The Mafia Kills Only in Summer

The Mafia Kills Only in Summer is a unique blend of romantic comedy intermingled with historical drama, masterfully directed by Pierfrancesco Diliberto, popularly known as Pif. He also co-writes and stars in this 2013 film, an ambitious yet endearing tale that brilliantly satirizes the dismal, brutal impact of Mafia operations on ordinary citizens' lives in Palermo, Sicily, during the latter part of the 20th century.

The movie’s lead character, Arturo (played by Pif as an adult and Alex Bisconti as a boy), is a young Sicilian boy whose life strangely intersects with the Mafia's activity. It’s indeed an exceedingly strange life Arturo leads – born during the exact same moment as a Mafia bombing, he grows up with the innocence of a child, erroneously believing that the Mafia only kills in summer, thus rendering the rest of the year safe to dwell in.

Arturo develops an innocent infatuation for Flora (played by Ginevra Antona as a child and Cristiana Capotondi as an adult) at a very young age. As the narrative unfolds, it stunningly stirs an intriguing mix of Arturo's romantic entanglements with his growing awareness of the dangerous reality he exists within. His childhood obsession with Mafia develops into adulthood, where he aspires to become a crime journalist to tell the truth about the Mafia to the world.

The film wrestles with heavyweight themes despite being wrapped in whimsical storytelling. The Mafia Kills Only in Summer does an excellent job of balancing its comedic elements without diminishing the seriousness of the subject matter. It provides not only an entertaining watch but also an in-depth glance at Italy's historical milieu from the 1970s to the 1990s, emphasizing real events and how these impacted Sicilian society.

Arturo's narrative offers a poignant commentary on the paralyzingly pervasive presence of the Mafia. The storyline subtly hints at the horrifying real-life Mafia assassinations, which are woven into the narrative, never onscreen, suggesting a dark presence lurking even in the midst of lighter moments. The screenplay artfully avoids getting too gory or violent, focusing more on the unique perspective it creates, that of a common man navigating a society where the ominous Mafia lurks in the shadows.

Pif, in his directorial debut, showcases a nuanced performance, lending credibility to his character Arturo even when living in a world marred by violence and endless dread. His use of satire in portraying the brutal reality of Mafia dominance is commendable, making the film engaging while retaining its effectiveness in addressing a heavy topic.

Cristiana Capotondi's portrayal of Flora is charming and vibrant. The chemistry between her and Pif’s Arturo is palpable, and the development of their relationship against the backdrop of a volatile socio-political environment is beautifully depicted. Alex Bisconti, the young Arturo, puts up a commendable performance as well, embodying the innocence and curiosity of his character flawlessly.

The Mafia Kills Only in Summer has been recognized for its adept blending of humor, romance, and historical drama, securing the Best New Director award for Pif at the David di Donatello Awards, along with several other accolades.

In conclusion, The Mafia Kills Only in Summer is an engaging film that offers an unconventional perspective on significant historical events. It is a thought-provoking comedy-drama, that not only entertains with its quirky charm but also holds a mirror up to society, showcasing the damaging influence of the Mafia while capturing the resilience of humanity amidst adversity.