
"The Ruthless" is a gripping crime drama set mainly in Milan, Italy, spanning from the late 1960s to the early 1990s. It chronicles the turbulent life of Santo Russo, a young Calabrian man who, after a wrongful imprisonment sparked by family tensions and misunderstandings, embraces the harsh realities of the criminal underworld. Alongside his close friends Slim and Mario, Santo embarks on a notorious 15-year spree involving robberies, kidnappings, murders, and heroin smuggling, illustrating both the allure and the brutal consequences of a life shaped by crime. Riccardo Scamarcio and Sara Serraiocco bring depth to this intense narrative through their portrayals of Santo Russo and Mariangela, respectively.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes Facts:
1. Riccardo Scamarcio underwent intense physical transformation and training to authentically portray Santo Russo's evolution from a naive young man to a hardened criminal, reflecting the gritty realism the filmmakers aimed for.
2. The production team went to great lengths to authentically recreate 1960s and 1970s Milan, sourcing vintage vehicles and carefully restoring filming locations to reflect the city's historical atmosphere.
3. Sara Serraiocco, known for her nuanced acting, worked closely with dialect coaches to master the Calabrian accent, adding authenticity to her portrayal of Mariangela amidst the Northern Italian setting.