The Traitor

Synopsis

The Traitor (Il traditore) is a gripping biographical crime drama centered on the real-life story of Tommaso Buscetta, portrayed by Pierfrancesco Favino. Buscetta, a former member of the Sicilian Mafia, becomes the first significant informant to break the code of silence and cooperate with Italian authorities in the 1980s. Through intense court trials and personal sacrifices, he exposes the inner workings and brutal hierarchies of the Cosa Nostra, shaking the criminal underworld and the Italian justice system alike. The film masterfully blends courtroom drama with powerful character study, capturing the moral complexities and personal costs of turning informant within a ruthless organization.

Cast

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  Pierfrancesco Favino

  Tommaso Buscetta

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  Maria Fernanda Cândido

  Maria Cristina de Almeida

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  Fabrizio Ferracane

  Pippo Calò

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  Fausto Russo Alesi

  Giovanni Falcone

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  Luigi Lo Cascio

  Salvatore Contorno

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  Bruno Cariello

  Alfonso Giordano

Reviews

Critics have generally praised The Traitor for its compelling storytelling and Pierfrancesco Favino's powerful performance. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an 86% approval rating, with the consensus highlighting its gripping narrative and nuanced portrayal of an infamous figure. Metacritic's score of 64/100 indicates generally favorable reviews, with critics appreciating director Marco Bellocchio’s detailed approach to a complex historical drama. Many reviewers commend Favino’s portrayal as a career-best, noting his ability to convey the emotional and psychological toll on Buscetta. The film's meticulous attention to period detail and courtroom sequences have been praised for authenticity and dramatic tension. However, some critiques mention the film's pacing can be slow and the legal jargon occasionally dense, which could challenge viewers unfamiliar with the subject matter. IMDb users rate the movie at 7.1/10, indicating a positive reception from the general audience, applauding the film's depth and moral ambiguity. Overall, The Traitor is regarded as a well-crafted and intense exploration of betrayal and justice within the mafia world.