The Rebel Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 18, 2026
Movie Overview: The Rebel
| Movie | The Rebel |
| Release Year | 1980 |
| Director | Stelvio Massi |
| Genre | Crime / Action |
| Runtime | 87 minutes (1h 27m) |
| Language | IT |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Rebel (1980) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 4.8/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Crime.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The Rebel are led by Maurizio Merli . The supporting cast, including Arthur Brauss and Francisco Rabal , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While The Rebel does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Crime films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Rebel has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Crime fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The Rebel
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1980, The Rebel is a Crime, Action film directed by Stelvio Massi. The narrative dives into the criminal underworld with a grounded sense of realism and complex morality. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Maurizio Merli as Nick Rossi.
Ending Explained: The Rebel
The Rebel Ending Explained: "Poliziotti solitudine e rabbia" or "Ein Mann namens Venedig" (A Man called Venice), as it was called in Germany, is an Italian-German crime drama co-production from 1979, filmed mainly in the snowy winter of bleak West-Berlin. Directed by Stelvio Massi, this 1980 crime film stars Maurizio Merli (Nick Rossi), alongside Arthur Brauss as Klaus Beitz, Francisco Rabal as Tony, Ottaviano Dell'Acqua. Rated 4.8/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of The Rebel?
"Poliziotti solitudine e rabbia" or "Ein Mann namens Venedig" (A Man called Venice), as it was called in Germany, is an Italian-German crime drama co-production from 1979, filmed mainly in the snowy winter of bleak West-Berlin. Italian cop Nick, played by gangster movie veteran Maurizio Merli, goes to Berlin to find the head of an International European blackmailing gang who has murdered several people. He investigates undercover as a contract killer for the gangsters, but of course becomes immediately the target of his enemies and has to fight hard to save his life...
Stelvio Massi's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Maurizio Merli (Nick Rossi)'s journey. Italian cop Nick, played by gangster movie veteran Maurizio Merli, goes to Berlin to find the head of an International European blackmailing gang who has murdered several people.
How Does Maurizio Merli (Nick Rossi)'s Story End?
- Maurizio Merli: Maurizio Merli's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Arthur Brauss (Klaus Beitz): Arthur Brauss's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Francisco Rabal (Tony): Francisco Rabal's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Rebel Mean?
The ending of The Rebel brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Maurizio Merli's story may not satisfy all audiences.
The Rebel Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Rebel Based on a True Story?
Yes, The Rebel draws from real criminal cases and investigative records. Directed by Stelvio Massi and starring Maurizio Merli, this crime, action film explores how real events have been adapted into a dramatic narrative.
Real Story vs Movie Version of The Rebel
The film takes creative liberties to strengthen its narrative. Certain scenes are likely dramatized to enhance emotional impact.
While inspired by real events, the narrative focuses more on storytelling than strict historical accuracy.
Accuracy Assessment: The Rebel uses real-life inspiration as the foundation for a dramatized narrative. The film prioritizes thematic storytelling over strict documentary accuracy.
Who Should Watch The Rebel?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Crime films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
At just 87 minutes, it's a quick watch.
The Rebel Parents Guide & Age Rating
1980 AdvisoryWondering about The Rebel age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Rebel (1980) is 87 minutes (1h 27m). Directed by Stelvio Massi, the film runs for 87 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 4.8/10, and global performance metrics, The Rebel is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1980 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Rebel worth watching?
The Rebel is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies. It has a verified rating of 4.8/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Rebel parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Rebel identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Rebel (1980)?
The runtime of The Rebel (1980) is 87 minutes (approximately 1h 27m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.



