I really liked this Italian film about the mafia because although it lacks the flash and stereotypes of this sort of film, it really manages to produce an excellent portrait of real people caught up in an ugly lifestyle. While not filmed by such Neo-realists as DeSica or Rosselini, this film sure looks a lot like this style of film that was so popular in the 40s and 50s. That's because so many of the actors appear to be real people--real people who are neither handsome nor glamorous. Heck, even one of the women in the film has a rather significant mustache! The story begins in Milan with a well-respected engineer for an Italian car manufacturer at work just before leaving for vacation in Sicily. His boss asks Antonio to give a present to Don Vincenzo who also happens to live in the same town where he's headed. Apparently, Antonio grew up there and is going back for the first time in many years to introduce his wife and kids to his extended family. However, once in Sicily, it's rather apparent that Don Vincenzo is the local Mafia boss and the town appears to be under his control. Despite Antonio seeming to be a good father and husband, as well as a decent all-around guy, eventually the Don wants him to "do a little favor"--and it shows how seemingly good people become pawns of organized crime.The film excels with its realism. This isn't just because of all the non-professional actors, but because the film manages to tell the story in a way that makes you connect with Antonio and understand how such a good person could do evil. Well acted, directed and written--this is a highly underrated little Italian gem.

Contains Spoiler I just saw this movie which was certainly as wonderful as most of the other reviewers are saying.But one thing several of the other reviewers seemed to miss (to me, at least) was that the entire culture of his hometown was invested in his doing his little errand for the Don. The societal structure is based on doing "favors" for each other. The Don does a favor for his parents, his parents in turn, turn on a dime in their treatment of their Northern Italian daughter-in-law in order to get her to be willing to stay for a few extra days. His father presumably has some idea of the kind of errand he's actually going to be going on.Everything operates from a complex web of familial and social obligations, guilt and fear and he's completely trapped. Not just his wife and children but his parents and sister could all be forfeit if he doesn't do what they want him to do.He only has one skill they care about; his marksmanship. His humanity, his pride, his love for his family; none of that means anything to them.This is a scathing indictment of what brutality, not just Mafia brutality, can do to the human spirit and the acting is wonderful.

I've never seen black and white film look so rich, sensuous and stunningly attractive; Cinematographer Armando Nannuzzi hit the nail on the head, creating a very rich and vibrant looking film. At times my mind naturally filled in the colors due to the crisp clarity of all the images, both of natural, rural scenes, and modern, city/industrial settings.Art director Carlo Egidi masterfully blends the surrounding background of everyday life with his set designs and costumes so that it is impossible to separate the two; truly a mirrored recreation of the day in the life of a modern Sicilian during mid-60's. Each scene is so thought out, and crafted so well that at times their is an almost alien effect, due to the deep endearing political and social dynamics which has become lost in our culture and films today in the 21st century. This effect at times appears exaggerated due to its robust social nature, yet does the job in creating a warm, stunning and beautiful feel to this film.

Albert Sordi is virtually unknown here in the United States. He's been called the Italian Peter Sellars but I think that should be reversed, Sellers was the British Sordi. Just one look at his performance in this film should cement that fact that Sordi was by far a better dramatic actor then anything I've seen Sellars do.I had the pleasure of seeing this film twice and it really improves the second time. The loud behavior is a little off-putting the first time but the second viewing revealed all the incredible subtleties in the film and the performances.The direction is extremely good. Director Lattuada is unknown here despite his extensive resume. I could see a definite influence on Sergio Leone in the camera placement and attention to detail. And the music is exceptional as well. The switch to serious drama is what makes this a great film. A lesser production would have made the mafia into clowns.If the film comes into town make a point to see it. It's better then most of the stuff being made today.