SICILIAN GHOST STORY

Italy, 2017, 122 minutes, Colour.

Julia Jedlikowska, Gaetano Fernandez, Vincenzo Amato, Sabine Timoteo.

Directed by Fabio Grassadonnia,Antonio Piazza.

This film is based on actual events, the abduction of a young boy in Sicily by the Mafia, their holding him for two years, and his being strangled and his body dissolved in acid. While these aspects are treated in this narrative, the treatment is far different and stylised, witnessed by the title and the emphasis on a ghost story.

Audiences bring to this film their knowledge of the Mafia and its violent dealings, its hold over its citizens, the threats to those who speak to the police, ultimate ruthlessness.

However, the focus is on the young boy, Giuseppe, a likeable boy, active in sports, good at school, with friends. The focus is also on a young girl in the class, Luna, who initially keeps her distance from Giuseppe but is charmed by him and the friendship grows. Then he disappears. She is concerned, preoccupied, obsessed. There are scenes with her rather haughty mother and her diabetic and more passive father. There are discussions with her girlfriend from school and a range of other friends. So, on the one hand, there is something of a realistic background for Luna’s, experience, the film becomes more surreal, a mysterious lake, Luna entering into Giuseppe’s world, a communication with him. He, on the other hand, has to cope with the behaviour of his jailers, confined quarters, harsh treatment, but often consoled by re-reading the final letter to him from Luna.

For audiences used to Italian real -like dramas about the Mafia, this will be something of a difficult film. For audiences who enjoy the atmosphere of the surreal, atmosphere and suggestions, situation and character, mysterious behaviour, this film will be appreciated.