Alright team, dig through that dusty pile of tapes next to the VCR programmed to flash 12:00 forever. Push past the well-worn copies of Die Hard and Lethal Weapon. Somewhere in there, maybe with a slightly sun-faded cover, you might just find a copy of 1994’s I Mitici, known to many of us internationally, often via slightly wonky dubs, as The Heroes. This isn't your typical Hollywood blockbuster fare; it's a distinctly Italian crime-comedy caper that feels like a warm, slightly goofy blast from a very specific mid-90s past.
Directed by Carlo Vanzina, a name synonymous with popular Italian comedy throughout the 80s and 90s alongside his brother and frequent writing partner Enrico Vanzina, The Heroes aims for a kind of lighthearted gangster cool. Think Ocean's Eleven filtered through a Milanese sensibility, but with considerably less budget and a lot more everyday charm. Forget slick Vegas casinos; this is about pulling off a heist right under the noses of bustling city life.
### Small-Time Crooks, Big-Time Charm
Our story follows Giulio (the ever-watchable Claudio Amendola), a working-class guy dreaming of the big score that'll lift him out of his mundane life driving trucks. He overhears a tip about a massive diamond shipment arriving at a prestigious jewellery store and decides this is his shot. Of course, he can't do it alone. He ropes in his slightly hapless best friend Fabio (Ricky Memphis) and Enzo (Tony Sperandeo), a more seasoned but equally flawed criminal element. Their plan is audacious, clumsy, and relies heavily on luck and improvisation – classic caper movie fuel.
What really makes The Heroes tick isn't necessarily groundbreaking plot mechanics, but the chemistry between its leads. Amendola, already a huge star in Italy, brings a grounded charisma to Giulio. You believe his desperation and his slightly naive ambition. Ricky Memphis, another familiar face from Italian screens, provides excellent comic relief as the loyal but perpetually nervous sidekick. Their banter feels natural, capturing that specific kind of male friendship built on shared schemes and mutual complaining. It’s this relatability that hooks you in, even when the plot takes predictable turns.
### Bellissima Bellucci and Mid-90s Milan
And then there's Tina. Played by none other than Monica Bellucci, just a couple of years before her international breakthrough in films like Dobermann (1997) and The Matrix Reloaded (2003), she absolutely radiates star power even in this earlier role. Tina is Giulio's stunningly beautiful wife, initially unaware of his grand plans but inevitably drawn into the chaos. While the role itself isn't the most complex, Bellucci's presence elevates every scene she's in. It's fascinating to see her here, embodying that effortless Italian glamour that would soon captivate the world. Retro Fun Fact: The Vanzina brothers were known for having a keen eye for casting popular faces and rising stars in their commercially successful films, and landing Bellucci just before her global fame was certainly a coup.
The film also works as a fantastic time capsule of mid-90s Milan. Forget the high-fashion gloss you might expect; this is the everyday city – the bustling streets, the corner cafes, the slightly dated interiors. Carlo Vanzina's direction isn't flashy, favouring a functional style that keeps the focus squarely on the characters and their increasingly frantic situation. There aren't huge, explosive set pieces here. The "action," such as it is, feels more grounded – a tense moment trying to bypass security, a slightly frantic getaway. Remember how heist movies back then often relied more on suspense and character interaction than massive CGI spectacle? That’s the vibe here. The tension comes from watching these relatable bumblers try to pull off something way out of their league.
### The Vanzina Touch
The Vanzina brothers were masters of tapping into the Italian popular consciousness, creating films that were often dismissed by highbrow critics but beloved by audiences for their humour, relatable characters, and contemporary settings. The Heroes fits neatly into this mould. It wasn't designed to reinvent the wheel, but to entertain with familiar tropes delivered with local flavour. Retro Fun Fact: While specific budget figures are hard to nail down for Italian films of this era compared to Hollywood productions, the Vanzinas were known for producing commercially successful films efficiently, often becoming box office hits in Italy despite not having blockbuster-level resources. Their success often relied on sharp comedic writing and casting appealing actors.
The soundtrack, often a mix of contemporary Italian pop and functional score, further grounds the film in its time and place. It might not be iconic, but it effectively complements the mood – sometimes upbeat and hopeful, sometimes underscoring the mounting pressure.
### So, Does it Hold Up?
Watching The Heroes today is like finding a comfy old sweater. It’s not high art, and some of the humour and plot points definitely feel very 'of their time'. The pacing might seem a little leisurely compared to modern hyper-edited thrillers. But there’s an undeniable warmth and charm here. The performances are engaging, Bellucci is luminous, and the whole affair has a pleasant, unpretentious energy. It lacks the slickness of its American counterparts, but compensates with genuine Italian flavour and character-driven comedy. It’s the kind of film you’d happily stumble upon late at night on some obscure cable channel, or, yes, pull out of that dusty VHS collection for a dose of easygoing 90s nostalgia.
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Rating: 6.5 / 10
Justification: The Heroes scores points for its charismatic cast (especially Amendola and Bellucci), relatable characters, and authentic mid-90s Italian atmosphere. It's an enjoyable, lighthearted caper comedy. However, it loses points for a somewhat predictable plot, lack of truly memorable action sequences, and a functional rather than inspired directorial style. It's a pleasant watch, but not quite a hidden gem.
Final Word: A charmingly down-to-earth Italian heist flick that feels perfectly at home on a fuzzy VHS tape – less Heat, more like your funny cousins decided to rob a jewellery store.