By Roger Costa
THE TRAITOR
A sensational mobster epic spanning decades in the life of Tommaso Buscetta, one of Cosa Nostra’s Mafia organization most prolific associates, Marco Bellocchio’s stunning drama is certainly a great way to kickoff the new year, a mesmerizing work that should be remembered when it comes to the annual balance of best productions released in 2020. Delivering a powerful performance by Pierfrancesco Favino, the film is a detailed, ultra violent and well-structured character study, challenged by moral values, principles, family bond, a strong romance and greed. It starts in 1980 when Buscetta seeks refugee in Brazil after his scandalous involvement with the Mafia comes to light. As an interior war poisons the criminal net, hundreds of family members are killed, forcing Buscetta to return to Palermo where he becomes the first informant, responsible to dismantle the international heroin-based crime organization; Bellocchio explores Buscetta’s anxiety and silent fear with masterly command, the same way he observes his intense love affair to his Brazilian wife (Maria Fernanda Candida, in a star-making role), the emotional care on his children and the negotiations with the state. The film also delivers one of the most ridiculously funny courtroom sequences in history. Impressively violent, brilliantly narrated and seductive, it’s a must-see Mafia epic. (Sony Pictures Classics. 1/31. Film Forum and Film At Lincoln Center.)
JOSÉ
Winner of the Queer Lion Award at Venice Film Festival, director Li Cheng’s sophomore feature is a modest, highly touching and perceptive drama about financial struggle and sexual identity, highlighted by the conflicts imposed by a intolerable society in Latin-American countries. First-time actor Enrique Salanic gives a compelling, utterly convincing performance as the protagonist, a young man living with his mother in a small town in Guatemala. They both work hard in tough jobs, trying to make ends meet, avoiding the obstacles and violence most likely crossing their paths. José maintains a secret love affair with another young fellow, who dreams of leaving the country for a better chance of surviving and to experience freedom for their choices. Conflicts surge among them, as José is strongly attached to his mother, a co-dependent relationship open for any sacrifices. Cheng examines crucial topics on behavior and acceptance with simplicity and honesty. He also conceives a striking look at poverty and hopelessness, while depicting the pleasures and risks of a Latin gay coming of age experience. (Outsider Pictures. 1/31. Quad Cinemas.)
INCITEMENT
Set in early 90’s, Israeli director Yaron Zilberman’s foreign entry for the 2020 Oscars, follows a young university student who becomes a radical leader determined to “exterminate the enemy” among his Jewish community, which he believes it’s a political war against Israel’s Prime Minister, Yitzhak Rabin. Rising star Yehuda Nahari Halevi gives a breakthrough performance as the villain protagonist, building up his character with incredible skills: he must fulfill his duties with family, friends and girlfriend, all while trying to organize a fully-armed, rebel movement. Named Best Film by the Israeli Film Academy, it captures the anxiety and tension of the crime with extreme brilliance and fast paced action, while connecting to relevant romantic and familiar insights. Zilberman conceives a suspenseful, detailed and observational psychological thriller depicting a man’s journey from a regular activist guy to a notorious, cruel murderer. (Greenwich Entertainment. 1/31. Angelika Film Center and Landmark at 57 West.)
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