The Sicilian Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Highlander fights the Godfather in Sicily, gets a tan, and nobody wins except maybe the scenery.

🍿 The Sicilian: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Giuliano’s Rise

Salvatore Giuliano emerges as a charismatic bandit in post-World War II Sicily, stealing from wealthy landowners and redistributing the wealth to impoverished peasants. He quickly gains popularity as a Robin Hood figure, hailed as a savior by the oppressed. This initial success fuels his ego and ambitions, setting the stage for future conflicts.

Conflicts with the Mafia and Church

Giuliano’s actions attract the attention of powerful entities including the Mafia, the Church, and the landed gentry. Initially backed by Mafia Don Masino Croce, Giuliano’s growing influence threatens Don Croce’s power, leading to a dangerous power struggle. He also faces opposition from the Church and conservative landowners, who seek to maintain the existing social order.

Betrayal and Downfall

As Giuliano’s ego inflates, he believes himself to be untouchable, surpassing the influence of his Mafia backer. Don Croce, threatened by Giuliano’s ambition and popularity, orchestrates a plot to eliminate him. Pissciotta, Giuliano’s cousin and closest advisor, is manipulated by Don Croce to betray Giuliano, ultimately leading to his assassination.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Salvatore Giuliano (Christopher Lambert): A charismatic Sicilian bandit who robs from the rich to give to the poor, leading a populist movement for Sicilian independence.
• Aspanu Pisciotta (John Turturro): Giuliano’s close friend and advisor who is ultimately manipulated into betraying him.
• Don Masino Croce (Joss Ackland): The powerful Mafia Don who initially supports Giuliano but later becomes his enemy.
• Prince Borsa (Terence Stamp): A member of the landed gentry in conflict with Salvatore Giuliano.
• Camilla, Duchess of Crotone (Barbara Sukowa): An American woman married to Prince Borsa who has a complex relationship with Giuliano.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Salvatore Giuliano: “You’re an American, aren’t you?” – Giuliano says this to Camilla, the Duchess of Crotone, highlighting the cultural differences and his perception of Americans.
• Camilla, Duchess of Crotone: “Yes, and like every other Sicilian you want to go to America and start a pizzaria in Jersey.” – Camilla responds with a sarcastic remark, playing on stereotypes and Giuliano’s ambitions.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $9,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $5,406,879
• Worldwide Gross: $5,406,879

💥 The Sicilian Reviews

Personal Review

I wanted to love this movie! I went in expecting a ‘Godfather’ style epic. What I got was… different. The scenery is stunning, like a travelogue. Some of the supporting cast is amazing. Christopher Lambert, however, just didn’t convince me. The story felt muddled and confusing at times, and I wasn’t sure who was allied with who, so it didn’t have much of an impact on me. Overall, the movie was a letdown.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of crime dramas and historical fiction”
  • “Viewers interested in Sicilian history and culture”
  • “Those familiar with Mario Puzo’s work (The Godfather)”
  • “People who enjoy films with themes of power, betrayal, and corruption”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Nudity”
  • “Mafia themes”
  • “Political themes”
  • “Brief mentions of sexual assault”

Professional Reviews

• ScreenRant: “Screen Rant: ‘The Sicilian’ served as an unofficial fourth movie to ‘The Godfather’ saga. Focusing on Salvatore Giuliano’s fight against corrupt power, it lacked key Corleone ties. Despite Puzo’s involvement, its different tone struggled to capture the earlier saga’s magic, leaving it a separate, less impactful piece in the crime drama genre.
• Collider.com: “Collider notes ‘The Sicilian’ is the forgotten sequel to ‘The Godfather.’ Despite Mario Puzo’s involvement, the film distances itself, missing core familial drama. It explores Sicilian independence, but without the Corleone intrigue, it stands apart. This divergence leaves fans wanting more Godfather, making ‘The Sicilian’ an intriguing but ultimately unsatisfying chapter.
• IMDB User Review: “One user described the movie as ‘pretentious campy Godfather’ saying that the hard-boiled and wooden acting – combined with some of the most ridiculous dialouge – takes all seriousness right out of this over-achieving film. The only true hope within this waste of money is the always brilliant, John Turtorro.

Audience Reactions

The beautiful scenery and cinematography were frequently praised.: Many viewers appreciated the attempt at an epic scale, despite its flaws.

John Turturro’s performance was often cited as a highlight.: Several viewers thought Christopher Lambert was miscast for this role.

Overall Consensus: Despite the interesting historical context, The Sicilian is generally considered a flawed film with pacing issues, miscasting, and a muddled plot.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on Mario Puzo’s novel of the same name, which is a spin-off of ‘The Godfather’. However, all references to the Corleone family were removed for the film adaptation.”
• “Gore Vidal contributed to the screenplay, though he was uncredited. Some critics felt his influence was evident in the film’s literate and intellectual depth.”
• “There are two versions of the film. The original U.S. release was 115 minutes, while a director’s cut, running 146 minutes, is available on video and DVD in some regions.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Sicilian?

As of [Current Date], “The Sicilian” is available for purchase or rental on various platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check your preferred streaming service for availability. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray may also be available from online retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Sicilian, you might like these similar films:

• The Godfather (1972): Both films are based on novels by Mario Puzo and explore themes of crime, family, and power within Italian/Sicilian settings.
• Salvatore Giuliano (1962): A direct retelling of the same historical events, offering a neorealistic perspective compared to the romanticized version in ‘The Sicilian’.
• Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991): Shares the theme of a charismatic outlaw leading a band against corrupt authority figures to help the poor.

🛒 The Sicilian Related Products

• The Godfather [Blu-ray]: Experience the Corleone family saga in stunning high definition. This is a must-have for any fan of crime epics and the mafia genre, offering hours of bonus content and a deeper look into the making of a cinematic masterpiece.
• Mario Puzo’s The Godfather Coda: The Death of Michael Corleone [Blu-ray]: Francis Ford Coppola revisits the final chapter in his epic Godfather trilogy. Featuring both the theatrical cut and Coppola’s newly re-edited version, this Blu-ray offers a fresh perspective on the Corleone family and a chance to revisit a classic saga.
• Sicily Flag: Display your Sicilian pride with this high-quality flag. Perfect for decorating your home, office, or as a gift for anyone with a connection to Sicily. Show your support for Sicilian heritage and culture with this vibrant and durable flag.
• Men’s Wool Blend Herringbone Newsboy Gatsby Flat Cap: Capture the old-world charm and sophistication of Salvatore Giuliano with this stylish newsboy cap. Crafted from high-quality wool blend, this classic flat cap exudes elegance and can be worn to make a striking fashion statement or as part of a Cosplay.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Sicilian features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Domanda al ciel … Dio, che nell’alma infondere from Don Carlo, Act II” – performed by Giuseppe Verdi, Performed by Enrico Caruso and Antonio Scotti

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Origins of the Sicilian Mafia

Ever wondered where the whole Mafia thing really started? This video dives into the history of the Sicilian Mafia, and it’s way more interesting than you’d think! Knowing this stuff totally adds another layer to the movie.

The Godfather | 10 HUGE Differences Between Film & Book

Did you know that the movie actually changed a bunch of stuff from the original book? This video breaks down the biggest differences, and honestly, some of them are pretty wild! You’ll be surprised.

Mob Movie Monday Review- “The Godfather” with Michael Franzese

Imagine getting a movie review from an actual former mobster! Michael Franzese gives his take on “The Godfather”, and his insights are mind-blowing. It’s like watching the movie with someone who actually *lived* it.

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