for the kids of Palermo
- How many did you bring? - Twenty.
Here, 20,000 lira.
Go in.
Sure are hungry!
Eat up.
Look at that one!
You're dead?
The people from the dog pound should give you better dogs,
that's what you pay them for.
Tell the Mayor.
Get rid of him.
COME INTO THE LIGHT
They want to kill you.
Happy birthday, Father.
Who is it?
Father!
This is a robbery.
I was expecting you.
two years earlier
Lord, You who write straight on crooked lines,
show me the way.
I beg you, don't abandon me.
Hello.
- What are you doing here alone? - Waiting for mum.
When will she be back?
Tell your mum that when she needs to
she can leave you at the parish. Ever been there?
Why all the questions? Are you a cop?
No, I'm the new priest.
A priest.
See that house?
I was born there, but you weren't even born then.
You were a priest when you were small?
No, I became one when I grew up. What do you want to be?
- And you? - I want to buy a gun.
Why?
To kill the cops who arrested our father.
- What's your name? - Domenico.
Can you do this?
- It's a cinch. - Show me then.
You need to cut all this grass.
- Why aren't you in school? - It's too hot.
You call that a good excuse?
I hear you were born in Brancaccio. Why'd you come back?
- To help the people here. - What people?
What do you mean? The people.
My dad says there are two groups of people here.
Those who walk with their heads down, and men of honor
who walk with their heads high.
- What do you say? - Nothing.
Well, I came to help respectable people
walk with their heads high.
How about that?
Come here.
What's this about you cutting grass?
- I helped the new priest. - What's he want from you?
To help him get kids off the street.
Why?
I asked why.
Steer clear of that parish.
Don't go there ever again.
- Why? - Why...
I've known Pino Puglisi since he was a kid.
If we'd listened to him, we'd be living in misery.
If it were left to guys like him, you wouldn't even have a motorbike.
Come play football at the parish.
Who are you?
- Father Pino, the new priest. - You're not dressed like a priest.
So I can play football better.
- The parish has a football field? - You bet.
- No way! - Then come see.
Let's go see this field.
Damn, this is what I call a field!
Like it?
Form your teams.
You be the Ref.
Stop!
- Why don't you butt out? - You call that playing football?
- This is no game! - It's how we play football.
No, football has rules, this is rugby.
- This is how we play. - Well it's no good.
Either follow the rules, or go fight each other back on the street.
Ball... Ref, penalty.
Nice goal, but the whistle blew.
- What? It was a goal! - The Ref blew the whistle.
It was a goal!
- Off! - Off my foot!
Out.
- Off! - I won't leave.
- You were sent off. - I'm playing.
Fucking priest!
- Let's go, everybody. - Get off the field.
You wimps, scared of a ball-breaking priest.
Time-out.
- What do you want? - Are you done?
See this hand? If you weren't a priest I'd rip off your ears.
And then what?
Avveduto Saro?
What's going on?
We have an order for preventive detention for Avveduto Saro.
- What did he do? - That's reserved information.
Let's play.
Did you finish playing, wimps?
You, you, you, and you.
Domenico!
We're wasting time.
Get a move on!
Domenico, no messing around.
Move it! Come with me.
From Vito.
A little bird told me you went back to the parish.
What did I tell you?
Go back there again...
and I'll kill you.
Don't go near that priest again.
Don't even see him.
When your father gives you an order,
it's the final order!
Good morning.
You robbed a convenience store?
Let's go.
I convinced the Court to give the parish custody of you.
So be good.
You want to give up?
Your Eminence, hoping to change adults is an illusion,
but you should see the eyes of those kids!
They're aching to play.
Instead of going to school, they're mafia minions.
For most of them, the street is 1,000 times better than home.
To remove them from violence, give them a chance to study,
to grow up free, this is the plan.
So you came to discuss a dream.
No, even if dreams do color the world.
I came to ask for help.
I can't do it alone.
You could use an assistant priest, but you know how things are.
Priests don't grow on trees, unfortunately!
Thanks for watching my kids.
Can I bring them tomorrow too?
Yes, but come give a hand when you can,
there's lots to be done.
You know what I do for work?
Sure, so what?
Thanks.
Let me try.
You're not like other priests, you've got balls.
I knew you wouldn't tell the cops anything.
Only because I knew you'd come back.
Control the volume, and put out that cigarette.
A few days ago, before returning here as priest,
I dreamt about the future of this neighborhood and it was beautiful.
I dreamt of a place where there were no robberies,
no drugs, no more violence or abuse...
Even altar girls, soon he'll be baptizing dogs!
Vito, what do you think?
There were wonderful schools, with children playing.
I can already imagine what you're thinking.
"These are the dreams of a poor priest!
This will never happen in Brancaccio."
But I say it's not nonsense...
Boris, play my favorite song.
This is the wish of every man, every father...
It's the wish of every father.
Parents only wish the best for their children.
What parent would give their child a scorpion instead of bread?
Would you give your kid a scorpion to eat?
- I'd give one to my mother-in-law. - Right on!
Come in.
- May God be with you. - Good morning, come in.
Yes?
Some respectable people
would like you to bless their new car showroom.
They sent you this...
as an offering.
There must be strong motive behind such an offering.
I don't know you well enough.
If the showroom is an honest business it doesn't need my blessing.
What should I tell them?
What I just said.
That's all we need!
First a Communist priest who thought he was in Latin America,
now one who refuses offers.
Know what they used to call him at his old parish?
The straight-shooter. He's not flexible.
Should we soften him up?
My brother's too impulsive.
Give him some time to settle in.
Reminds me of when I wanted to be a football player.
Look how he caresses the ball.
We should thank his dad for the hospitality.
How?
By putting him in the A series.
Excuse me.
Where might we find the priest?
That's me.
I'm Sister Carolina.
Sister Elena and Sister Anna.
The Bishop sent us to help you out.
The Bishop?
You weren't expecting us, right?
Come on in!
Commander, the suitcases!
I'd give you my place, but it's a hole.
I'll bring in some beds and tidy it up.
It's only a temporary set-up.
Everything okay?
I came to see how you're doing.
- Need anything? - No, thank you.
This morning's discussion,
about funds for a center for the children...
I wouldn't want to be guilty of optimism,
meaning...
- There are no funds for it. - Exactly!
I understood that.
We need to find funds because it must be built.
- Of course! - I have an idea.
A raffle?
Yes, how did you...
All priests turn to raffles when in difficulty.
- So long as it works. - True.
Lavish prizes with the Saint Gaetano raffle!
Buy your raffle tickets
and contribute to the construction
of the new social center, which will be called Our Father.
One ticket is only 1,000 lira!
Some of the prizes: washing machine, sewing machine...
Hurry, tickets are going fast!
Only 1,000 fucking lira!
- Watch your language! - Sorry, it slipped.
- Buy your tickets! - Fucking buy 'em!
Quiet!
This silence means it wasn't any of you?
Is that so?
Neither I nor Father Pino want to punish you, just tell the truth.
Is it that hard to admit you made a mistake?
Whoever tried to steal the money, betrayed our trust.
The money was for the center, for everyone.
Can we trust him in the future?
Do we want to live in suspicion here?
Saro, put out the cigarette.
We want to forgive.
A person who made a mistake can be forgiven,
but he has to ask for forgiveness.
He must say: "It was me, I was wrong, sorry".
He'll regain our trust and we'll welcome him as a friend.
I know it's hard to admit it in front of everyone.
So I'll go inside, whoever did it can come confess.
That way, only he and his confessor will know.
Then he'll decide if he wants to tell anyone.
All right?
I'll go inside.
Are you still upset?
What made you become a nun?
The desire for truth.
As a child I spent all day reading fairytales.
Adults would say: "Carolina, face reality!"
Anything I considered doing,
a journalist, or perhaps a wife,
didn't make me happy.
So?
I asked myself:
"Is there any way to combine reality with our dreams?"
Like in fairytales.
Why did you take on this parish?
I was born here.
The kids I grew up with became mafia bosses or criminals,
but I was lucky.
My parents taught me the value of honesty and work.
So I wanted to give something back.
Why the hammer?
It was my father's, he was a shoemaker.
- I repair my shoes occasionally. - How about women's shoes?
Sure. Do your shoes need repairing?
Mine and theirs!
Is that a threat?
What lovely pizza!
Let's hear it for Saro!
- What kind is the next one? - Sauce, ham, and mozzarella.
Like it? Approved!
Don't touch!
Spread it around...
- What's your name? - My friends call me Carmelo.
You're among friends here.
Why don't you come in through the door like everyone else?
Want to make pizza with us?
Quiet! What are you laughing about?
That kid's got a thick head!
How about this pizza?
- Claudia, what toppings? - Ham, mozzarella, and mushrooms!
No anchovies?
Hold on. Carry on, Saro.
You're coming with me?
Let's wait for Father Pino.
Are you done?
Let us know when you're done so we can say hello.
How'd you get in?
With that?
You don't need tools to get into the center, the door's open.
Come when you want to.
I got it.
Come on.
Excuse me, I'm the new Religion teacher.
- What just happened? - You busted the box!
Have you ever read "Il Manifesto"?
- No! - Today we will.
Who'll begin?
Don't worry, I'm not here to discuss politics.
Read the front page headline.
"Thousands fired at the Termini Imerese Factory".
Read the headline of this paper.
"Plans for renewal of the Termini Imerese Factory".
Plans for renewal of the Termini Imerese Factory.
- That's a big difference. - Mainly for the factory workers.
Right!
How do we know what the truth is?
Truth doesn't come from newspapers, but from our thoughts.
- What's your name? - Rosario.
Nice thought!
Thinking for yourselves, that's what we're going to do.
Get used to thinking for yourselves.
Say yes, if we think it's right to say yes,
or say no, if we think it's right.
Don't be afraid to bust some balls.
- Agreed? - Yes!
- Are you sure? - Yes!
Tie it down.
WELCOME
Here are my students!
Good morning! Welcome!
See all the good stuff they brought?
She's coming!
Sister Carolina?
Do Sisters have boobs?
And do you have weenies?
Father Pino, I'd like you to meet my grandpa.
Attorney, what a pleasure!
Thank you, your donation was essential.
It was my pleasure, you did a great job.
Thanks to all the kids, like your grandson.
Hi, Giovanna!
Take her to play with the other kids.
Knock it off!
Please!
Kids, cartwheels outside!
- Did you see who did it? - We found them on the ground.
They even slashed your tires!
Let's lift them up.
What are you doing here? Want to get a coffee?
You don't come to the parish anymore.
- I'm not allowed to. - Your father?
If I come back, he'll kill me.
I came to tell you.
I've had it since I was your age.
I want you to have it.
Take it!
The Festival Committee congratulates you
for the way you've transformed the parish.
Father Pino and I were born in the same building.
- Right? - Sure thing!
There are rumors in the neighborhood...
Regarding the patron saint festival.
Rumor has it someone wants to change the procession route.
- Is that someone here? - Is he?
Yes, it's me!
The route has always been the same.
I'm glad you're all here, so I can give you more news.
I don't want you to collect money for the procession.
How will we pay for the fireworks?
We won't, we won't have any.
That's no festival!
Brancaccio is too poor to waste money.
All right, no fireworks,
but Fred Malvino's from an important family, he always sings,
we can't just change everything like that.
He can still sing,
but for free.
- Free? - If he's a Saint Gaetano devotee...
I knew it!
Gaspare?
It's been ages!
Remember when we used to play football in the courtyard?
Your son hasn't been to the parish in a while.
Tell him to come by.
Don't want him to?
You've got paint all over you.
- To our patron saint. - To Saint Gaetano!
I'll put that kid in the A series.
I hear the new priest doesn't show respect.
He talks too much... He wants to be a big shot?
A TV star?
We even have to worry about priests now?
Brancaccio is your territory, do what you can.
Have fun.
Kids, don't run away!
Don't be afraid, stay in line.
It's nothing, just fireworks.
Get back into line.
Saro, bring the statue.
To our priest.
Good morning.
- Are you looking for someone? - No.
It's nice here.
Yes, nice.
Pino, don't you recognize me?
- Are you Gregorio? - Diocesan seminary, 1980.
What a pleasure! You've grown up!
Come here, help me.
- What brings you here? - You.
- Want some coffee? - Yes, thanks.
Kids!
Things have gotten worse lately.
Worse than before?
Who knows how many kids in Palermo don't go to school!
Their parents prefer to send them out to rob.
Speak of the devil!
I want you to meet a friend.
Carmelo, want to meet my friend?
You're not going to school today?
Some friend!
- I've got an idea. - What?
You'll be my new assistant priest.
Citizens, we're the representatives of the tenants' committee...
We've already got 500.
- How's it going? - Not bad.
- Are people signing? - The majority has.
- Why that face? - My dad says it's all bullshit.
He said that?
- What's your name? - Divo.
Want to live in a neighborhood without schools or playgrounds?
No.
Then according to your dad, you just said some nonsense.
But you don't think it's nonsense.
- Yes or no? - Who gives a shit, I like playing!
He's right!
We have over 1,000 signatures from residents who want a school,
a playground, medical aid.
- A center for the elderly. - Was a petition necessary?
You could've come here to discuss it, that's what City Hall is for.
Good job, over 1,000 signatures!
We've even picked a site for the school.
- Where? - In the depots on Via Hazon.
Lots of illegal activities take place there.
No one has done a thing to put an end to it.
Excuse the intrusion, the State Committee is waiting for you.
I forgot, be right there.
Sorry.
Don't forget about those though.
Of course not, but I have one thing to say:
you'll have to be patient.
We'll meet again.
The depots of Via Hazon.
They're totally abandoned.
Well, to be honest, they're used by the mafia.
Right!
What the fuck is this committee with the priest?
Who's behind it?
1,100 signatures, can you believe it?
They'll use them for elections, they'll screw us over.
Who can tell me what...
the Eighth Commandment is?
- Don't bear witness. - What!
- Don't bear witness! - Don't bear false witness!
It's different, you must bear witness and tell the truth.
How about the Fifth Commandment?
- Don't kill your father and mother. - No!
Honor your father and mother!
Kill, not honor, right Father Pino?
The tragic ambush took place at 6:10 p.m. on the highway.
Giovanni Falcone had arrived in Palermo from Rome
like he did every weekend
since he was appointed judge for the Ministry of Justice.
The usual.
Three cars escorted the armored car carrying the judge
along with his wife...
Go inside.
- Did you hear what happened? - Yes.
Did you hear the news?
Death to judges!
THE MAFIA RULES!
With these innocent victims: a judge,
his wife, his escorts,
they've struck all men of good will,
trying to silence them, to intimidate them.
Now is the time to react,
to lift up our heads.
True!
The only way to honor those who died for our freedom
is to ask,
demand, obtain,
what has always been promised but never done.
Tonino? Stand up.
Do you have a sewage connection yet?
No.
And you Maria...
stand up.
Do you have garbage bins outside of your home?
Here, to get what is ours by law,
we've been told to be patient.
Now we're saying out loud
that we're out of patience.
We, residents of Brancaccio, have run out of patience.
We have too!
Father Pino, tell the Mayor!
Medicine, paperwork, documents,
you don't need to ask for them as favors.
It is your right to get what you're entitled to.
We're here to help you.
I brought the medicine, let me know when I need to order more.
What are you doing here?
What'll I do with this?
A deafening bang just before 5:00 p.m.
shook Via Mariano D'Amelio.
A car loaded with heavy explosives
caused the blast which produced devastating results.
There was no hope for judge Paolo Borsellino
and five of his escorts.
Four died immediately, one died in the hospital.
Let's go.
Outrageous, in less than 2 months, Falcone and Borsellino.
You think anyone will listen to us in this time of terror?
We'll keep asking.
If necessary, we'll raise our voices even more.
This is an illegal depot of "Cosa Nostra"
in the heart of Brancaccio.
Where are our lobsters?
Father Puglisi and his kids came to Via Hazon,
blocked off the street, and made their clean voices heard,
in a dangerous environment.
A priest who is not afraid to go out on a limb.
His denouncements have knocked down the wall of silence.
Tell us the meaning of your denouncement.
First of all, it's not a denouncement but a protest.
We want the city to turn these depots into a middle school
and use them for the necessary social services.
What's most striking: the quantity of explosives discovered.
Perhaps belonging to the same mafia hands which caused bloodshed?
Turn that bullshit off!
I told you that damn priest wanted to go on TV,
become a big shot.
Now what? We'll let him rule Brancaccio?
We're gonna let this mangy dog step on our toes?
Well?
To his health!
Of course I saw him on the news.
Of course I can do it.
Leave it to me.
Do you have school today?
What are you waiting for, a carriage?
We only passed by the church because we saw a fire.
Must have been spontaneous combustion.
Maybe the truck's valve caught fire 'cause of the heat.
It happened...
The priest saw it catch fire, forget about spontaneous combustion!
What do you want from us?
You don't believe these accusations against Brancaccio residents?
We don't go on TV badmouthing respectable people.
Ask the priest why they're doing this.
We know nothing, we're good guys, 24 carats!
Quit clowning around!
I don't even know why I'm here.
Do you know any priests?
Last time I went to church was for my First Communion.
I'm not even baptized!
You know it too, it's because of the heat!
- Who is it? - Father, we need help.
Coming.
What are you looking at?
I told you, I fell down the stairs!
How many times do I have to say it?
The lights went out... What do you want?
Know what the papers say?
That Brancaccio has a high mafia density.
Recent episodes prove it.
But how does one calculate mafia density?
What is mafia density? Something you can eat?
Go ask the priest! Serves him right.
So he'll stop saying all this bullshit.
We want Brancaccio to live a joyful day.
But we need to understand one thing.
A question to all those who row in the opposite direction:
Why are you obstructing
those who are trying to create a better society for your kids?
Then the usual refrain: "Father, things will never change!"
Can't you see that something is changing?
Don't you realize more and more kids come to our center?
Do their smiles frighten you?
THIS IS OUR RESPONSE
Run, Tonino!
You can do it!
I'd like to address the so-called men of honor.
He who uses violence is not a man,
but a beast.
I know you, men of honor,
I know where you hide,
many of you were baptized here in this church.
You, who are used to moving in the dark, if you're still men,
come into the light,
the doors of this church are open to you, I'll welcome you.
If you're still men, come forward,
let's meet in the square,
let's talk.
- What's wrong? - You know.
We're on a roll, we can't stop now.
- Aren't you afraid? - What'll they do, kill me?
Even so, then what?
Let's ask for help at least.
- The Police are already too busy. - So?
- We'll keep charging ahead. - Why?
Why? I always say we should walk with our heads high!
If I'm the first to turn back, how will the people believe me?
Sorry.
Don't make that face.
Is the star-watching expedition still on?
Hope you've prepared everything.
I'm glad.
See you.
- Good evening, this is my bike. - So?
So, I need to leave.
- Saro, who's that guy? - Him?
It's better to avoid guys like him.
You gave your first sermon today, nice job.
Want to know how to calculate mafia density?
I'll tell you.
Based on the amount of bullshit you priests say.
Then how come this neighborhood's full of hunger and misery?
It's your fault!
Who gives the people food?
The church, the State?
Oh please!
We do.
We're the only ones who give the people food and work.
Who is it?
No one's home.
- When will someone be back? - I don't know.
Thanks.
What?
Tell "someone" to talk to Father Puglisi
and to leave Deacon Gregorio alone.
They left an hour ago.
They signed the purchase contract for a holding company.
In Switzerland.
I'd say a hefty offer.
Goodbye.
Grandpa, did you hear about the fire at Brancaccio's church?
Yes, a horrendous act.
Do you know who calls the shots in Brancaccio?
- What do you mean? - If you know those guys...
I do business in Brancaccio like in any part of Palermo,
but you don't always know who calls the shots from behind.
Why do you ask?
I saw some sketchy people here before.
No.
You didn't see any sketchy people here.
Put him on.
Paolo, give me back my veil!
Too bad adults can't become kids again, at least once!
Thanks.
Do Sister Anna and Sister Elena ever talk?
- Never! You noticed? - I've never heard their voices.
Look, a shooting star!
Another shooting star!
Look how it twinkles!
What kind of stars are those?
- That looks like Sister Anna. - That's Sister Elena.
Pino, I need to talk to you.
I know what you're going to say.
Don't think I'm not afraid, I'm no hero.
There comes a time in life when you have to make a decision,
and I made mine.
Would you stay in Brancaccio if I'm gone?
Don't even say that!
I want to ask you a favor.
Don't forget about my body.
Damn, Father Pino, there are so many stars in this sky!
It's full!
They're the same stars you'd see in Brancaccio,
but you never lift your heads up.
Come here.
See this cluster of stars above us,
shaped like a square with a tail?
That's called the Big Dipper.
I couldn't say bye because I left suddenly with Giovanna.
We're going to my aunt's in Milan.
I discovered unspeakable things about my grandpa.
It's like my father and mother have died a second time.
Once I get the strength, I'll tell you about it.
Remember the Spoon River poem you read us at school?
'I snared his soul with a snare which bled him to death.'
My soul is bleeding, but I know how to react.
Thanks to your teachings, I had the courage to leave.
I'll be back.
Thanks, Father Pino."
Happy birthday, Father.
Who is this?
Don't go to school today.
Vito will need you later.
- Where were you? - Out for a ride.
Vito called, he's waiting for you in Albergheria.
What are you waiting for?
Go!
You know what?
We should modify the motor on this bike.
So it can go faster.
Carolina?
I'm done, I'll go home, get changed, and be right there.
Don't eat the cake without me!
Happy birthday.
What a nice cake!
It's the best villa I have to offer.
The pool has sea water and hydro-massage jets.
- How much is it? - 25 million lira.
But they won't rent it for only 15 days.
Father!
This is a robbery.
I was expecting you.
25 million? No problem.
You can come here with your girl for the remaining 15 days.
Here.
25 million in advance, plus your commission.
You wished him a happy birthday?
Good.
Talk to you later.
Signor Carmelo?
Your Honor, that priest took in kids from the street,
he pounded us with his words, and busted our balls.
Father Puglisi was murdered on September 15, 1993,
the day of his 56th birthday.
Shot by Salvatore Grigoli, age 28, with a history of 13 murders.
Behind the crime, the Graviano brothers, bosses of Brancaccio,
accomplices in the attacks on Falcone and Borsellino,
and the massacres in Florence, Rome, and Milan of 1992 and 1993.
translation: Rosanna Del Buono
subtitles by OMBRE ELETTRICHE - Roma