Malèna is a 2000 romantic drama directed and co-written by Giuseppe Tornatore, best known for his Academy Award winning film Cinema Paradiso. The story follows the life of Malèna Scordia (Monica Bellucci), a woman living in Sicily during World War II, whose life is clouded by rumors and scandalized glances.
It’s a touching tale of innocence lost, forbidden love, and finding strength in the face of adversity. In this review, we’ll explore the craftsmanship behind this classic Italian film and discuss why it remains a beloved classic to this day.
Plot Summary
In the small town of Castellammare del Golfo, Sicily, during World War II, 12-year-old Renato (Giuseppe Sulfaro) falls in love with the most beautiful woman in town, Malèna (Monica Bellucci).
Renato’s friends and older men of the town all lust after Malèna, but none more so than Vito (Luciano Federico), a married man who makes it his mission to have her. Malèna does her best to stay away from Vito’s advances, but as a single woman in a time of war, she is vulnerable. When her husband is reported killed in action, she becomes even more of a target.
Renato does everything he can to protect Malèna and keep her safe. He even risks his own life to save hers. But ultimately, the war takes its toll on everyone, and Malèna is no exception.
Critique of the movie
Malèna is a beautiful and heart-wrenching movie about a young woman’s coming of age in World War II Italy. The film follows the story of Malèna, a 12-year-old girl who moves to a small town with her family. There, she quickly becomes the object of desire for all the men in the town, including the married 40-year-old Renato.
Watch Malèna (2000) Trailer
The film is incredibly well-done, both visually and emotionally. The acting is top-notch, and the film’s setting and period costumes are absolutely gorgeous. The film’s one flaw is its pacing; at times it feels like it’s dragging on just a bit too much.
Overall, Malèna is a beautiful and moving film that is definitely worth watching.
Conclusion
Malèna is a beautiful and heartbreaking Italian film set in the 1940s. The movie is full of stunning cinematography, heartfelt performances from Monica Bellucci and Giuseppe Sulfaro, and deep emotions that will linger long after you’ve watched it. We highly recommend this classic to anyone seeking an unforgettable romantic drama or looking to be moved by a powerful story. Malèna is an outstanding piece of cinema that should not be missed!
