Watch Corleone. Pate der Paten.

Corleone: Pate der Paten is a gripping German-Italian series produced by Arte France that revolves around the infamous Sicilian Mafia family, Corleone. The series chronicles the life and times of the Corleone family, beginning with the rise of patriarch Michele Corleone (Palermo-born actor, Claudio Gioè), also known as "The Patriarch," set against a backdrop of violence and corruption that swept through Sicily in the mid-20th century.

The series is inspired by the real-life events of the Corleone family and their reign of terror during the second half of the 20th century, with a focus on their role in the international drug trade. The series explores the complex dynamics of the family, including personal relationships, power struggles, and betrayals that plague their existence. The story's synopsis reads, "For 40 years, the Corleone family controlled the Italian Mafia. They were the most feared and respected men in Italy, plunging the country into an era of violence and crime. This epic series chronicles their rise and fall."

One of the standout elements of Corleone is its meticulous attention to detail. From the fashions and hairstyles to the dialogue and set design, the series captures the atmosphere of life in Sicily during the 20th century. The cinematography and direction by Ennio Morricone are particularly notable, as is the show's haunting score, which combines operatic melodies and traditional Italian folk music to create a distinctly Sicilian sound.

Despite the familiar themes of crime and corruption, Corleone is an intricate character study that delves into the psychology of the Corleone family members. Each character, from patriarch Michele to his son, Toto (Salvatore Lazzaro), is given ample screen time to explore the nuances of their personalities and relationships. Even the supporting cast members are well-developed and integral to the overall narrative.

The show's pacing is slow and deliberate, allowing the audience to fully immerse themselves in the world of the Corleone family. The storytelling is nonlinear, with flashbacks and flash-forwards that are skillfully interwoven into the narrative, adding depth and complexity to an already complicated family.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Corleone is how it explores the duality of the Corleone family's existence. On the one hand, they are a close-knit family that values loyalty and tradition above all else. On the other hand, they are brutal criminals who will stop at nothing to protect their interests. The show asks difficult questions about morality and justice, and how far people are willing to go to get what they want.

Overall, Corleone: Pate der Paten is a masterful series that explores the fascinating and disturbing world of the Italian Mafia. It is a truly immersive experience that captures the essence of life in Sicily during the 20th century, with exceptional performances from the entire cast and stunning direction by Ennio Morricone. For anyone who loves crime dramas or is interested in exploring the complexities of human nature, Corleone is not to be missed.