Late 1920ies and the 1930ies were apparently the years when gallantry and stylishness saw their peak: war wounds were mostly healed, people acquired wealth, aristocracy and bourgeoisie were able to spend on entertainment and diversity again. Such was the background in the 1930 Marseille, where two small-time crooks join forces after an odd meeting, begin with fixed horse races and fights, and the continue in doing jobs for local top gangsters. Viewers can see several fine places, with wealthy people wearing stylish clothes, enjoying a good music/games/food, sometimes disrupted by shootings, chases and fights, mostly related to the two leading characters - François Capella and Roch Siffredi, splendidly performed by famous character actors Jean-Paul Belmondo and Alain Delon, respectively. Their talent and elegance is visible throughout the film, outperforming all their co-actors, and the French language is a booster of the atmosphere (U.S. gangster films are usually gloomier and rougher).Borsalino is a fine example of French action movies made in the 1960- 70ies; luckily, it is a colour film and shows fully the talents of Belmondo and Delon. I try to watch its sequel as soon as possible.

Very good movie. I watched the original French version without English subtitles and although I struggled a bit with the language it was easy to follow even though my French is not fluent. What really surprised me is that the ratings for Borsalino so far have not been higher - as far as French gangster movies go I would consider it within my top 5. It is pacey with lots of action and unlike some French movies,I was never bored once watching it. The combination of Jean Paul Belmondo and Alain Delon as Capella and Siffredi worked very well and Michel Bouquet's performance as Rinaldi was also very good. My only criticism of Borasalino was that there were too many female characters linked with Capella and Siffredi and we never really learnt more about them as the story progressed. Otherwise a movie I would recommend.

At that time,Jean-Paul Belmondo and Alain Delon who had been top of status as an actor in France. They seemed to enjoy performing light touch gang star movie. Jean Paul and Alain argued who's name should be up or down. I thought it doesn't matter for them. About 28 later they co-worked with "Half A Chance(1998)",they fight fighting over the same woman and became partner...it reminded me of this movie. Also fashion coordinate and soundtrack were great.

When a movie pairs Alain Delon and Jean-Paul Belmondo, casting them as initially small-time crooks who work their way up the underworld ladder in 30's France, I think we have a right to expect something better than this. Pedestrian direction and a script that manages to be both dull and rushed make for a pretty unexciting movie. The stars are as charismatic as ever, but that isn't enough. (**)