La mafia uccide solo d'estate

La mafia uccide solo d'estate, or "The Mafia Kills Only in Summer", is a darkly humorous yet deeply thought-provoking film that manages to marry the innocent perceptions of childhood with the brutal reality of entrenched organized crime in Palermo, Sicily. Released in 2013, this film marks the directorial debut of Pif (Pierfrancesco Diliberto), who is well known as a television host in Italy.

The film provides a refreshingly original take on the mafia genre. Pif himself stars as the film’s protagonist, Arturo, a journalist whose childhood and adult life becomes entwined with the merciless presence of the Mafia in his home town. His character narrates the film, providing a poignant voiceover throughout the narrative, which adds a layer of depth and personal perspective. Other starring roles include Cristiana Capotondi as Flora, Arturo's love interest, and Alex Bisconti playing the impressionable young Arturo.

The narrative of La mafia uccide solo d'estate unfolds in a non-linear fashion, interchanging between Arturo's nostalgic childhood memories and his tumultuous love life in adulthood. Each stage of Arturo's life is punctuated by historical mafia-related events, told through the innocent eyes of a child and later a man who is navigating the complexities of love amidst the rampant violence and corruption that silently governs everyday life in Palermo.

Pif manages to weave an authentic documentation of mafia-inflicted events into Arturo's personal story without diminishing or trivializing the traumatic societal impact for comic effect. Instead, it's his resourceful use of humor, offset by the brutal reality of mafia crimes that sets this film apart from typical Mafia movies. The film provides an unusual but insightful glimpse into the subtle ways in which the mafia has infiltrated civil life in Sicily and how it shapes the locals’ perceptions of normalcy.

Cristiana Capotondi gives an engaging performance as Flora, the object of the young and older Arturo's affection. Her presence brings a touch of romance and charm that adds to the film's heartwarming plot. Meanwhile, Alex Bisconti deserves credit for his portrayal of the younger Arturo, managing to infuse his performance with a convincing mix of boyish wonder and confusion amidst the harsh realities of the violent world around him.

La mafia uccide solo d'estate departs from traditional portrayals of the mafia in film, focusing less on the Mafia itself, but more on the effects of its presence on ordinary people's lives. It's a warm, witty exploration of innocence and experience, love, and loss, set against a backdrop of mafia-induced violence and corruption that was all too prevalent in 1970s Palermo.

In crafting this narrative, Pif borrows from his own experiences growing up in Sicily, providing a fresh perspective on the ingrained influence of the Mafia. His tale is heartfelt, entertaining, and at times deeply moving.

In terms of technical aspects, the cinematography does an exceptional job at capturing the essence of Palermo in both the past and present, from the sun-bleached streets to the bustling main squares. The music score, which ranges from playful to somber, complements the tone of each scene perfectly.

Upon release, the film was received positively by critics, admired for its original storytelling, strong performances, and the delicate balance struck between humor and horror. Not only did it resonate broadly among audiences, but it was also recognized in various international film festivals, winning numerous awards.

In conclusion, La mafia uccide solo d'estate is a captivating exploration of how organized crime can pervade the lives of ordinary people, told from a unique and deeply personal perspective. With its fusion of romance, comedy, childhood innocence, and the stark, brutal reality of mafia-related violence, it's a film that serves as a moving homage to the city of Palermo and the resilience of its inhabitants.