Il paradiso delle signore

A well done piece that is just plain fun to watch. While the plot may get a bit heavy handed the balance with the performances and the photography is enjoyable.

Unlike the other review, which seems to have been written by a cranky nitpicker who sees joy in nothing, this charming and sweet Italian series makes for relaxing and entertaining viewing. Shot in Milan, Rome and the countryside, it's a fun peek at the Italian styles and mores of the 1950s with a terrific cast. It's fascinating to see how a department store is run from the inside, and the kind of decisions and sacrifices that need to be made to make it successful.

I watched some of the BBC's 'The Paradise' and didn't really care for it. So I'm not sure why I decided to give the Italian version on Acorn TV a try but I'm glad I did. I loved the characters, the clothes, the cars, the city and the drama of 'The Ladies Paradise'.

Note - my rating is based on the first 2 seasons.

Delightful and lovely Italian series that gives a look back into 1950s Italian life.

Beautiful series from a more elegant time; characters to fall in love with! These characters are not only believable, but the script is well written and full of heart. The 1950's sets are creatively accurate and the fashion conveys the elegance of that time. There are poignant moments in each storyline where the values of the characters are touchingly challenged. The amount of old fashion restraint depicted in the characters, coupled with the modern time of the late 50's entering old world Italy, proves to add an indelible creative impact on the script.

The Italian society in the 50's is not only recovering from the war, but the largely catholic upbringing of the characters influences, pulls and tugs on each storyline. The series marks a time before computers, cell phones and the quick news of the world -- so much so that you are just as absorbed in their story lines as were the people of that time line in theirs.

If you love Downton Abbey, Victoria and The Crown, this series will add to your love of the beauty of traveling to another time, culture and place to absorb yourself in the lives of these complex and yet characters. Highly, highly recommend.

I hope that they keep their successful, beautiful and heartwarming style going in season 3. The actors are all brilliant, especially the lead couple of Teresa and Pietro. A real winner!