What is Contraband?
Contraband (1980) is an Italian poliziotteschi film directed by Lucio Fulci. Set in Naples, it follows cigarette smugglers who encounter trouble when a rival smuggler introduces a cocaine operation, creating a violent clash between the two illicit trades.
- Type
- Film
- Year
- 1980
- Release date
- Aug 8, 1980
- Genres
- Crime, Action
- Updated
Trailer
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Contraband (1980) is an Italian poliziotteschi film directed by Lucio Fulci. Set in Naples, it follows cigarette smugglers who encounter trouble when a rival smuggler introduces a cocaine operation, creating a violent clash between the two illicit trades. The movie runs 1 hour 37 minutes and is classified as crime and action.
Culturally, the film is part of the poliziotteschi wave that defined Italian genre cinema in the 1970s and early 1980s, showcasing Fulci’s gritty storytelling style. Its tone is hard‑boiled and its pacing brisk, delivering a concise, action‑driven narrative that reflects the era’s cinematic approach to organized crime.
Should you watch it?
“Naples' cigarette smugglers clash with a rival's deadly cocaine scheme.”
- Directed by cult filmmaker Lucio Fulci, a key figure in Italian genre cinema.
- Authentic depiction of 1980s Naples criminal underworld.
- Focused conflict between cigarette and cocaine smuggling operations creates tension.
- The film’s pacing and production values reflect early‑80s standards, which may feel dated to modern viewers.
Watch it if you enjoy gritty Italian crime dramas of the early 1980s.
The tone is gritty and fast‑moving, typical of poliziotteschi, and it is suited for mature audiences.
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Frequently asked questions
Where can I stream Contraband (1980)?
Check the "Now Streaming" section on TMDB for current platform listings.
Is Contraband worth watching?
Fans of Lucio Fulci and classic Italian crime films often find it a solid example of the poliziotteschi genre.
How long is the film?
The runtime is 1 hour and 37 minutes.
Are there any essential episodes to watch?
Contraband is a standalone film, so there are no episodes.