One Hundred Days in Palermo
One Hundred Days in Palermo

Movie spotlight

One Hundred Days in Palermo

1984
Movie
106 min
Italian

In the late 1970s and early 80s, assassinations in Sicily get the attention of Communist deputy, Pio La Torre, who appeals to General Carlo Alberto Dalla Chiesa to become prefect in Palermo and take on the Mafia. Dalla Chiesa approaches the job with the same focus and methods he used in hunting down the Red Brigade.

Insights

IMDb6.2/10
Director: Alberto NegrinGenres: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Plot Summary

The film follows Gianpiero Bonafede, an idealistic anti-mafia judge appointed to Palermo, Sicily. Despite facing immense pressure and threats from organized crime, Bonafede attempts to bring justice to the city. His unwavering commitment puts him and his family in grave danger as he confronts the powerful and deeply entrenched mafia.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'One Hundred Days in Palermo' received a mixed to negative reception from critics. While some praised its intentions and the performances, particularly John Hurt's, many found the narrative convoluted and the portrayal of the anti-mafia struggle overly simplistic or melodramatic. It is often considered a less impactful depiction of the fight against the mafia compared to other films.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for John Hurt's committed performance as the determined judge.

  • Criticized for a predictable plot and heavy-handed melodrama.

  • Seen as a less nuanced or impactful exploration of the mafia's influence than other films in the genre.

Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce, but general sentiment indicates that while the film tackles an important subject, its execution is considered somewhat dated and lacking in the depth and tension found in superior mafia dramas. The plot is often cited as a weak point.

Fun Fact

The film was adapted from the novel "Cent Giorni a Palermo" by Giuseppe Fava, an investigative journalist who was murdered by the mafia in 1984, the same year the film was released.

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