Watch The Sicilian
- R
- 1987
- 1 hr 55 min
-
5.4 (5,401)
The Sicilian is a 1987 crime drama film directed by Michael Cimino and starring Christopher Lambert, Terence Stamp, and Joss Ackland. It is based on the novel of the same name by Mario Puzo, the author of The Godfather. The movie takes place in the early 1950s in Sicily, where the mafia is still a part of daily life. Salvatore Giuliano (played by Lambert) is a young man who becomes a bandit after witnessing his father being killed by corrupt police officers. He becomes a legend in his hometown of Montelepre, where he protects the poor and fights against the oppressive government and the mafia.
Salvatore's story catches the attention of Don Masino Croce (played by Ackland), the head of the mafia in Palermo, who sees an opportunity to use Salvatore for his own benefit. He offers him a deal: in exchange for his help, Masino will protect Salvatore and his men from police and other bandits. Salvatore accepts the offer, but soon realizes that he has made a deal with the devil.
Salvatore's rise to power and his complex relationships with the people around him are at the center of the film. He is torn between his desire to do good for his community and his ambition to become a powerful figure in the mafia. His closest confidant is his childhood friend, Pisciotta (played by John Turturro), who is his closest advisor and the only one who can stand up to him.
The other major player in the movie is Don Masino Croce, who is a sophisticated and ruthless mafia boss. He sees Salvatore as a valuable asset to his organization and manipulates him into doing his bidding. He is also involved in a power struggle with the other mafia families, which adds a layer of complexity to the story.
Another significant character is the journalist Antonio Terzi (played by Stamp), who is writing a book about Salvatore. He provides the narration for the movie and gives insight into Salvatore's character and motivations. He also serves as a foil to Salvatore and Masino, as he is a neutral observer and doesn't have any personal stakes in their conflict.
The movie is visually stunning, with beautiful shots of the Sicilian countryside and the ancient ruins that serve as the backdrop for the story. The music, composed by David Mansfield, is also noteworthy, with a haunting and melancholic theme that perfectly captures the mood of the film.
Overall, The Sicilian is a gripping crime drama that explores the themes of power, loyalty, and betrayal. It has strong performances from its lead actors and is a worthy addition to the mafia movie genre.