Le Guépard

Based on Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusas's novel, The Leopard, Italy's War and Peace, the series details the revolution led by Giuseppe Garibaldi, beginning in 1860, which led, eventually, to the unification of Italy. It betters Visconti's 1963 film adaptation in many ways, not least in using genuine Italian actors instead of glamorous Hollywood stars like Burt Lancaster and Alain Delon-who were dubbed and Claudia Cardinale who had no need to be. The sets are fabulous because they're actual "pallazzi", Sicilian palaces, packed with the art of the times. There's romance, intrigue, politics and religion, what more could you ask for.

Beautiful take on the book. The relationship between daughter and father as a metaphor of a world changing, whether we want it or not.

I feel like it's not something we see very often and yet father/daughter stories have so much to tell.

I loved to see parts of the book that are maybe only a few lines brought to life in such beautiful scenes.

In the series Sicily is a breathtaking view and Benedetta Porcaroli stuns with her performance... I hope to see her become a really important actress!

I really loved the costumes and the music as well (original soundtrack is on my Spotify playlist of favorites right now)

Happy to have watched it!

The first temptation is , after the six episodes, to be very critic about this series.

But two excuses : it is a Netflix series for Netflix public. So, you know what can expect.

The second - the care for atmosphere, clothes and details. Indeed, this works as excuse for not brilliant historical films but , in this case, saves just a lot.

For acting - two names - Benedetta Porcaroli, Astrid Meloni, not ignoring the effort of Saul Nanni . Sure, subjective options.

The big problem , for me, was Kim Rossi Stuart. Behind see the first trailer, I considerated him too young for the role of Don Fabrizio Salina. After the first three episodes , I accepted a version like western character more than a Sicilian aristocrat. But he tries to propose his The Leopard, nod very faithful, for vulgar- brutal- cynical nuances by the hero of novel.

In fact, for many scenes, the book seems more an pretext, maybe an inspired option being for title The days of Concetta. The big sin - absence of nuances, reflected, in fair manner , by the version of Luchino Visconti.

Deva Cassel begins well and, the last episodes, becomes a beautiful doll.

But , sure, long time, I dreamed about a version in which Don Fabrizio was Alain Delon , the only , for me, with experience to explore, in wise manner, the role.

Sure, more than good intentions . And, maybe, after decades, possible in a 2058, at a century after publishing, another, better series inspired by this masterpiece.

Appreciation to Netflix for idea and for the kick to read ( again ) the novel writen by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa.

Many don't know that Italy was united very late in history and that unification came with tremendous upheaval. I have read that Don Fabrizio was based on Lampedusa's own grandfather. You may not sympathize with the privileged life depicted here but Don Fabrizio is an amazing character -- entitled and flawed, yes, but also prescient, indomitable, resilient, shrewd, loving, pragmatic, and, in his own way, principled. Note the importance of the Church in the story -- Catholicism vs. Secularism was part of the conflict, especially since some Italian states were Papal states well into the 19th century. Also, the contrast between northern Italy, represented by the new government and Concetta's suitor, versus the culture of the South, is an important element, as well as the eternal class struggle. The production is visually beautiful too. I recommend reading the novel by Lampedusa and streaming the Luchino Visconti film with Burt Lancaster as well. Decide for yourself which is best -- for me, they all complement each other. So glad this great story is getting a new audience.

My wife and I just watched the Netflix series and the 1963 Visconti film (available for $ on Prime), and here are our takeaways. The film holds up vey well, especially the 1983 vastly improved cut still holds up. It's a splendid example of a movie epic in the grandest style. The Netflix series is nicely updated for current sensibilities by expanding and enhancing Concetta's role in the family saga. This by no means detracts or diminishes the overarching theme of a class in decline. The novel in fact ends with Concetta as more prominent, so the series does a good job of building off that. Both are outstanding productions comparable to Gone With the Wind and well worth watching, especially for those with a fondness for family sagas.

Incidental note: Deva Cassel is well-positioned to be the next Bond Girl.