Monica Bellucci is reason enough to see this movie. In all fairness though, the whole movie is pretty damn good. Not perfect by any means really, but it's got (arguably) the most beautiful woman in the world playing a very interesting variation on the Christ figure.
For those who don't know, Malèna is about a woman who comes to an Italian village during WW2. Everyone, and I mean everyone gossips about her, and it only gets worse and worse until the "crucifixion" close to the end of the film, followed by the metaphorical "resurrection." Giuseppe Sulfaro plays a boy fixated on her. He's the only one who pays her any respect, and through basically spying on her, gets to know her very well. The film takes this route throughout, and follows him as he watches her. That's the film in a very limited nut shell.
One problem I had was that the characters were very one dimensional. The men were literally all sterotypical womanizing assholes, while the women fit a Italian stereotype of being very loud, gossipy and even blatently rude to her face. The aforementioned "crucifixion" is quite a scene.
I recommend this film because like most Giuseppe Tornatore films it is very easy to watch. It's cut well, scored by Morricone, and the cinematography was nominated for an Oscar. The story is believable, but over dramatic in execution (even for an Italian film), yet the performances are mnore than solid throughout. Monica Belluci especially. She doesn't say anything for I don't know how long, yet you know exactly what she's going through. A fine performance.
Oh and you do see her naked, several times. For those who are interested...check it out.
For those who don't know, Malèna is about a woman who comes to an Italian village during WW2. Everyone, and I mean everyone gossips about her, and it only gets worse and worse until the "crucifixion" close to the end of the film, followed by the metaphorical "resurrection." Giuseppe Sulfaro plays a boy fixated on her. He's the only one who pays her any respect, and through basically spying on her, gets to know her very well. The film takes this route throughout, and follows him as he watches her. That's the film in a very limited nut shell.
One problem I had was that the characters were very one dimensional. The men were literally all sterotypical womanizing assholes, while the women fit a Italian stereotype of being very loud, gossipy and even blatently rude to her face. The aforementioned "crucifixion" is quite a scene.
I recommend this film because like most Giuseppe Tornatore films it is very easy to watch. It's cut well, scored by Morricone, and the cinematography was nominated for an Oscar. The story is believable, but over dramatic in execution (even for an Italian film), yet the performances are mnore than solid throughout. Monica Belluci especially. She doesn't say anything for I don't know how long, yet you know exactly what she's going through. A fine performance.
Oh and you do see her naked, several times. For those who are interested...check it out.
