TOtimes Movies: MAFIA INC – No time for sentimentality

Films about mafia bosses and the actions done—or attributed—to the notorious criminal organization are so many that sometimes one may ask, what else new could be told about them. “Mafia Inc.” directed by Daniel Grou (Podz), however, manages to take the old model of the father-boss, his children, and his family—both the blood family and the mafia one—into an interesting mosaic of conflicting interests and ambitions, yet converging on one big goal: to make money. In this, of course, Mafiosi are not much different from any other type of businessmen.

Francesco ‘Frank’ Paternò (Sergio Castellitto) has two sons. Giaco (Donny Falsetti), the oldest one, is trusted with a number of important operations, but there is also Vincent ‘Vince’ Gamache (Marc-André Grondin), a childhood friend of Giaco’s who happens to be the son of Frank’s personal tailor Henri Gamache (Gilbert Sicotte) and brother of Sofie (Mylène Mackay), who is engaged to Frank’s second child Patrizio (Mike Ricci).

The movie starts in the 1980s when Frank’s biggest dream project is to build a monumental bridge connecting his native Sicilia with Calabria. He already has connections with officials in the Italian government (Berlusconi’s corrupt period), so things may go smoothly if all partners contribute. In turn, profits will be enormous.

As we move through the following periods; however, we see that the project never materialized, but of course, in the meantime, many other operations are underway. With increasing power and resources, Vince would even mount a gigantic operation in 1994 in Venezuela, causing a great tragedy, but providing him with significant profits by using a novel and cruel method to smuggle drugs into Canada.

As it happens, great ambition may lead to great losses. Eventually, a conflict will emerge between the boss and his former protégé. Still, the result would not be what one can expect. At this point, the police are also following Frank’s steps, and they would use the criminals’ own conflicts in their favour.

“Mafia Inc.” is an entertaining movie, with a lot of action, some scenes of violence, also some sex scenes. However, it conveys a good story proving that a theme frequently used in movies as the mafia can still produce stories with an original and refreshing flavour. It is recommended to all who like stories about the mafia and those interested in the psychological aspects of the characters.

Available on VOD, different platforms – Running Time: 143 min

lead photo “Mafia Inc.” is an entertaining film by Quebec director Daniel Grou (Podz)

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