Watch Excellent Cadavers

Excellent Cadavers is a gripping and intense documentary about the Mafia's reign of terror in Italy during the 1980s and 1990s. Directed by Marco Turco, the film is based on the book of the same name by American journalist Alexander Stille, who appears in the documentary as one of the talking heads. The film offers a comprehensive and insightful overview of the Mafia's rise to power in Sicily, the violent tactics they employed to maintain control, and the courageous efforts of a few dedicated individuals to take them down.

The documentary's title refers to the term used by the Italian Mafia to describe the murders of high-profile targets, such as judges, prosecutors, police officers, and politicians. These killings were carried out with brutal efficiency by the Mafia's hitmen, who became known as "men of honour". The film tells the story of two of these high-profile targets: anti-Mafia judges Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino, who were gunned down in separate bombings in 1992.

Through interviews with eyewitnesses, experts, and family members, the film paints a vivid picture of the Mafia's web of corruption and violence. We see how the Mafia infiltrated all levels of Italian society, from the police and the judiciary to the business world and the Catholic Church. We also learn about the various Mafia clans that vied for power in Sicily, and the strategies they used to eliminate their rivals and maintain their grip on power.

One of the most powerful aspects of the film is its focus on the human cost of the Mafia's reign of terror. We hear from family members of those who were killed or went missing as a result of their opposition to the Mafia, including the wives of Falcone and Borsellino. Their stories are heartbreaking and inspiring, and they serve as a reminder of the courage and sacrifice required to stand up to organized crime.

The film also explores the efforts of those who fought back against the Mafia, including journalists, prosecutors, and ordinary citizens. We hear from photojournalist Letizia Battaglia, who documented the violence and corruption of the Mafia through her powerful images. We also learn about the investigations and trials that gradually chipped away at the Mafia's power and led to the convictions of many of its top leaders.

Overall, Excellent Cadavers is a powerful and important documentary that sheds light on a dark chapter in Italian history. Its combination of archival footage, interviews, and expert analysis creates a compelling narrative that is both informative and emotionally engaging. While the subject matter is often grim and disturbing, the film offers a glimmer of hope in the form of the brave individuals who dared to stand up to the Mafia and fight for justice.

Excellent Cadavers is a 2006 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6.