Review of Malena (2000) by Georges F — 05 Oct 2007

I liked Malèna because it typically describes the way things happen in a closed society where everyone is concerned about the affairs of everybody else except his own. At the dawn of the third millennium, this situation still prevails in Lebanon. Malènaâ??s lifestyle, although within the norms of todayâ??s standards, is not aligned with the standards of the remote Sicilian village where she lives. Naturally, her every little action becomes the subject of everybodyâ??s gossip. This story is told accompanied by a foreground of the coming of age of Renato the teen-ager, and a background of World War II. What happened to Malèna at the end of the movie is a small example of what actually happened to many people in Europe who were forced to collaborate with the Nazis just to survive. Malèna, a nickname of Maria Maddalena (i.e. Mary of Magdala) is not an accidental choice in my opinion. The reasons for choosing this name will become clear once you see the movie.

Once again, the beautiful music of Ennio Morricone sets a special and enjoyable mood. You will also discover that Monica Bellucci is indeed a good actress.