Las buenas madres

As Episode 1 of "The Good Mothers" (2023 release from Italy; 6 episodes of about an hour each) opens, we are reminded this is "based on a true story". It is "January 3, 2010" and a bomb explodes at the local prosecutor's offices in Calabria to send a message to the new prosecutor looking into the Ndrangheta mafia. In a parallel story line, we are introduced to Lea and her daughter Denise who are on their way to reunite with their husband/father. Before we know it, Lea mysteriously disappears... At this point we are less than 15 minutes into Episode 1.

Couple of comments: this TV mini-series jumps back-and-forth in time but most of it plays out between 2008 and 2011. If you wonder where in Italy Calabria is, it is the "toe" of the Italian boot, across from where Sicily is located. Calabria is remote, isolated, and mostly poor. But that didn't stop the local mafia, called Ndrangheta, from doing what the mafia does: they intimidate, extort, abuse, and kill people, all for the mobsters' financial gain. The women within the mobster families are treated with disdain and disrespect, and worse. Despite the long odds and lack of resources, several of them decide to stand up. This is tense and at time difficult watching. But it makes for compelling viewing. This is a no-star cast, except of course Gaia Girace, one of the two stars from "My Brilliant Friend". Girace is still only 20, and she has limitless potential. Can't wait to see what she'll do next. PLEASE NOTE: I watched this in the original Italian version, and for whatever reason in several long stretches, the subtitling's timing was off, as in: the subtitles showed about a second too soon, and hence didn't completely synchronize with the voices. Super annoying.

The first 2 episodes of "The Good Mothers" premiered at the Berlin film festival earlier this year to immediate acclaim. I read a nice review of this mini-series in the New York Times, and that was good enough for me to check it out. It's currently streaming on Hulu, and I watched all 6 episodes over 2 evenings. If you are in the mood for a tense Italian crime drama from a female perspective, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.

The Good Mothers, a riveting series available on Disney+, offers a thought-provoking narrative that sheds light on the unsettling truth that women in Europe still face significant challenges and struggles, even in the 21st century. Breaking away from the idyllic depictions often seen in movies, this show dares to expose the grim realities that exist beyond the surface.

Set in Europe, The Good Mothers introduces us to a group of courageous women who find themselves entangled in a complex web of organized crime, corruption, and social oppression. The series unflinchingly portrays the harsh realities faced by these characters, revealing the stark contrast between the idealized imagery often presented in films and the harsh truth that permeates real life.

One of the most striking aspects of The Good Mothers is its ability to challenge preconceived notions about the safety and security enjoyed by women in Europe. By delving deep into the characters' lives, the show highlights the vulnerabilities and dangers they encounter in their daily routines. Whether it's navigating treacherous relationships, fighting against systemic injustices, or facing the terrifying consequences of crossing powerful figures, the series portrays a side of Europe that is far from the rosy picture painted in mainstream media.

The strength of The Good Mothers lies in its realistic portrayal of the characters' experiences. The show doesn't shy away from exploring the various forms of violence, discrimination, and oppression that persist in European society. It showcases the multidimensional nature of the struggles faced by women, emphasizing the need for systemic change and a collective effort to create a safer and more inclusive society.

The performances in The Good Mothers are exceptional, with the talented cast bringing depth and authenticity to their roles. The writing is compelling, successfully weaving together intricate storylines that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Each episode serves as a reminder that the fight for gender equality is far from over, and that women continue to face numerous obstacles in their pursuit of a better life.

While The Good Mothers highlights the dark underbelly of Europe, it also instills hope and emphasizes the resilience of its characters. The series serves as a call to action, urging audiences to confront the uncomfortable truths that exist within their own societies and work towards meaningful change. It reminds us that cinematic portrayals often fall short of capturing the full spectrum of human experiences, and that a closer examination of reality is necessary to create a fair and just world.

In conclusion, The Good Mothers is a gripping and eye-opening series that confronts the notion of women's safety in Europe. By presenting a stark contrast to the utopian portrayals often seen in movies, it provides a compelling narrative that underscores the challenges and struggles faced by women in the 21st century. Through its powerful storytelling and exceptional performances, the show serves as a reminder that life is not always as pink as depicted on the silver screen, and encourages viewers to question the status quo and strive for a more equal and just society.

... very well done six-episode-series... brought to this production seeing Micaela Ramazzotti as part of it, although her onscreen time is rather limited the importance-impact of her character resonates throughout all six of the episodes

... majority of people outside the country in all probability know little about the influence of these organizations, although their significance is now being felt world-over... this terrific little series establishes a human element to this troubling story, bringing it to light as having repercussion on lives of all families involved

... could-will there be another series an interesting question.. the world can surely use more knowledge-information-regarding any way it can get it.

A magnificent and tragic depiction of patriarchal society at its worst. Set in a Calabria poised between modernity and archaic rites and customs, the series is beautifully shot, convincingly acted, and keeps you on edge throughout the episodes.

The female portraits are depicted with finesse, both the heroines and those who unquestioningly accept the violent and dark world around them. A violence that is hardly ever shown, but which comes out overwhelmingly despite the portrayal of 'normal' lives.

An important story, in times when feminicide is a recurring theme in all the newspapers, certainly here we are talking about an extreme world, but the roots of a world hostile to women become terribly evident.

This series is interesting because of its theme. However, it's so poorly told that at times it just makes little sense. The editing is poorly done and destroys any continuity. Scenes seem randomly stuck together and when combined with a fluctuating timeline and gaps in the story, the viewer has to work out what is happening with the plot. The acting is good but after a while the constant staring by the lead actress, into space, or the sea, or just a building, becomes annoying. Overall, the series does hold one's interest and is engaging, but the lack of story continuity is just a poor way to deal with such an interesting theme.