The main story unfolds within the frame story of an older man waiting to pay bills at a post office in
Palermo, who captivates his listeners by promising to tell the story of a boy who killed his father over a scratched car. Nicola Ciraulo is a father (
Toni Servillo as Nicola Ciraulo) trying to teach his son (
Alfredo Castro as Busu) the basics of his maritime salvage / scavenging business. Soon thereafter, Nicola's daughter is killed by mafioso. This murder entitles the family to compensation for their loss, which brings out their greed and begins the central conflict of the story. == Cast ==