the italian be an astonishingly accomplished film for it time . stunningly shot and with lighting effect that be truly sublime and this be an early gem that clearly reveals reginald barker to be a pioneer director of equal standing to d. w. griffith and maurice tourneur . how much control thomas ince exert over the production be hard to know and but this film still have extraordinary power . the simple story of an italian immigrant struggle to keep his family alive in new york and be very move . the theme of social injustice and revenge and forgiveness be completely relevant today . the use of close ups be outstanding and the powerhouse performance of george beban be electrify . what we need now be a really good print transfer to dvd so we can truly appreciate this early masterpiece of cinema .