Bene Cumb Mario Puzo has given the world many novels and scripts becoming the basis for fine movies, e.g. The Godfather trilogy. As for The Sicilian, the screenwriters made it a dubious historical action movie, with an odd choice for the leading role - Christopher "The Highlander" Lambert who obviously lacked the features characteristic to e.g. Robert DeNiro or Al Pacino. The result is a kind of Italian Zorro or Viva Zapata!, with beautiful but difficult-to-remember women; luckily, there are some fine supporting performances, particularly John Turturro as Gaspare "Aspanu" Pisciotta and Joss Ackland as Don Masino Croce, and real Italian atmosphere. But the 2+ hours was too much, there were many scenes not providing additional value, and some lines-links could have been totally avoided. But first of all, one could have a real choice whether to make an adventure movie or mafia movie.Thus, unless you have decided to see everything connected to Puzo or Lambert, or Turturro, skip The Sicilian.

smatysia I read the novel by Mario Puzo quite a few years ago, but do not remember a thing about it, unlike most other Puzo works that I have consumed. So, maybe the source material was a bit lacking. If I remember correctly, Michael Cimino had already destroyed one studio, and well, I don't know how much was invested in this one, but I hope not too much. Cimino was obviously shooting for the sweeping epic, but ended up hitting soap opera level melodrama. The high points were the scenery, the cinematography, and the score. The low points were the plot and the acting. Christopher Lambert badly needed a charisma injection before trying to play this part. Joss Ackland was adequate as the mafia don, and Terence Stamp as the enigmatic prince, but the rest of the cast, ick. Cannot recommend this one.

filmtodeath This film is not as bad as many say. It is somewhat melodramatic at times, but not too often. I really enjoy watching it and recommend it. The main problems with the movie are, the music and acting. The opening song in the film is great and it leads you to believe the film will be a near masterpiece. But there is this one song that is used during some romantic moments, and it just plain sucks. It kills any effect the film had. Then there is the acting. Lambert is one of the worst actors i have ever seen. Simple. However, this movie is probably his best work. The violence in the film is intense which keeps your attention and the cinematography is rather beautiful (One of Cimino's greatest abilities) So, if you can find a copy, watch it.

jank123 It does not look like an american but it is. The story is pretty heavy and intresting and REAL. I watched it for several times and i liked it every time. There were lots of very nice scenes and the end was pretty sad. I cant forget the scene where Pisciotta shots Giuliano. Its a very intresting movie. Giuliano asks the little boy "what do you want?" he says "LAND"