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The Sicilian Girl (2009). For those firmly entrenched in realism in their movies, especially when laced with some actual event, this movie will prove a disappointment. But for those willing to let themselves go and just enjoy The Sicilian Girl for what it is, a pleasant movie experience is sure to follow.

The story is one that we have heard before, but this mafia story is driven by character portrayal instead of raw violence. The futility of corruption is more the bad guy here. Go along and flourish or die are the options. Our protagonist is not so much a champion of morality but a victim of her anger, a trait that is exploited for the occasional good reason. And while her confliction is the highlight, the other characters are not without inner turmoil, with the mother's final scene a perfect example of spirit's rupture from a living polarity.

The acting was endearing. Veronica D' Agostino plays her role to perfection, a nihilist driven by the lure of vengeance. Her forehead in a constant furrow, her bleak situation offers no consolation, not reason for life. Her one escapade from the droll existence is seen as a negation of duty. Not much there to live for. Both supporting antagonists and protagonists alike are not relegated to the conceptual black and white, and the antagonists especially portray their parts not as evil villains but as empathetic humans on the darker side of the ledger. That these parts are believably portrayed takes this whole drama to a heart-felt level not without discomfort.

The direction and cinematography were competent. One scene with Rita spinning amongst the fluttering black clothes in the wind was especially poignant of the inner turmoil within. The score was perfectly supportive, the melody occasionally pulling our strings of empathy.

In the end a hero is born through time-tested means, and the raw documentary footage at the end really helps to drive this one's message home. Yeah, there were some story flaws that may not ring true, but for those who cannot enjoy a little poetic license then stick to your documentaries.
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