Few actors embody the word tough quite like Lino Ventura. A towering figure in French cinema, Ventura could play a hardened gangster, a heroic resistance fighter, or a weary inspector with equal conviction. But what makes him remarkable isn’t just his rugged screen presence—it’s the quiet humanity beneath the toughness, the sense that even the most unyielding men carry their own moral codes and regrets.

Whether you know him from Army of Shadows, Touchez Pas au Grisbi, Boulevard du Rhum or Les Misérables, Lino Ventura remains one of France’s most illustrious actors. His movies are essential viewing for anyone curious about mid-century European film.

Watch the best French movies on TV5MONDEplus

From Parma to Paris: The Early Years

Born Angiolino Giuseppe Pasquale Ventura in Parma, Italy, in 1919, Lino moved to France as a child when his family emigrated to seek better opportunities. Like many immigrants in early 20th-century Paris, the Venturas lived modestly, and young Lino learned early that life required resilience.

Before he ever stepped in front of a camera, Ventura’s first claim to fame was as a professional wrestler. Known for his powerful physique and relentless determination, he became a popular figure in the ring, often billed as a charismatic Italian strongman. Wrestling taught him discipline and an awareness of his own physicality—qualities that would later define his acting.

But Ventura was no ordinary wrestler chasing stardom. When an injury forced him to reconsider his future, he found himself drifting into film almost by accident. A friend recommended him for a small role, and though Ventura had never studied acting, directors were captivated by his authenticity. He had that rare, magnetic presence you can’t teach.

From Gangsters to Heroes: Becoming a Star

Lino Ventura’s first major film role came in Touchez Pas au Grisbi (Don’t Touch the Loot), a seminal gangster movie directed by Jacques Becker. Starring alongside the legendary Jean Gabin, Ventura played Angelo, a menacing rival determined to claim a stash of stolen cash. Released in 1954, Grisbi was an instant hit that redefined the French crime genre, and Ventura’s performance stood out for its raw power.

From there, he quickly became one of France’s most reliable leading men. He specialized in morally ambiguous characters: corrupt police chiefs, aging criminals, stoic detectives. Yet no matter how ruthless the role, Ventura infused each part with a sense of principle. You could feel that his characters had their own codes—even when they were on the wrong side of the law.

In Razzia sur la Chnouf, he played Borrini, a gangster involved in the French drug trade. In The Valachi Papers, he portrayed Vito Genovese, the real-life mafia boss who inspired countless American crime films. His tough persona crossed borders—he starred with Charles Bronson and became an international star.

And yet Ventura never lost his grounding. He remained intensely private, uninterested in celebrity or gossip. His colleagues admired his refusal to compromise: to him, acting was craft, not a path to fame.

Boulevard du Rhum: Adventure on the High Seas

Among Ventura’s most entertaining films is Boulevard du Rhum, a swashbuckling adventure released in 1971. Set in the Caribbean during the Prohibition era, the film follows Cornelius von Zeelinga, a rum smuggler whose life is turned upside down when he falls for a glamorous silent film actress.

In many ways, Boulevard du Rhum is the perfect showcase for Ventura’s lighter side. While he was famous for intense crime dramas, here he proves he could handle romance and humor with ease. You can feel the joy he brings to the role—an adventurer whose gruff exterior hides a big heart.

The film’s lush tropical backdrops and playful tone make it stand out in Ventura’s career. If you’re new to his work, Boulevard du Rhum offers a wonderful introduction—and it’s available to stream now on TV5MONDEplus, making it easy for American audiences to watch.

Whether you’re in the mood for classic gangster intrigue or a spirited romp on the high seas, Boulevard du Rhum is a reminder that Lino Ventura was never just one kind of actor.

Army of Shadows: Resistance and Honor

If Boulevard du Rhum showcases Ventura’s charm, Army of Shadows (L’Armée des Ombres) shows his profound dramatic depth. Directed by Jean-Pierre Melville, the film is considered one of the greatest movies about the French Resistance during WWII.

Ventura stars as Philippe Gerbier, an underground leader who must make life-and-death decisions in the struggle against Nazi occupation. The role required him to convey stoic determination and the quiet despair of a man who has seen too much suffering.

Released in 1969, Army of Shadows didn’t initially get the recognition it deserved—it was politically controversial in France at the time. But decades later, critics and audiences rediscovered its brilliance, praising Ventura’s performance as a career-defining achievement.

If you appreciate classic cinema about moral courage—films like The Lives of Others or Das Boot—Army of Shadowsbelongs on your must-watch list. It is a masterpiece of tension and introspection, carried by Ventura’s unforgettable presence.

Les Misérables and Jean Valjean

Among Ventura’s most revered performances is his portrayal of Jean Valjean in the 1982 adaptation of Les Misérables. The role was a perfect match for his combination of strength and sensitivity.

As Valjean, Ventura channels both the hardened ex-convict and the compassionate father figure determined to protect the innocent. It’s a performance filled with dignity, reminding viewers why Victor Hugo’s story still resonates.

Whether he was playing Valjean, Gerbier, or Borrini, Ventura had a gift for making even the toughest men profoundly human.

Awards and Legacy

Despite his towering reputation, Lino Ventura never cared much for accolades. He once said he wasn’t interested in César Awards or nominations; he cared about doing honest work and telling stories that mattered.

Still, the French film industry recognized his contributions. In addition to receiving numerous honors, Ventura earned widespread critical acclaim for nearly every major role. Even decades after his death from a heart attack in 1987, he remains an enduring symbol of French cinema’s golden age.

Today, his IMDB page is a testament to an extraordinary range: from Les Misérables to The Valachi Papers, from Boulevard du Rhum to Army of Shadows. Whether you’re exploring crime and punishment stories, WWII dramas, or rugged adventures, Ventura’s work still feels vital.

Discover Lino Ventura on TV5MONDEplus

If you’re curious about Lino Ventura’s films, there’s no better place to start than TV5MONDEplus. You can stream Boulevard du Rhum and discover why Ventura was such a powerful force in European cinema.

From his humble beginnings as a professional wrestler to his legendary status as an actor, Ventura’s career is a testament to discipline, integrity, and the power of storytelling. Whether he was working with Jean Gabin, Jean-Pierre Melville, or Jacques Becker, he left an indelible mark on every project.

So pour a glass of French wine, settle in, and discover the many sides of Lino Ventura—the tough, tender giant who helped define French cinema.

GET TV5MONDE NOW

Copyright credits photo: Les acteurs Lino Ventura, Jean Gabin et Alain Delon lors du tournage du film Le Clan des Siciliens de Henri Verneuil en mars 1969 à Rome, Italie © Jean-Pierre BONNOTTE / Gamma-Rapho, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons