Mixed by Erry

A film based on a true story, which although overly fictionalized, still gives a good glimpse into the epic tale of "Mixed by Erry." We are in Naples, one of the most musical cities in the world, where three brothers invented the cassette business. The film tells the story very well, it could almost be an American film, the way it was made: poor people who become rich by challenging the status quo. A story that could only happen in Naples. Perhaps a bit too much comedy, but it's fine. They also added a bit of romance, which never hurts. The ending is foreshadowed from the beginning, because good always triumphs. Or maybe not.

This is a story that's one part funny, and one part sad. All Erry wanted to do was to be known as a DJ. Barred from doing so, he created an illegal business worth billions of lira in the late 80s reproducing pop music of that time for young Italians at a cheap price. Perhaps unwittingly, he created a huge market for his unusual product.

The story of the three brothers is fascinating. As young as they were, they thought through ingenious ways to produce and market audio tapes mixed by Erry. This started music piracy in Italy.

In a way, Erry was innocent because all what he ever wanted was to share pop music with his contemporaries. He never imagined at the beginning that he was doing something wrong.

It's an entertaining movie. The writers succeed in compressing all the highlights of the bold, smart enterprise of Giuseppe, Angelo and Enrico Frattasio into a watchable feature film. The actors do justice to the story. It's a cohesive story thanks to the director, Sydney Sibelia. Bravo!

Mixed By Erry (2023) Netflix (Italian subtitled) For Every teenager who ever owned a bootleg cassette, probably bought at a market or record fair, like I did in the 80s. For me it was hard to find some obscure synth bands live recordings. For others it was newly emerging rock bands with fans clamouring for more recordings in a pop market not up to speed.

I know in Italy and it still is the case their licensing laws was slightly different. For Erry all he ever wanted was to be a DJ and his mix tapes was the way in.

Erry dreams of being a DJ but lacking the charisma and personality makes mix tapes for his friends, this proves to be very popular, he along with his three brothers have to expand their business, which impacts on borrowing from the local mafia, and other dubious law breakers, the taxman and the police and the impact of the dreaded compact disc.

Its a great movie, quite innocent in a lot of ways and revels in the energy of youth and the joys of piracy. Featuring a lovely 80s soundtrack, with a splattering of 80s pop and lots and lots of Italian and Spanish pop I've never heard of.

Regarding that mix tape , its the key to it all, it is the ultimate gift. Your giving a little bit of yourself a bit of your soul, if you've ever made a tape, Cd mix, even playlist for anyone, usually female, the principle aim to to please, impress and to woo them, to bring their emotions to the fore and to cement any intentions however moral or immoral they may be. If it works the lady in question will melt before you, even if only half of the tracks make a connection you are in.

Those hand written tapes, in my case unintelligible spider calligraphy would seal the contract and gain the desired result.

Choice tracks would have to include some Scott Walker, Bowie, Sylvian, maybe some Nilsson and Morricone, and for some fragility to highlight your sensitive side how about some Brian Wilson.

The music would change to reflect their taste too, and the current fashions, but quality and emotions will override any trend.

I miss those tapes and their sleazy intentions.

Lovely 8/10.

I saw this film last night with my folks and I had a wonderful time. The comedy works very well, and that's coming from someone who had to read subtitles throughout the whole thing. The Italian kids they picked for the main actors were wonderful. I especially liked the bonkers character of Angelo. The film, which is based on a true life story, is bananas. It's insane what these kids did, and how long they were able to get away with it. I can only imagine it was a combination of cunning and the phase that Italy was going through -- they had their hands full with the mob to care much about kids making counterfeit music. The film is amazing on every level and I can't recommend it enough...... Oh, and wait till after the credits roll for a HUGE surprise. I don't want to spoil it but let's just say it is really important and you don't want to miss it!

Thanks to the careful and accurate direction in the sets and photography, it tells the story of the Frattasio brothers of the regime that exists in their neighborhood to then see them organize their idea of social redemption - Erry copies music on the radio, with his brothers and breaks all commercial schemes until then giving birth to the world of piracy - The director Sibilia with the use of long shots allowed the viewer to immerse himself in those years through the reconstruction of period objects that frame the protagonists who seem to move inside a photo album of memories - by Maria Pia C.