A Very Sicilian Justice (2016)
A Very Sicilian Justice is a gripping documentary produced by Al Jazeera in 2016. The film delves into the intense world of Sicilian Judge Antonino Di Matteo, a central figure in Italy’s Trial of the Century. Narrated by the illustrious Helen Mirren, the documentary provides exceptional access to the life and work of this courageous prosecutor.
The backdrop is the tumultuous period that rocked Italy from 1991 to 1994, known as the season of terror. During this time, the country faced unprecedented challenges, including acts of violence orchestrated by the mafia. The accused include not only five mafia bosses but also five members of the political establishment, including senior police chiefs and politicians.
Judge Antonino Di Matteo emerges as a beacon of justice, fearlessly pursuing those responsible for colluding with the mafia. His relentless pursuit of truth has made him a target. Mafia boss Totò Riina, infamous for his brutality, has openly called for Di Matteo’s “spectacular” assassination. The threat is real, and the judge is now the most threatened and protected man in Italy.
Di Matteo’s life is a delicate balance. He is constantly surrounded by bodyguards, yet he remains conflicted. Giving up would be a personal defeat, even though it might offer respite for him and his family. The struggle to uphold justice against powerful adversaries takes a toll, but Di Matteo persists. “Even if I gave up,” he reflects, “it doesn’t mean I would get fewer death threats.”
The documentary sheds light on the complexities of the Sicilian mafia, which has evolved. While the era of killing civilians has passed, fear still lingers. Di Matteo’s safety is paramount, and the search for conspirators plotting his assassination unfolds dramatically. Supporters rally in solidarity, but appeals to higher authorities often fall on deaf ears.
As the film unfolds, we witness the precarious existence of a man who embodies justice. His determination to confront the mafia head-on, despite the risks, underscores the eternal struggle between the rule of law and the insidious cancer of crime. “A Very Sicilian Justice” captures not only the legal battle but also the human cost of standing up against organized crime in a region where shadows still linger.
In this riveting documentary, truth and courage collide, revealing the indomitable spirit of a prosecutor who refuses to yield, even when faced with the darkest threats. Di Matteo’s story serves as a testament to the resilience of justice in the face of adversity.
