# Malèna

> 2000 film by Giuseppe Tornatore

**Wikidata**: [Q745973](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q745973)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malèna_(film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/malena

## Summary
Malèna is a 2000 film directed by Giuseppe Tornatore, blending drama, romance, and comedy genres. Produced by Medusa Film and Miramax, it explores themes of beauty, desire, and societal judgment in a small Italian town during World War II. The film stars Monica Bellucci and Giuseppe Sulfaro, and it has been recognized for its cinematography and emotional depth.

## Key Facts
- **Release Year:** 2000
- **Director:** Giuseppe Tornatore
- **Genres:** Drama, Romance, Comedy
- **Production Companies:** Medusa Film, Miramax
- **Starring:** Monica Bellucci, Giuseppe Sulfaro, Luciano Federico
- **Setting:** A small Italian town during World War II
- **Themes:** Beauty, desire, societal judgment, adolescence
- **Runtime:** 102 minutes
- **Language:** Italian
- **Countries of Origin:** Italy
- **Wikipedia Sitelinks:** 48 language editions
- **Wikidata ID:** Q3304113
- **IMDb ID:** tt0213847
- **Rotten Tomatoes Score:** 53%
- **Metacritic Score:** 54/100
- **Box Office:** $10.3 million (US)
- **Awards:** Nominated for 4 David di Donatello Awards

## FAQs
**What is the central plot of Malèna?**
The film revolves around a young boy's infatuation with Malèna, a mysterious and beautiful woman living in his village, exploring themes of desire, beauty, and the consequences of societal judgment during World War II.

**Who are the key cast members?**
Monica Bellucci stars as Malèna, alongside Giuseppe Sulfaro as Renato Amoroso, and Luciano Federico as the village priest. The cast delivers performances that highlight the emotional and moral complexities of the story.

**How was Malèna received critically?**
The film received mixed reviews, with praise for its cinematography and Monica Bellucci's performance, but criticism for its pacing and narrative depth. It holds a 53% score on Rotten Tomatoes and 54/100 on Metacritic.

**What historical context does the film portray?**
Set during World War II, the film depicts the societal tensions and moral ambiguities of the time, including the villagers' hypocrisy and the impact of war on personal relationships and community dynamics.

**What awards or recognitions did Malèna receive?**
Malèna was nominated for four David di Donatello Awards, including Best Director and Best Actress for Monica Bellucci, recognizing its artistic and technical achievements in Italian cinema.

## Why It Matters
Malèna stands out for its visually stunning portrayal of 1940s Italy and its exploration of universal themes such as beauty, desire, and the challenges of adolescence. The film's use of flashback narration and its critique of societal hypocrisy add depth to its narrative. As a work by Giuseppe Tornatore, it contributes to his filmography of emotionally charged, visually rich stories that often blend personal and historical contexts. The film's impact is also seen in its influence on discussions about female objectification and the complexities of human relationships during times of conflict.

## Notable For
- **Visual Storytelling:** Renowned for its cinematography, capturing the beauty of Sicily and the protagonist's allure.
- **Controversial Themes:** Explores controversial subjects like adultery and societal judgment, sparking debates about morality and hypocrisy.
- **Monica Bellucci's Performance:** Her portrayal of Malèna is often highlighted as a standout aspect of the film.
- **Narrative Structure:** Uses flashback narration from the perspective of an older Renato, adding layers to the storytelling.
- **Cultural Context:** Provides a unique window into Italian village life during World War II, blending personal drama with historical backdrop.

## Body

### Production and Release
Malèna was directed by Giuseppe Tornatore and produced by Medusa Film and Miramax. Released in 2000, the film stars Monica Bellucci as the titular character, alongside Giuseppe Sulfaro and Luciano Federico. With a runtime of 102 minutes, it premiered in Italy and later in the United States, grossing $10.3 million domestically.

### Themes and Narrative
The film is set in a small Sicilian town during World War II and follows the story of Renato Amoroso, a young boy who becomes infatuated with Malèna, a beautiful and mysterious woman. Through Renato's perspective, the narrative explores themes of beauty, desire, and the societal judgment faced by Malèna due to her independence and perceived promiscuity. The story critiques the hypocrisy of the villagers, who condemn Malèna while harboring their own secrets and desires.

### Cast and Performance
Monica Bellucci's performance as Malèna is a highlight of the film, bringing depth and nuance to a character often objectified by the male gaze. Giuseppe Sulfaro, in his debut role as Renato, effectively portrays the innocence and curiosity of adolescence. The supporting cast, including Luciano Federico as the village priest, adds to the moral complexity of the story.

### Critical Reception
Malèna received mixed reviews from critics. While praised for its visual beauty and Bellucci's performance, some critics found the pacing slow and the narrative lacking in depth. The film holds a 53% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with an average rating of 5.6/10, and a score of 54/100 on Metacritic, indicating "mixed or average reviews."

### Historical and Cultural Context
The film's setting during World War II provides a backdrop for exploring the societal tensions and moral ambiguities of the time. The villagers' treatment of Malèna reflects broader themes of hypocrisy and the constraints placed on women during this period. The narrative also touches on the impact of war on personal relationships and community dynamics.

### Awards and Legacy
Malèna was nominated for four David di Donatello Awards, recognizing its contributions to Italian cinema. Despite initial mixed reviews, the film has developed a loyal following over the years, appreciated for its emotional resonance and visual storytelling. It remains a notable entry in Tornatore's filmography, alongside works like *Cinema Paradiso*.

### Technical Specifications
- **Language:** Italian
- **Countries of Origin:** Italy
- **Production Companies:** Medusa Film, Miramax
- **Distributors:** Miramax (USA)
- **Filming Locations:** Sicily, Italy
- **Cinematography:** Notable for its use of lighting and composition to emphasize the beauty of the Sicilian landscape and the protagonist.

### Related Entities
- **Medusa Film:** Italian film production and distribution company, known for producing and distributing numerous Italian films.
- **Miramax:** American film and TV company, which distributed *Malèna* in the United States, contributing to its international reach.
- **Giuseppe Tornatore:** Italian film director, screenwriter, and actor, recognized for his emotionally charged and visually rich films.
- **Monica Bellucci:** Italian actress and model, acclaimed for her performances in both Italian and international cinema.

### Cultural Impact
Malèna has been the subject of discussions regarding its portrayal of female characters and the male gaze. The film's depiction of Malèna's objectification by the villagers, contrasted with her own agency, has been analyzed in feminist film criticism. Additionally, its setting during World War II offers insights into the societal norms and challenges of the time, making it a valuable resource for historical and cultural studies.

### Legacy and Influence
Over time, *Malèna* has been reevaluated by critics and audiences, with many appreciating its nuanced storytelling and visual appeal. The film's influence can be seen in later works that explore similar themes of desire, beauty, and societal judgment, particularly in the context of wartime or conservative settings. Its contribution to Italian cinema is recognized through its award nominations and enduring presence in discussions about Tornatore's directorial style.

## References

1. The Movie Database
2. Malena. Rotten Tomatoes
3. [Source](https://europeanfilmawards.eu/en_EN/film/malena.13234)
4. [Source](http://www.zelluloid.de/filme/index.php3?id=1846)
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. [Source](https://www.europeanfilmacademy.org/2001.128.0.html)
7. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/malena/)
8. terjesztesre_kerulo_filmalkotasok_nyilvantartasa.xlsx
9. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
10. [Source](https://www.cnc.fr/professionnels/visas-et-classification/103023)
11. Online-Filmdatenbank
12. Bechdel Test Movie List
13. mymovies.it
14. europeanfilmawards.eu
15. Danish Film Database
16. TheTVDB
17. Trakt.tv
18. FilmVandaag.nl