Our Godfather

Our Godfather is a gripping true-crime documentary film released in 2019. It provides an in-depth and probing look into the life of Tommaso Buscetta, a prominent member of the Sicilian Mafia who is notorious for being the first high-ranking member to turn informant. The riveting narrative unveils unknown facets of his life story, mapping his rise and fall within the dark underbelly of the Mafia, as well as his ultimate departure that led to a perilous cooperation with law enforcement.

Directed by Mark Franchetti and Andrew Meier, the film's story primarily unfolds through interviews and testimonials of Buscetta's family, primarily his widow, Cristina Buscetta, and his son, Roberto Buscetta, both of whom offer compelling personal insights into the man behind the infamous mafioso. Complimented by Lisa Buscetta's contributions, these personal narratives provide genuine and poignant insights into the private life of one of the most significant turncoats in criminal history.

The film commences with Buscetta's early involvement in the Sicilian Mafia, specifically within the secretive and much-feared Cosa Nostra syndicate. As it reveals, Buscetta initiated as a foot soldier and gradually ascended the rank despite the increasing brutality and ruthlessness within the organization. Utilizing rare archival footage and personal accounts, the film paints a picture of Buscetta's life within the Mafia and the perpetual state of danger and paranoia that inevitably followed.

However, ensuing internal wars within the Mafia and the subsequent murder of Buscetta's close associates and family members resulted in a monumental shift in his life trajectory. Induced by personal tragedies and a disillusionment with the evolving mob, Buscetta made a high-risk decision to become a 'pentito' or 'repentant one,' breaking the sacred code of silence also known as 'omertà,' and providing insider information on the Sicilian mob's operations to the authorities.

As the narrative shifts to Buscetta's time as an informant, it delves into the enormous risks he faced, the deepest secrets he revealed about the sinister underbelly of organized crime, and the significant impact of his testimonies on historical legal battles against the Mafia, ultimately leading to unprecedented mass trials in Italy. It discusses in detail his famed collaboration with Giovanni Falcone, an Italian magistrate and one of the central figures in this crime-fighting saga.

Alongside the engrossing narrative of Buscetta's professional life, the film also portrays his intense personal journey marked by constant surveillance, frequent relocations, and legitimate concern for his family's safety. As such, the documentary stands not only as a critical examination of Buscetta's maverick role in crippling the Mafia but also as a compelling and emotional human drama.

Gorgeously shot and remarkably structured, Our Godfather leaves no stone unturned in presenting Buscetta's story, neither glorifying his actions nor trivializing the gory realities that his life came to encompass. The real tragedy and grim atmosphere of the era are effectively portrayed by the film, making it a sobering and poignant look into one man's pursuit of redemption and justice amidst a world submerged in organized crime.

The film’s masterstroke lies in shaping up a narrative that isn’t entirely black or white, thus asserting that the struggle against the mob wasn’t a simple tale of good versus evil. Franchetti and Meier do an excellent job of presenting a nuanced perspective of the effects of the Mafia's activities, both on its members and the society at large.

Altogether, Our Godfather emerges as a powerful and profound testimony of the life and times of a man who dared to turn against one of the most powerful and feared criminal syndicates in the world. Featuring intimate family accounts, unreleased footage, and expert interviews, it is an unmissable cinematic experience for those interested in gaining an insightful view of the world of the Mafia, seen through the eyes of one of its most infamous members who became its unparalleled traitor.