The Mafia’s Secret Bunkers (2013)
“The Mafia’s Secret Bunkers,” directed by Elena Cosentino in 2013, delves into the clandestine world of Italy’s most powerful organized crime group: the ‘Ndrangheta. This shadowy Mafia, hailing from the southern region of Calabria, has surpassed Sicily’s Cosa Nostra in terms of influence and reach.
The documentary takes us on a gripping journey alongside law enforcement officers as they track down the elusive mafia members. Set against the backdrop of Calabria, the film chronicles events from approximately 2007 to 2013. During this period, significant bosses are captured, their underground bunkers exposed, and their criminal operations disrupted.
These bunkers serve as the secret lairs of the ‘Ndrangheta bosses. Living underground is a necessity for these modern-day mafia leaders, as openly flaunting their power is no longer feasible. The film reveals the intricate network of tunnels and hidden chambers concealed beneath Calabrian villages. These sophisticated bunkers allow criminals to vanish at a moment’s notice, evading capture and maintaining their criminal enterprises.
As the documentary unfolds, viewers witness the dramatic scenes of mafia bosses being dragged out from their subterranean hideouts by determined law enforcement officers. The tension between the hunters and the hunted is palpable, emphasizing the high stakes involved in dismantling the ‘Ndrangheta’s operations.
The bunkers themselves are marvels of engineering and secrecy. With concealed entrances, cleverly disguised exits, false walls, and even underground greenhouses for cannabis cultivation, these bunkers have housed everyone from notorious bosses like Antonio Pelle and Ciccio Pesce to beautifully constructed, unused sanctuaries.
“The Mafia’s Secret Bunkers” sheds light on the hidden world of organized crime, revealing the lengths to which the ‘Ndrangheta goes to maintain its power and evade justice. It’s a gripping exploration of the battle between law enforcement and a criminal organization that thrives in the shadows
