Set in Italy in the 1970s, VALLANZASCA is the true story of the Italian underworld’s most infamous outlaw. A criminal by age 9, Renato Vallanzasca grew up to become the country’s most notorious mobster before the age of 27. Vallanzasca and his gang wrested control of the Milan underworld with a string of high profile robberies, kidnappings and murders. In the process, he captivated the public and earned the nickname ‘il bel Renè’ – for his devilish charm and handsome face. Arrested multiple times, his daring escapes from prison enraged the government, angered his rivals and fed his legend.
Salvatore is a handsome man edging into middle age who spends his days savoring the beauty of the Italian seaside. One morning, Salvatore is taking in the sunrise over the dunes when he meets a beautiful woman, leading to a romantic interlude between them. It would seem to be an encouraging way to start the day, but Salvatore and his new lover soon happen upon a group of beachcombers who engage them in a conversation about love, philosophy and the future. What began as a beautiful day takes a subtle, unexpected turn and Salvatore begins contemplating the uncertain path of his life and wondering where he could go from here.
In the large industrial port of an Italian city - sailors, women, black market traffickers, sleazy nightclubs, and dingy narrow alleys make up a world of danger, where a young American girl vanishes without a trace while an Italian man tries to track her down. On the way, he encounters a strange group of characters: a beautiful and ambitious prostitute, a girl ravaged by drugs, and the ferocious Joe Nerescu who is battling against a rival gang so he can gain control of the port.