Maffiózók

The Sopranos to me, even after all these years, is an example of some of the best casting we've ever had in a TV show. Casting unknown Italian-Americans in dozens of roles and sending the "greatest" of them all, Gandolfini, to lead them may have seemed risky at first, but it was this decision that ultimately heralded the golden age of quality TV. Tony, Chris, Carmela, Paulie, Ralph... there simply wasn't a weak link and if you were intrigued during episode 1 or 2 at most, you were treated to the best mafia entertainment ever made. The pace set at the beginning of the series was maintained without fluctuation until the finale. (2013.12.30)

"Complex" is a word that perfectly describes this series. There’s no family like family, especially a mafia family. It is not an epic fresco of a piece of Cosa Nostra history like The Godfather, but rather a thoughtful insight into the characters of people for whom crime means fate and yet who might prefer to choose another, normal fate. This unconventional look into the civilian life of men who have so far appeared in films as uncouth madmen, distant gentlemen, or stylish dudes of classic gangster films, may not grab the viewer right away. But gradually the world in which Tony Soprano, fantastically played by James Gandolfini, moves with less than ease and ease, will suck you in so that even the FBI's identity change and witness protection program won't be able to help you get out. (2008.07.15)