Malena
Seen it?2000 | 108 min | Drama
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
Audiences rate it highly (7.6 out of 10) and it drew serious awards attention, though it had middling reviews (53% on Rotten Tomatoes) and soft box office. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. If you loved Atonement, start here. Audiences love it more than critics do: a crowd-pleaser first.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 48 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: expect sex.
- It's in Italian, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
- Critics were cooler on it than audiences.
12-year-old Renato experiences three significant events on the same day: the beginning of the Second World War, getting a bike, and witnessing the arrival of the gorgeous Malèna. Through his eyes, we see the curse of beauty and loneliness of Malena, whose husband is presumed dead, and, through his soul, we see his love for her.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsBelow par
53% on Rotten Tomatoes, 54 on Metacritic
- AudiencesStrong
7.6 out of 10
- AwardsStrong
Nominated for 2 Oscars, 2 Golden Globes and 1 BAFTA.
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$14 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 476K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Giuseppe Tornatore
- Monica BellucciMalèna Scordia
- Giuseppe SulfaroRenato Amoroso
- Luciano FedericoRenato's Father
- Matilde PianaRenato's Mother
- Pietro NotarianniProf. Bonsignore
- Gaetano AronicaNino Scordia
- Gilberto IdoneaCentorbi, the Lawyer
- Angelo PellegrinoPolitical Secretary
- Gabriella Di LuzioBaron's Lover
- Pippo ProvvidentiDr. Cusimano