzo's old friend also returns to sicily to take part in a great illegal operation.

this 7th part brings us back to the first two series as we go back to the town it all has began. Patricia Millardet is still excellent as Silvia Conti and except her and Florinda bolkan as Olga Camastra who we now from part 1 and 2 we all see new faces, only one person is missing Remo girone as Tano Carridi doesn't take part of this series for some this might be a disapointment. But despite his absence this is a great miniseries that is very different from the other parts, it shows more attention to how civiliens must deal with the maffia than the Maffia/Bussines/Politic connection

if you like good crime/maffia film this is one to check out

Suffering the consequences of pokémon

[mrdonleone · 6/10 · 6 December 2019]

La Piovra 2 suffers the consequences of those elements which made the first series so great: everybody dies or comes under lots of stress. Such Shakespearean theft only fits the Jewish Illuminati of Hollywood well... or should I say the Order of Itala aka the Piovra or Gomolla in Italy, Seracuse???

Salvation in Government alone

[xachikyan · 2/10 · 5 July 2017]

Back in late 1980's this movie was a hit in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe and other stupid countries where the population worship their government as god and for whom there's only protection in the government. It is also a popular movie in countries where only the government and criminals own guns, and the law-abiding citizens are not allowed to have guns, so they are fascinated with this whole intrigue and guns and shootings. The hero Corrado is is a Robin Hood type of government employee who things he should go and fix the world, and therefore since he's constantly under so much pressures, he ends up fornicating with every attractive or half-attractive female he meets, to kind of let off steam, to ease the pressure of his god-like job. It's good for those who like intrigue, titillation, but watching these series is basically a mental masturbation exercise. These series are popular in totalitarian states where individuals have no freedoms. It's not by chance that this series is popular in countries where people aren't allowed to own guns, only the government and criminals do, and where the government and a small group of people are the only two institutions that can do Mafia. The Soviet Union amazingly and understandably allowed this western movie series to play on their government sanctioned televisions so that people would be taught that there are scary people out there, and only the government can save them, therefore the government should always be in total control or else. What a perfect propaganda piece, the communists couldn't come up with this themselves. No wonder this series wasn't so successful in the free USA. Americans aren't as stupid and are not as enslaved as people in communist countries. Very disgusting movie.

One of the best TV series I've ever seen

[nstepanova · 10/10 · 29 August 2005]

I haven't seen this one in a while, but I do remember how this Italian show mesmerized an entire foreign country, and a huge one, too! Literally everyone who had a TV watched it, and those who didn't came over to their friends who did! One of the best TV series I've ever seen. The actors are good (Michele Placido is the lead actor for the first few seasons, I believe), the stories are incredible, very personal yet universal, there is so much real raw drama that you definitely need a box of tissues nearby! There is quite a bit of violence, not graphic, but it's a mafia series, so naturally, there are victims. Music is perhaps one of the best things about this series (I believe it's by Ennio Morricone)! I've been searching for its soundtrack desperately ever since I got Internet, so far without much success.

Best 80's TV series

[anonanon22 · 9/10 · 18 November 2010]

In terms of quality this is one of the best 80's series ever. The only one I would put above would be Brideshead Revisited, but they cannot be compared in terms of style and purpose. I was still a kid when this showed in Portugal, so I can't say I paid much attention to the plot, all I can remember was that Cattani was always trying to protect his family from the mob. But the actors were amazing, the music unforgettable to this day. Commissario Corrado Cattani is stuck in my memory for ever, as the symbol of gorgeous Italian cool. I definitely recommend it to everyone who is not familiar with this title to rent it or buy the DVD.

If you can only watch one in ten miniseries of La Piovra

[Artemis-9 · 9/10 · 20 April 2005]

This is the one to chose, if you can only watch one of the ten mini television series started from the public recognition of La Piovra outstanding quality. The first two series are so closely woven together, that you'd better watch them together. This can stand on its own, as the anti hero Corrado Cattani takes refuge from the mafia and the generally corrupt magistracy in a Franciscan monastery, only to be dragged into action, and love, again by a DEA agent. This seven part mini has a few good moments of action and gory death, like its predecessors, but its the slow rhythm of the story, the clever dialogue, what you'll learn about import-export trade, international banking, and reasons to be alive and successful - up to a point - that will get you forever. Some twenty years after seeing this on TV, I set two nights in a row reviving the images, and the dialogues, that had caught me unawares the first time, when I couldn't even tape it on VHS. I regret that (I believe) all DVD editions are so poor, with nothing but the nationally subtitled television screenings of the series, but at least you get pretty decent colour and sound - better than I had on my TV set then. Women do not play a big part in a story that is most about the mafia and the banks, and Italian machismo, but I beg you pay attention to every supporting actress in the minute they're given; they are all meaningful. The beautiful Maria Laforet and Giuliana De Sio are difficult to forget, and help explain why Italian men were killing each other so much... Even if you'll not be surprised with the criminal key to the film, I assure you'll be with its romantic conclusion. So, it's a nice series to watch in romantic company, too!

Magnificent Italian mini series, with depth, action, sensitivity and emotionality

[OnnoMvanSanten · 10/10 · 1 January 2007]

I first saw some of La Piovra when I lived in Holland. Then I bought the full series. You need a all region player. La Piovra consists of 4 series, each individually containing between 4 and around 12 parts. The subtitling is a good thing, you hear the language and the emotion played well by all the characters rather then have it distorted by voice over actors. The first two series are very much linked to each other and you must see both. Because the tragedies that play in the main character's life, you will get drawn in, and will want to see all the series.

The serious start in Sicily. Corrado Cattani (played by Michaele Placido) accepts a position as chief of police, after his predecessor is found murdered in his car. He starts an investigation after the murder, and while doing so, gets involved in the local scene. As part of his investigations, he gets involved with a local girl, the daughter of a countess who was found dead in her home. Put into the mix a local Mafia criminal who is crazy for the daughter of the countess, a lawyer who as part of the Mafia is never up to anything good and a police chief who works both unconventional and with a tenacity that is unmatched and you are in for a wonderful ride. A classic ride that is not matched by anything made in the last twenty years or so (hill street blues was good, but does not have the elegance and style that comes naturally to the Italians). All parts link up well, but you need to keep focused as there are many things going on at the same time.

If you like the Italian language, the way of life (not necessarily that of the Mafia influence, the country side and the culture, this is a treat.

Grand Opera!

[zeldafitgerald · 10/10 · 30 July 2009]

A brilliant crescendo/climax to the brilliant original 4-part series with Michele Placido's Corrado Cattani; full of betrayals, murder, love, loss, suicide and madness, no one lives happily ever after at the end of this, with the possible exception of the sinister Espinoza. The 6-part arc starts out slam-bang, with Cattani conducting a drug raid on a warehouse where street children are being held as runners for the Mafia, veers into the story of Salvatore Frolo, whose wife and small daughter years ago were supposedly murdered by the mob, and Frolo's revenge killing of the man he mistakenly believes was responsible for their deaths. It then plunges on to Cattani's quest to find Frolo's daughter who is still alive, and in the hands of the shadowy Il Pupare...sound complex? Running parallel to this, the story of Tano Cariddi's quest for power in the Antinari banking empire continues, with the marriage of Tano to Ester Rasi, daughter of a powerful banker who who is blackmailed into giving over his beloved child to Tano in a marriage of convenience that has tragic consequences for all. And from there, the series moves into high gear, with the beautiful Judge Silvia Conti becoming ever more deeply involved with Corrado, Tano's machinations becoming ever more complex and grandly corrupt, and the bullets flying and bodies falling at a rapid-fire pace. The climax in Episode 6 is virtually that of tragic opera, with the penultimate scene of Ester's hysterical confession of her betrayal to her husband-of-convenience Tano Cariddi, and his reaction to it--a terrific scene, and almost painful to watch; Remo Girone evokes great sympathy for the character of Tano throughout this series, whether it's deserved or no--and no fan of the series will ever be able to forget the final images of Corrado Cattani's ultimate fate. La Piovra 4 is better if you've already viewed the preceding three series, but it's not absolutely necessary; Part Four is mesmerizing and an exciting viewing experience even on stand-alone terms.

best crime series ever

[bellavita-cali · 10/10 · 3 December 2011]

I just had to re-watch the final scene (look in you tube Cattani vs Espinosa) of this masterpiece, that has a such an emotional script, it is so beautifully interpreted, and it is so realistic and actual.

Believe me or not, it was since it was originally aired on Italian TV I didn't watch it, so more than 12 years ago, still it was fresh in my mind.

This scene is the climax of all The Piovra series. This is how real power works. This is how every crime movie should be done.

Forget about spectacular shootings, unrealistic plots, bad villains or flawless heroes. Every character has nuances that the ability of actors render complex and humans. Cattani is the main character, Tano Cariddi is his main enemy, but to me the most intriguing has been Espinosa.

Season 3 takes off with a bang!

[emuir-1 · 5 December 2013]

The first season of La Piovra was fairly restrained in sets and locations as if it was not known if the series would be renewed; therefore, it took place mostly indoors in utilitarian offices and modest homes, relying on a good script and plot.

Season two followed the plot but with better locations, showing lovely hilltop villas in Umbria, small Silician coastal towns, the occasional northern Italian cities, and several Swiss locations. Once again, the plot was engrossing and required the viewer to pay attention as Inspector Corrado followed the money trail to uncover a conspiracy of important people and corrupt officials in banking, government, the military and industry conspiring with the Mafia to control every aspect of Italian life. Corrado's quest has cost him his family and he is out for vengeance.

By the time we reach Season 3, which continues with the same characters left alive after the first two seasons, but with most of the loose ends of the first two seasons tied off, the series really kicks into gear with some very high production values. Money is obviously being spent by now. Almost all the first episode takes place in the large northern city of Milan with some superb street scenes, a car chase and a stand off at the railway terminal. there is also a train journey to Switzerland. As one who has never visited Italy and has impressions of a succession of small medieaval towns with Roman ruins basking in the sun, seeing a large modern city with a cold winter climate was very enlightening. Once again, the conspiracy deepens and spreads further and further beyond Italy. When you have a series on DVD and put on the first disc in the evening and don't stop until the cock crows next morning, you know you have hit a winner.

10 Seasons not 10 Episodes

[ekelks-2 · 7/10 · 11 August 2019]

There are 10 seasons of this series. There are 6 episodes in season 1. Six in season 2. Seven in season 3. No editors, nothing. Sigh.

the struggle

[dannycboon · 8/10 · 3 February 2002]

La Piovra is more than a crime investigation series it's about the struggle of brave but also sad people for justice and freedom. the war on the mob has never been so great than in La Piovra here there are no real hero's or villains as in the hollywood movies every character is a normal person of flesh and blood in fact the give us a look in the mirror Corrado cattani is what everyone wishes to be he is out good side Tano Carridi is what we don't want to be but everybody has it's dark side and Tano is the best example for that haven't we all lie and manipulate. i've seen the show (episdos 1-7 ) a couple of times and the more i watch them the more i like them more and the more i understand it

hopefully i got to see the last episode (part10) very soon

new level, same story

[Vincentiu · 18 January 2013]

it is difficult to review a series who likes with life in so great measure. because the secret of "La piovra" success is the presence of roots for central character. so, his fight is not part of Don Quijote battle. feelings, sacrifice, existence as hunting without end,fake allies and lost of friends, solitude in a large cemetery and ideals as food for a special form of duty. far to be a silhouette, Cattani is a warrior in search of justice not as beautiful idea but as need of sense for each of his day. it is strange to write about a legendary film. but this way to present it is good for remember it. because it is a movie who speaks about ordinaries problems of its public. in a special manner.

Twin Towers in the most optimist series of The Octopus

[Artemis-9 · 9/10 · 28 January 2007]

After the determined police detective Cattani fell in the line of duty like so many police officers and magistrates who were not bending to the Italian Mafia and even more sinister powers above it, the Italians simply imposed the series producers to keep on the saga. For me, the fourth series will always be the best - and it's last sequence is forever engraved in my memory.

It was only this week-end I had the opportunity to watch the DVD release of the fifth series, and it was a surprise. For the first time, a magistrate uses international cooperation to get her hands on bigger fish than the southern Italian mafiosi. Long establishing shots, and even a couple of dialogues are conducted in outdoors scenarios with Manhattan and New York City as backgrounds, with particular emphasis on the Statue of Liberty, and the Twin Towers.

Episode 1 is «The American Operation» with good results for the law, but the power of the Mafia, and the Cupola above it soon re-start devastating the police force and even the criminals who, for family reasons, are wishing to cooperate with the law. Thus, episode 2 «The Evasion» shows how weak a prison is for a big criminal; episode 3 «The Ambush» is a bloody affair, and just one of several ambushes this particular series has, in the eternal cat-and-mouse game of law and crime; episode 4 «Kidnapped», has again a policeman's family used as bait to trap, and destroy him.

Only this time, the producers wanted to compensate a public of millions of viewers, and pampered them with a happy end, when (episode 5) «The Bomb» carefully prepared and planted in a busy railway station goes off - but in a way it does not provoke the carnage we have been reading about in real life newspapers. For once, the realistic series ends with a woman judge hugging the courageous cop and his young son - and they are alive.

At least until the next series, for to deal with organized crime and political corruption in Italy, and the world at large (the USA, Luxembourg, and unnamed African countries are exposed), we know that script writers don't have much space for optimism.