Is Take Five Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2013)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Crime, Comedy, Drama cinema, the 2013 release of Take Five stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Carmine, a sewer worker for the city of Naples, finds himself working in the vault of the Bank of Naples one morning, and he gets the idea to pull off a robbery using the sewer system. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Crime, Comedy, Drama are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Carmine, a sewer worker for the city of Naples, finds himself working in the vault of the Bank of Naples one morning, and he gets the idea to pull off a robbery using the sewer system. To pull off the heist, he enlists the help of Gaetano, a former robber with several years in prison; the depressed Peppe "'o' Sciomen," a legend of the Spanish Quarter and also a former prisoner for robbery; the boxer Ruocco, a former professional who ended up fighting in clandestine matches; and Striano, a photographer and robber. After completing the robbery, however, Gaetano disappears without a trace with the million-dollar loot, leaving his accomplices locked in their lair, hoping to see him reappear. As time passes, strong tensions build between the four, bringing out old misunderstandings and fracturing alliances, until a new threat looms on the horizon: the powerful boss Jannone demands a share of the loot they don't yet have."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. While the script occasionally leans into familiar territory, the efforts of Salvatore Striano ensure that the emotional beats of Take Five always land with sufficient weight. Salvatore Striano provides a steady, reliable performance that anchors the film through its narrative shifts.

The direction by Guido Lombardi is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 93 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Take Five truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Crime, Comedy, Drama, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 5.5/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Take Five explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2013 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Guido Lombardi respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Take Five serves as a reliable piece of entertainment that will satisfy core fans while providing a solid entry point for new viewers. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Salvatore Striano or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Take Five is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.