Christopher Lambert stars in an operatic biography of the violent outlaw folk hero Salvatore Giuliano. A bandit, a patriot, and a real-life Robin Hood, Giuliano was the infamous bandit who, together with his ragtag band of guerrillas, attempted to liberate 1940s Sicily from Italian rule. Cimino tells the tale of an idealistic and deeply flawed man who employs increasingly excessive means to further his dream of achieving radical land distribution from the rich land owners to the peasants. The film features exceptional performances by John Turturro and Joss Ackland in supporting roles.
Based on Mario Puzo's best-selling novel, THE SICILIAN tells the story of Salvatore Giuliano, the Sicilian real-life bandit leader who took on the church, the state, and the Mafia, hoping to promote Sicily's secession from Italy in the late 1940s. Giuliano (Christopher Lambert) robs from the rich conservative landowners to give to the desolate, serflike peasants, urging them to buy land with the money. However, as Giuliano's popularity grows, so does his ego. Obsessed with his self-created legend, the bandit fails to recognize that his successes are directly connected to the tolerance of his backer, all-powerful Mafia don Masino Croce (Joss Ackland). The don, in turn, sets out to kill Giuliano by convincing his cousin and closest adviser, Gaspare (John Turturro), to assassinate him. Michael Cimino brings Giuliano to life in an elaborate and challenging film. Giuliano's life was also the subject of Francesco Rosi's 1962 film, SALVATORE GIULIANO.
Theatrical release: October 23, 1987.
The original release of THE SICILIAN ran 115 minutes. A 146-minute director's cut is available on video.
THE SICILIAN was based on Mario Puzo's (THE GODFATHER) best-selling novel THE SICILIAN.
Although set in Sicily, almost none of the actors in THE SICILIAN are Italian.
DVD Features:
Region 1
Keep Case
Full Frame - 1.33
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Review 1:
"...Richard Bauer makes a strong impression....Giulia Boschi is strikingly, seriously beautiful..."
Source: Variety
10/21/1987
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