The Sicilian

The Sicilian is an action-adventure film, released in 1987, directed by Michael Cimino and featuring an ensemble cast that includes Christopher Lambert, Terence Stamp and Joss Ackland, among others. The film is an adaptation of the novel of the same name penned by renowned author Mario Puzo who was also the author of The Godfather. The story is a captivating narrative that pays tribute to real-life Sicilian bandit Salvatore Giuliano. The movie taps into an array of genres and themes throughout its duration, including crime, drama, and history, thus presenting a film that is as layered as it is enthralling.

The lead character is the young and charismatic Salvatore Giuliano, played by Christopher Lambert, who authentically captures the rebellious spirit and the endearing charm of this complex historical character. Lambert delivers a stellar performance as the legendary bandit, revealing the character's many facets ranging from a compassionate son of the soil to a fearless rebel, thus painting an incredibly detailed portrait of Giuliano.

Set in the backdrop of the post-World War II Sicily, the film captures the political and social turmoil that marked the era. The story follows Giuliano's journey as he becomes an inadvertent outlaw after defending his family's honor, setting in motion a sequence of events that shape him into a political dissident. As much a patriot as he is a bandit, Giuliano finds himself on the wrong side of the law, but on the right side of the people, making him a compelling kind of anti-hero.

Joss Ackland plays the scheming Prince Borsa who seeks to benefit from Sicily's chaos. Ackland admirably portrays the cunning and deceitful noble, weaving a web of political manipulation and subversion that brings dramatic tension to the storyline. Terence Stamp depicts the character of the English aristocrat and influential power broker, Prince Don Fabrizio. Stamp offers a skillfully nuanced performance as a man caught between his loyalty to the monarchy and his understanding of Sicily’s needs for change.

One of the film's strong points is its profound representation of Sicilian culture, the era’s politics, and the stirring socio-political backdrop. The landscape of the region becomes an inherent part of the story, as Cimino uses sweeping shots of sun-drenched fields, ancient towns and heartrending poverty to shape the narrative’s progression. The Sicilian, in essence, isn't just about the life and times of Giuliano; it's about Sicily itself.

The movie explores several themes including poverty, social inequality, corruption and the human yearning for freedom, providing a rich tapestry that adds a layer of depth to the cinematic experience. The plot underscores the blurry lines between heroism and villainy, as it provides an introspective look into the motivation and philosophy of Giuliano himself.

Supporting performances from actors like John Turturro, who plays Giuliano’s right-hand man, Gaspare Pisciotta, and Barbara Sukowa, who plays the love interest of Giuliano—Camilla, the Duchess of Crotone, further elevate the dramatic intensity and emotional resonance of the film. The relationships Giuliano forms along his journey – with his allies, enemies, and the woman he loves – form a significant part of the narrative and the development of his character arc.

The score composed by David Mansfield adds to the dramatic impact of the film, complementing the twists and turns of the plot, and highlighting the moments of tension and triumph. The film also incorporates elements of Italian folk music, lending authenticity to the Sicilian setting, and giving the viewers an immersive and virtually tangible feel of life in that era and region.

The Sicilian offers an epic and character-driven narrative, loaded with gripping action, political intrigue, and dramatic conflict. Christopher Lambert's Giuliano is an enigma – a bandit, a fighter, a hero – that keeps the audience captivated from start to finish. With strong performances, a thought-provoking plot, and stunning cinematography, The Sicilian is a layered, historical drama that is as entertaining as it is enlightening.