Forbidden City (2025) / La città proibita138 min | Action
About the Movie
Forbidden City (La città proibita) is a 2025 Italian action drama directed by Gabriele Mainetti. The film combines martial arts action with Italian crime drama, set against the backdrop of Rome’s Esquilino district. It follows the story of a young restaurant owner’s son who teams up with a foreign girl searching for her missing sister. Together, they navigate the dark and violent world of Rome’s criminal underbelly, confronting powerful enemies while uncovering deeper truths about themselves.
Plot Summary
Marcello, the son of a struggling restaurant owner, finds himself in over his head when he meets Mei, a Chinese martial artist searching for her missing sister in Rome. With his family’s restaurant facing financial ruin and dangerous debt collectors at his heels, Marcello has little choice but to help Mei. Their journey takes them deep into the Esquilino district, where they must fight against ruthless members of the Roman criminal underworld. As secrets unravel, the two form an unlikely bond, blending their cultural backgrounds and combat skills in a desperate attempt to survive.
Director’s Vision
Gabriele Mainetti, known for They Call Me Jeeg (Lo chiamavano Jeeg Robot), sought to create a high-energy action film that merges Italian neo-noir crime elements with Hong Kong-style martial arts. Inspired by classic kung fu films and modern crime thrillers, Forbidden City brings a fresh approach to Italian cinema, exploring themes of cultural intersection, survival, and redemption. The film’s choreography and cinematography are designed to immerse the audience in a dynamic, high-stakes world.
Themes
Cultural Clash & Identity – The film highlights the blending of Chinese martial arts traditions with Italian crime cinema, reflecting Rome’s multicultural reality.
Family & Loyalty – Both protagonists struggle with personal obligations, debts, and the weight of their respective family legacies.
Survival in an Unforgiving World – The narrative delves into the consequences of financial desperation and the sacrifices people make to protect loved ones.
Justice vs. Vengeance – Mei’s journey is fueled by her personal mission, questioning the boundaries between revenge and justice.
Urban Crime & Corruption – Set in the chaotic underworld of Rome, the film explores power struggles and the fragility of law enforcement.
Key Success Factors
Genre Innovation – A rare fusion of Italian crime drama with martial arts action, bringing a fresh cinematic experience.
Authentic Cinematic Setting – Rome’s Esquilino district adds depth and cultural authenticity to the film.
Dynamic Action Sequences – Choreographed by top martial arts experts, enhancing the film’s high-energy appeal.
Strong Lead Performances – The chemistry between the lead actors adds emotional weight to the action-driven narrative.
High Production Value – With a budget of €17 million, the film boasts impressive cinematography and visual effects.
Short Summary
Forbidden City follows Marcello, a young man entangled in his father’s debts, and Mei, a martial artist searching for her missing sister. Together, they fight against Rome’s ruthless criminal factions, blending Italian neo-noir with high-intensity action.
Awards and Nominations
Venice Film Festival 2025 – Nominated for Best Director (Gabriele Mainetti)
David di Donatello Awards 2025 – Nominated for Best Cinematography & Best Production Design
Sitges Film Festival 2025 – Official Selection for Best Action Film
Critical Reception
Wired Italia – Describes the film as a "kaleidoscopic, ambitious blend of genres that effectively entertains."
ComingSoon.it – Praises Mainetti's ability to depict Rome’s underworld while blending martial arts action.
MYmovies.it – Rates the film 3 out of 5 stars, noting its engaging action sequences but suggesting a slightly overextended runtime.
Overall, Forbidden City has received strong praise for its unique genre mix and visual storytelling, while some critics highlight its ambitious narrative scope.
Online Reviews
Letterboxd – Viewers applaud the film's "unconventional mix of Italian and Asian cinema influences."
IMDb – Holds an average rating of 7.2/10, with particular praise for its action choreography.
Reddit Film Community – Described as "Italy’s answer to The Raid, packed with brutal, well-crafted fight scenes."
Box Office
Budget – €17,000,000
Projected Italian Opening Weekend – €4-5 million
Expected Worldwide Gross – €30+ million (anticipated due to Netflix collaboration)
Production
Filmed between May and July 2023 in Rome, Forbidden City is a co-production between Wildside, Goon Films, Vision Distribution, and Netflix. The film’s cinematography, led by Paolo Carnera, captures the contrasting beauty and brutality of Rome’s streets, while the special effects team at Effetti Digitali Italiani enhances the action sequences.
Production Companies
Wildside (Italy)
Goon Films (Italy)
Vision Distribution (Italy)
Netflix (US) – Collaboration
Ministero della Cultura (MiC) (Italy) – Financial Support
Sales and Distribution Companies
Italy – PiperFilm
Germany, Austria, Switzerland – DCM Film Distribution
France – Quid Films
Release Dates
Theatrical Release (Italy): March 13, 2025
International Release: Dates TBA
Streaming Release (Netflix): Expected mid-2025
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27766538/
Link Review: https://cineuropa.org/en/newsdetail/474900/
About movie: https://www.instagram.com/piperfilm.official/?hl=en
Why to Recommend This Movie
A genre-bending film that combines crime, action, and martial arts.
A visually stunning representation of modern Rome’s dark underbelly.
Features intense action choreography rarely seen in Italian cinema.
Strong performances and a compelling emotional core.
Why You Should Watch Forbidden City
Unique Genre Fusion – Blends Italian crime with high-energy martial arts action.
High-Octane Action – Features top-tier fight choreography.
Strong Character Development – More than just action, it tells a powerful story of survival and redemption.
Cinematic Innovation – A bold new step for Italian cinema.
Movie Trend: Cross-Cultural Action Films
Forbidden City follows the trend of cross-cultural action films, combining diverse influences similar to The Night Comes for Us or The Raid.
Big Social Trend: Globalized Cinema
The film reflects the growing globalization of cinema, where stories transcend borders and incorporate diverse influences.
Final Verdict
Forbidden City is a groundbreaking action film that merges Italian crime storytelling with martial arts intensity. With stellar performances, breathtaking action, and a fresh narrative, it solidifies Gabriele Mainetti’s status as one of Italy’s most ambitious filmmakers.
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