What I enjoyed most about this movie was the representation of the complex family dynamics tied to the Mafia. One plot point near the beginning of the film is Peppino’s uncle being killed by Santo’s men so Santos can take power. What surprised me most about this was that Peppino’s father had to continue to follow orders and work under the man who plotted to kill his brother. This seems like there would be a conflict of interest or that Peppino’s father would seek revenge but instead, he follows orders per usual. This plot point streamlines the value of obedience which plays a key role in how the mafia maintains power in Italy. This code of obedience is broken with Peppino joins a communist group and a radio station that denounces the mafia and therefore his immediate family. It seems integral to Pippeno’s experience that he has been hurt by the mafia’s actions. Peppino offers such an important perspective of someone from the inside calling out the corruption of his nation and community.
The term martyr came up in our class discussion to characterize Peppino because he died for the purpose of speaking on the ill-doings of the mafia. It is important to note that he is also responsible for the death of his father, due to Peppino not standing down from his beliefs on speaking out. When his father passed away I wondered if Peppino had any regrets speaking out and if it would’ve saved his father's life if he didn’t. But I strongly believe based on Peppino's actions that he felt so passionately that this was his life purpose and no matter what he would always continue to speak out. This shows that Peppino felt a responsibility to take care of his community and family because he saw a better future where there was no mafia involved with Italy.
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