Piranhas is a movie from 2019 based on the novel "La Paranza Dei Bambini" by Roberto Saviano. It is a coming-of-age story that follows a group of young boys in Naples, Italy, who get involved in the dangerous world of organized crime. The main character is 15-year-old Nicola (played by Francesco Di Napoli), a charismatic and ambitious boy who dreams of making money and gaining power through his association with a local gang. Nicola and his friends start off by committing small crimes like stealing phones and wallets, but soon they find themselves running errands for a powerful drug lord named Mariano (played by Ciro Vecchione).
As the boys rise up in the ranks of the criminal underworld, they start to experience the glamour and excitement of being powerful and wealthy. They party in luxurious clubs, wear designer clothes, and drive expensive cars. They feel invincible and fearless, convinced that they are destined for greatness.
However, as their involvement in the criminal world deepens, the boys also become more aware of the risks and dangers that come with their lifestyle. They witness brutal violence and bloodshed, and they start to realize that they are in over their heads.
The tension in the movie escalates as Nicola and his friends struggle to balance their desire for success and power with the reality of the ruthless criminal world they have entered. The risks and dangers become more real, and the boys are forced to make difficult choices.
The cinematography of Piranhas is exceptional, capturing both the beauty and the danger of the streets of Naples. The soundtrack is also excellent, blending modern Italian pop with classic Neapolitan songs.
One of the strengths of the movie is the strong performances by the cast, especially Francesco Di Napoli as Nicola. He is both charming and menacing, deftly capturing the contradictions of his character. Viviana Aprea also shines as one of the few female characters in the movie, bringing depth and complexity to her role.
Overall, Piranhas is a powerful and unnerving movie that provides a gripping portrait of the lives of young people caught up in the violent and ruthless world of organized crime. It is both a coming-of-age story and a cautionary tale that warns of the consequences of ambition and greed. It is a must-see for fans of Italian cinema and anyone interested in crime dramas.
Piranhas is a 2019 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes.
It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5 and a MetaScore of 57.