Gabriele Mainetti’s The Forbidden City delivers an energetic blend of martial arts action and crime drama set in the streets of Rome. Known for his imaginative storytelling in They Call Me Jeeg Robot and Freaks Out, Mainetti once again combines genre elements with emotional storytelling. The film follows Mei, a determined young woman searching for her missing sister, who unexpectedly crosses paths with Marcello, a troubled man looking for answers about his father. Their shared quests pull them into the dangerous Roman underworld, creating a story driven by both revenge and personal discovery.
One of the film’s strongest elements is its fast-paced action. The fight choreography is intense and visually exciting, featuring lightning-quick martial arts sequences that stand out against the gritty urban backdrop of Rome. Rather than relying solely on spectacle, the action scenes help move the story forward and highlight the characters’ determination and desperation. Mainetti balances stylish combat with cinematic flair, making the film feel both modern and grounded.
The performances also add depth to the story. Yaxi Liu portrays Mei with strength and emotional intensity, capturing both her vulnerability and fierce resolve. Enrico Borello provides a strong counterpart as Marcello, bringing a mix of frustration and hope to his character. Supporting actors such as Sabrina Ferilli, Marco Giallini, Shanshan Chunyu, and Luca Zingaretti contribute memorable performances that enrich the world of the Roman criminal underworld.
Visually, The Forbidden City uses Rome in an interesting way. Instead of focusing on the city’s famous tourist landmarks, the film explores darker, less glamorous corners of the city, emphasizing its hidden criminal networks. The cinematography highlights narrow streets, underground locations, and shadowy environments that heighten the tension. This atmosphere gives the film a gritty tone that contrasts with the graceful precision of the martial arts sequences.
Overall, The Forbidden City is an exciting action film that blends martial arts spectacle with a compelling story about family, loyalty, and revenge. Mainetti’s direction keeps the pace tight while still allowing the characters’ motivations to shine through. With strong performances and dynamic action scenes, the film stands out as a memorable entry in modern action cinema and a festival highlight from both Fantasia International Film Festival and Fantastic Fest.
The film arrives on digital platforms on March 17th courtesy of Well Go USA Entertainment.
MPAA Rating: Unrated.
Runtime: 139 mins
Director: Gabriele Mainetti
Writer: Stefano Bises; Gabriele Mainetti; Davide Serino
Cast: Enrico Borello; Yaxi Liu; Marco Giallini
Genre: Action | Kung-Fu | Crime
Tagline: Vengeance is Her Destiny
Memorable Movie Quote: "Didn't I tell you to strip?"
Distributor: Well Go USA Entertainment
Official Site:
Release Date: March 17, 2026
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date:
Synopsis: The son of an indebted restaurant owner joins a foreign girl. He looks for his father, she's in search of her sister. Together, they'll have to fight side by side against the most ruthless members of the Roman criminal underworld.
