IMDb RATING
7.6/10
355
YOUR RATING
Montalbano must solve a murder case before the New Year's end dinner.Montalbano must solve a murder case before the New Year's end dinner.Montalbano must solve a murder case before the New Year's end dinner.
Photos
Carmelinda Gentile
- Beatrice Di Leo
- (as Carmela Gentile)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThis episode's featured breasts belong to Stefania Pagnozzi.
Featured review
Tragedy or murder?
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
'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
helpful•10
- TheLittleSongbird
- Oct 12, 2017
Details
- Runtime1 hour 34 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.78 : 1
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