Review of Malena (2000) by Jonathan B — 11 Jun 2016

Malena follows the story of an Italian boy and his awakening sexuality during the years of the Second World War. Set on Sicily, his attention is focused on Malena, a beautiful woman who lives in his town and is simultaneously an object of desire and envy for the people around her.

The boy, Renato, spies on Malena and sees the details of her life that the other townsfolk gossip and speculate over. The fortunes and misfortunes of Italy are embodied in Malena's experiences, and thorough his observations, Renato develops and understanding of himself and life in general.

The film is charming and the boy's free spirited nature makes for diverting and often humorous viewing but actually, there's not a great deal of substance here. I also found aspects of the characterisation of Malena and the things she puts up with somewhat unpalatable in so light-hearted a movie.

The viperous tongues of the local woman and the lascivious nature of nearly all of the male characters aren't dealt with particularly well and poor old Malena just seems to tolerate the injustices heaped upon her without any recourse.

As a film, Malena drips in sentimentality and fluff, it has a few chuckles but doesn't really have a great deal to inspire.