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A true story from Argentina of crime and family strains, "The Clan" never cuts below its gritty period details and allusions to other gangster movies.

Director Pablo Trapero follows the Puccio family from 1982 to 1985, as the patriarch, Arquimedes (Guillermo Francella), tries to adjust the family business — kidnapping and murder — as the government's military junta is replaced by a democracy. Instead of kidnapping and "disappearing" political enemies at the military's request, Arquimedes orchestrates kidnappings for profit, though often killing the hostage after being paid off.

The family's favorite son, Alejandro (Peter Lanzini), goes along with some of Dad's jobs, but soon his conscience tugs at him, while he also juggles a rising career on the national rugby team, a prosperous surf shop and a romance with Monica (Stefania Koessl).

Trapero copies all the tricks of American gangster films — accompanying crimes with rock songs, as in Scorsese films, or cross-cutting between a murder and Alejandro and Monica's backseat copulating, à la "The Godfather." But he doesn't bring anything fresh to the table and doesn't explore the characters' motivations for murder past the obvious clichés.

'The Clan'

Opens Friday, April 15, at the Broadway Centre Cinemas; rated R for violence, language and a scene of sexuality/nudity; in Spanish, with subtitles; 110 minutes.