Review of Malena (2000) by Sherry L — 26 Jun 2011

Have to say that I'm suprised how low ratings this has gotten by some of the critics. This movie has been accused of several things, objectifying women among other things. I do respect other's opinions and realise that people have different tastes, but I can't stop myself from questioning when I think some major opinion of the critics is plain silly, like in this case.

I mean, we follow this story about an Italian town during second war world, through the eyes of a 13-year old boy. He, his peers, and every man in the town is very interested in a extremly beautiful woman, named Malena.

Malena is a very beautiful and mysterious character, who nobody really has a grip on. The fact that few really knows Malena, and she's very beautiful, makes the rumours flow. Rumours that she is promiscuous and cheating on her husband, ect.

Monica Bellucci plays the divine Malena, and flawless-ly so:).

This movie commences like any cheerful nostalgic italian flick, like Cinema Paradisio, but after a while in gets darker and darker. A turning point makes you change your whole impression, and I'm not exagerating when saying that I was shocked by some of the "stronger" scenes.

I find it a bit weird why some decide to see this movie from such a different angle, cause I have a hard time believeing that the intentions behind this was just to portrait some hot italian chick, that the male audience could watch and smile at. Then, you have probably missed the point with this little story about moral.

To sum this; I think "Malena" is an excellent human study, and really worth some of your time!