The Traitor (2019): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot
The Traitor is a 2019 drama thriller directed by Marco Bellocchio, starring Pierfrancesco Favino as Tommaso Buscetta, Maria Amato and Gabriele Cicirello. It runs 2 hours 31 minutes and earned $8.9 million worldwide. Its Echo Score is 72/100.
- Released
- Runtime
- 2h 31m (151 min)
- Director
- Marco Bellocchio
- Original language
-
Italian
- Studio
- IBC Movie
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The Traitor About?
The premise of The Traitor without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
In 1980s Palermo, Sicily, Mafia member Tommaso Buscetta attempts to escape the escalating war between rival clans by relocating to Brazil with his family. After facing hardship and tragedy, he is compelled to return to Italy, where he makes a pivotal decision to cooperate with authorities. His actions will dramatically alter his own life and the future of the Cosa Nostra criminal organization.
The Traitor Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- cosa nostra
- sicily
- italy
- 1990s
- 1980s
- mafia
- year 2000
- sicily italy
- italian history
- year 1984
- year 1992
- male full frontal nudity
+38 more Show fewer
- based on true story
- trial
- mafia boss
- sex scene
- female nudity
- mutilation
- shot in the chest
- heroin addict
- loss of son
- dream
- murder
- rio de janeiro brazil
- brazilian woman
- torture
- loss of father
- judge
- questioning
- flashback
- assassination
- assassination attempt
- title appears in writing
- veiled threat
- death threat
- new identity
- pentito
- italian abroad
- paranoia
- strychnine
- palermo italy
- code of honor
- prostitute
- sex in a jail
- fleeing the country
- ex mafioso
- sicilian mafioso
- male nudity
- southern europe
- europe
The Traitor Cast & Characters
Pierfrancesco Favino leads the cast as Tommaso Buscetta, with Maria Amato as Melchiorra Buscetta and Gabriele Cicirello as Benedetto Buscetta. Directed by Marco Bellocchio; 90 actors are credited in all.
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Director Marco Bellocchio
-
Pierfrancesco Favino as Tommaso Buscetta - Maria Amato as Melchiorra Buscetta
- Gabriele Cicirello as Benedetto Buscetta
- Tommaso Buscetta as themselves
Also Starring in The Traitor
· 86 more- Salvo Scuderi Tommaso Spadaro
- Paride Cicirello Antonio Buscetta
- Federica Butera Silvana Buscetta
- Ada Nisticò Alessandra Buscetta
- Letizia Porcaro Serafina Buscetta
- Turi Di Maria Vincenzo Buscetta
- Mario Gioè Benny Buscetta
- Vince Cannizzaro Pietro Buscetta
- Nicola Calì Totò Riina
- Leo Wainer Brazilian Priest
- Iran Meu Nêgo Brazilian Bodyguard
- Wagner Brant Brazilian Subsecretary
- Fausto Russo Alesi Giovanni Falcone
- Rosario Palazzolo Giovanni De Gennaro
- Fabrizio Romano Maxi Trial Attorney #1
- Roberto Burgio Maxi Trial Attorney #2
Show all 90 cast members Show fewer cast members
- Tiziana Cuticchio Maxi Trial Standing Woman #5
- Chiaraluce Fiorito Maxi Trial Standing Woman #1
- Viviana Militello Maxi Trial Standing Woman #2
- Marta Limoli Maxi Trial Standing Woman #3
- Annamaria Spina Maxi Trial Standing Woman #4
- Luigi Lo Cascio Salvatore Contorno
- Pippo Di Marca Giulio Andreotti
- Fabrizio Ferracane Pippo Calò
- Cinzia Susino Nightmare Woman
- Bebo Storti Franco Coppi
- Raffaella Lebboroni Rebibbia Court Attorney
- Giovanni Calcagno Tano Badalamenti
- Sergio Pierattini Bunker Rebibbia Court President
- Maria Fernanda Cândido Maria Cristina de Almeida
- Pier Giorgio Bellocchio Cesare
- Jonas Bloch
- Antonio Orlando Michele
- Bruno Cariello Alfonso Giordano
- Alessio Praticò Scarpuzzedda
- Giovanni Vettorazzo Perugia Court President
- Vincenzo Pirrotta Luciano Liggio
- Domenico Gennaro Ercolano's Attorney
- Vincenzo Ferrera Attorney Costa
- Claudio Collovà Gotti's Attorney
- Nicola Siri
- Ludovico Caldarera Salvatore Cancemi
- André Lamoglia Felipe
- Elia Schilton TV Journalist
- Luciano Quirino
- Marco Gambino Procurator General Pajno
- Carlo Ferreri Bona's Attorney
- Aurora Peres Bontate's Wife
- Gabriele Arena Domeniddio's Attorney
- Pietro Pace Arresting Calò Police Commissioner
- Raffaella D'Avella Felicia Baucio
- Rainer Cadete
- Nunzia Lo Presti Riina's Wife
- Larry Kapust USA Client
- Tatu La Vecchia Friar Giacinto
- Miriam Previati Cesare's Wife
- Francesco Emanuele Chinnici Giuseppe Floglietta
- Goffredo Maria Bruno Stefano Bontate
- Matteo Contino Salvatore Inzerillo
- Edoardo Strano Father Battesimo
- Giovanni Crozza Signoris Tommaso Buscetta (18 Years)
- Paolo La Bruna Favaro's Attorney
- Dino Santoro USA Pizzeria Singer
- Bruno D'Elia Brazilian Police Officer #2
- Joel Tavares Brazilian Police Officer #4
- Alberto Gottuso Giuseppe Inzerillo
- Edoardo Russo de Ornellas Tommaso Jr.
- Domenico Minà Attorney Marantonio
- Antonio Silvia Liggio's Attorney
- Matteo Sicuro Gancemi's Attorney
- Michele Celeste Antonio Rotolo
- Virgilio Rattoballi Defendant Burruano
- Quinzio Quiescenti Defendant Sinagra
- Dario Muratore Defendant Ercolano
- Kenny Alberti Stefano's Godmother
- Andé Melo Brazilian Police Officer #1
- Douglas Rodrigues Brazilian Police Officer #3
- Vitor Ferrade Brazilian Police Officer #5
- Kael Ferrari Stefano (2 Years)
- Oliver Oliveira Stefano (2 Years)
- Lorenzo Kauthecher Stefano (6 Months)
- Sofia Medeiros Stefano (6 Months)
- Rosaria Costa Schifani Themselves
- Marilina Marino Prostituta
- Michelangelo Cicirello
- Simona Distefano
More from Marco Bellocchio
More films directed by Marco Bellocchio, best-rated first: Vincere, Kidnapped: The Abduction of Edgardo Mortara, My Mother's Smile and Good Morning, Night.
The Traitor Reviews & Ratings
Our Echo Score gives it 72/100, strongest in art & craft (85) and weakest in rewatch factor (60).
The Traitor Echo Score Breakdown
The Traitor delivers a compelling exploration of mafia defections through strong direction and an ambitious narrative, though its execution is uneven in places. Critics highlight its daring script, striking scenery, and a powerful lead performance, while many viewers note confusion due to dense subtitles and a meandering pace. The film balances moments of intense drama with sections that feel overlong or opaque, resulting in a mixed but largely positive overall impression.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 85
In terms of art and craft, the film shows confident direction and a vivid visual palette that captures both Italian and international settings. Critics commend its unconventional cinematic approach and effective production design, while few viewers mention technical flaws. The editing maintains a measured rhythm that supports the story's complexity. Overall, the craftsmanship is regarded as a strong asset of the movie.
- Character & Emotion 78
When it comes to character and emotion, the lead performance is frequently described as galvanising and nuanced, providing a deep portrait of a conflicted informant. Critics praise the emotional weight, whereas some audience members find occasional lapses into caricature and stiffness. Supporting roles add texture but can be confusing due to limited exposition. The net effect is a solid, if occasionally uneven, character presentation.
- Story & Flow 72
The story and flow revolve around a rare, complex mafia narrative that challenges genre conventions. Positive commentary notes its originality and intellectual layering, while several viewers point to a convoluted plot and pacing issues. The film balances courtroom drama with personal introspection, yet moments of redundancy detract from cohesion. Consequently, the storyline is perceived as engaging but somewhat uneven.
- Sensory Experience 65
Sensory experience is highlighted by striking scenery, especially the Sicilian and Rio locations, and an atmospheric sound design that underscores tension. Critics appreciate the visual style, though audience feedback mentions distracting subtitle speed and occasional audio clutter. The soundtrack supports the period setting without overwhelming the scenes. Overall, the sensory elements contribute positively but are not uniformly praised.
- Rewatch Factor 60
Rewatch factor is influenced by the film's intellectual depth and vivid settings, which invite repeat viewings for deeper analysis. Some critics label it a must‑see, yet many users cite confusion and length as barriers to enjoyment on subsequent watches. The combination of strong performances and a demanding narrative yields a moderate replay value, appealing primarily to viewers attracted to complex crime dramas.
The Traitor Plot Summary
What happens in The Traitor from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 11 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
In the 1980s, during a time when the mafia clans held significant power in Italy, particularly the Cosa Nostra in Palermo, led by Totò Riina, a fierce struggle for control of the drug market began. Despite the surface display of camaraderie and cooperation between rival factions, tensions were mounting. Enter Tommaso Buscetta, portrayed by Pierfrancesco Favino, a noted figure of the Cosa Nostra who was dubbed the “boss of two worlds.” Foreseeing the impending conflict among families, Buscetta made a strategic decision to relocate to Brazil, adopting the alias Roberto Felici to continue his business without the threat of violence.
Full summary
The whole story of The Traitor, scene by scene
The Traitor Box Office
The Traitor grossed $8.9 million worldwide. $296,027 came from the US and Canada and $8.6 million (97%) from the rest of the world.
Worldwide gross
$8.9M
- US & Canada
- $296K
- International
- $8.6M
The Traitor Trailers & Videos
The trailer of The Traitor.
How Well Do You Know The Traitor?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Which actor portrayed Tommaso Buscetta?
Seen The Traitor?
Movies Like The Traitor
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including The Traitor, The Sicilian and The Sicilian Connection.
The Traitor FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, post-credit scenes and language of The Traitor, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The Traitor?
The Traitor runs 2 hours 31 minutes (151 minutes).
When was The Traitor released?
The Traitor was released on May 23, 2019.
Who directed The Traitor?
The Traitor was directed by Marco Bellocchio.
More films by Marco Bellocchio Who is in the cast of The Traitor?
The Traitor stars Pierfrancesco Favino as Tommaso Buscetta, Maria Amato as Melchiorra Buscetta and Gabriele Cicirello as Benedetto Buscetta, among 90 credited actors.
How much did The Traitor make at the box office?
The Traitor grossed $8.9 million worldwide ($296,027 domestic, $8.6 million international).
Does The Traitor have a post-credit scene?
No. The Traitor has no extra scene during or after the credits.
What language is The Traitor in?
The original language of The Traitor is Italian.
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