Malena

Synopsis

Set in a small Italian town during World War II, Malena follows the story of a stunning young woman named Malèna Scordia, played by Monica Bellucci. The film explores the impact of Malèna's beauty on the men in the town, as well as the harsh judgment and rumors spread by the women. Through the eyes of a young boy, Renato, who develops a deep infatuation with Malèna, the audience witnesses the complexity of human emotions, desires, and societal norms. As the war rages on, Malèna's life takes unexpected turns, revealing the resilience and vulnerability of the human spirit.

Cast

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  Monica Bellucci

  Malèna Scordia

• 

  Giuseppe Sulfaro

  Renato Amoroso

• 

  Luciano Federico

  Renato's Father

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  Matilde Piana

  Renato's Mother

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  Pietro Notarianni

  Prof. Bonsignore

• 

  Gaetano Aronica

  Nino Scordia

Reviews

Malena received mixed reviews from critics. While Monica Bellucci's mesmerizing performance as the titular character was widely praised, some critics found fault with the pacing and the film's treatment of sensitive themes. Rotten Tomatoes gave Malena a rating of 53%, with some critics appreciating the artistry of the cinematography while others critiqued the storytelling. IMDb rated the movie at 7.4/10, with many viewers highlighting the emotional depth of the plot and the evocative performances. Metacritic scored Malena at 54/100, acknowledging the film's visual beauty and Monica Bellucci's compelling portrayal, but also pointing out the narrative shortcomings.