Film: Zen
Cast includes: Rufus Sewell (The Tourest), Caterina Murino (Casino Royale), Stanley Townsend (In the Name of the Father), Ed Stoppard (The Pianist)
Genre: Romance/Thriller/TV Series (2011)
In brief: The brutal murder of judge Burtolini is only the first in a vendetta. A nasty piece of work named Tito Spadola was convicted of a murder he claims he didn’t commit. So now he’s out of prison and he plans to murder those he believes were responsible for his wrongful conviction. (Where’s the justice in that, you may wonder.) Anyway, tomorrow Spadola’s going to catch up with the prosecutor, and the day after, he plans to kill Zen.
Zen is Aurelio Zen, a police investigator in Rome. He’s handsome, smart, stylish and “has a reputation for integrity.” On the way into Questura di Roma, Aurelio shares an elevator with the new secretary, the beautiful Tania Moretti. They exchange greetings and we think we see a touch of electricity between them. But before Aurelio gets to his desk, he learns that there’s an office pool on who will be the first to bed her. Everyone thinks it will be the arrogant, self-important Fabri. But there’s actual police work to do, and the chief wants to see Zen about the Fasso investigation. The case is being reopened after Favoloni recanted his confession. The chief wants Zen to keep a lid on this case. But the chief isn’t the only one who wants something from Zen. Others, even higher up, want Zen to get Favoloni off. Zen’s in a tight spot… and he doesn’t even know yet about the killer who’s after him.
Think Cary Grant in North by Northwest or Charade. The script, the style, the music and the acting are all reminiscent of the glamorous suspense thriller romances of the 60s… updated nicely for 2011 PBS Masterpiece Theater. The first 3 episodes are airing in July. Rufus Sewell is perfectly cast as the modern day Cary Grant. Caterina Murino is a modern day Sophia Loren. And then there’s the Italian scenery. Every episode is a treat for the eyes. As you’d expect, there’s a budding romance between our hero and the beautiful Tania. If the mysteries zip right along, the romance develops casually. “Are we going to have an affair?” she asks him. “Yea,” he answers. But first Aurelio needs to navigate some dangers to his life and career.
3 popped kernels
A stylish throwback to an earlier era… absolutely yummy
Popcorn Profile
Primary Audience: Grown-ups
Gender Appeal: Any audience
Distribution: TV & direct to video
Mood: Upbeat
Tempo: Zips right along
Visual Style: Nicely varnished realism
Character Development: Engaging
Language: True to life
Social Significance: Pure entertainment
