On March 19, 2025, France 3 airs 'Vendetta', a compelling documentary series that delves into the dark and intricate world of La Brise de Mer, the most formidable criminal gang in France over the past four decades. The series comprises three episodes, each lasting 50 minutes, meticulously chronicling the rise and fall of this notorious gang, set against the backdrop of Corsican society.
The documentary introduces viewers to La Brise de Mer, which emerged in the early 1980s from a humble bar in Bastia, frequented by young bourgeois. Richard Casanova, Francis Guazzelli, and Francis Mariani, the founding figures of this criminal organization, began by orchestrating petty crimes. However, their ambitions quickly escalated, leading to executions, audacious robberies, and deep-rooted political corruption in Corsica.
A significant part of the narrative focuses on how the French state, preoccupied with the insular nationalism in Corsica, overlooked the burgeoning mafia. For 40 years, this negligence allowed La Brise to proliferate, infiltrating the political, economic, and judicial arenas of the region. “Vendetta” illustrates how the tentacles of this gang expanded over the years, affecting all aspects of life in Corsica.
The 1990s marked a turning point for La Brise de Mer, as it cemented its power by controlling essential sectors such as tourism, nightlife, and the local economy. The gang's influence even reached Paris, where the Wagram gambling circle became a significant cash flow center for their operations. Despite the visible success, internal strife began to brew among the gang's leaders, particularly between Casanova and Mariani, hinting at an impending violent conflict.
A harrowing climax in the saga comes on November 15, 2009, with the assassination of Guazzelli, signaling the disintegration of this criminal empire. Following his death, factions emerged, each claiming a piece of the gang’s fragmented legacy. Casanova's allies, including Michel Tomi, and the vengeful sons of murdered mafia figures, notably Christophe Guazzelli, who turned to drug trafficking, illustrate the enduring cycle of violence.
Documentarians Philippe Lagnier and Violette Lazard's work in 'Vendetta' is remarkable, as they meticulously weave testimonies from former police officials, journalists, and associates of the gang. These voices provide unique insights into the operation of La Brise de Mer. Contributors such as Jean-Pierre Marsilly and Philippe Guffon, former commissioners in Bastia, candidly share their experiences with the gang. Lazard, who has reported on Corsican organized crime for over a decade, details the challenges in securing interviews, noting that out of twenty requests, only one individual might agree to speak due to fear of retribution in the tight-lipped Corsican society.
"The mafia is a problem deeply rooted in Corsica's history and society," Lazard emphasizes, highlighting the struggle against a backdrop of poverty and the reliance on tourism. The documentary captures the essence of the Vendetta concept — a sense of obligation to avenge one’s family, a sentiment that runs through the veins of Corsican culture.
The series not only chronicles the history of La Brise de Mer but also delineates the broader implications of gang culture within Corsica. Seemingly, the gang's violent history is representative of age-old struggles with identity and power, framing a narrative that resonates universally about loyalty, betrayal, and the aggressive quest for dominance.
"Vendetta" stands out not just for its chilling exploration of crime but for its thought-provoking examination of systemic negligence. The documentarians aim to show that understanding this history is crucial for establishing a pathway forward.
As the film unfolds, it addresses questions regarding the future of Corsican society and the implications of ongoing violence. The impact of recent statements from French interior minister Gérald Darmanin, who described the issue as a ‘mafia system’, underscores the urgency for a renewed focus on combating organized crime in Corsica. Yet, Lazard cautions that merely increasing the number of investigators will not suffice. "The mafia is a historical and social issue that transcends simple law enforcement measures, requiring a comprehensive approach to address its roots,” she argues.
The intricate storytelling, combined with rich archival footage and dramatizations, aims to evoke a strong emotional response from viewers. As each episode concludes, the audience is not just left with facts but feels the weight of the human suffering caused by La Brise de Mer's remorseless ascent.
In essence, 'Vendetta' serves as both a historical account and a cautionary tale — echoing through the annals of crime, crime's repercussions, and how history continues to shape contemporary societies. The series will be pivotal in shaping public discourse on not just Corsica's mafia history, but the implications for contemporary crime fighting in regions where organized crime still reigns supreme.
As France 3 broadcasts this essential narrative, viewers are invited to confront the complexities of crime and justice in a society deeply affected by its legacies. 'Vendetta', through its historical context and personal accounts, paints a stark landscape of power and revenge, a powerful reflection of the human condition.
