La bella Mafia

when i saw this movie when it was released as a mini series,i was elated to find that this italian mafia film had plenty of sustenance and not filler like many minis do.plot was strong,acting well done,and all the ladies were gorgeous.i'm ready for a second installment, like a book II perhaps.

The only thing I have to say about the film BELLA MAFIA is that it is utterly amazing. This is no doubt in my opinion the best drama that I have ever seen. The cast was superb. The writing amazing. The movie drew me in from the first scene. And I admit that I didn't expect it to be good at all. I was sort of just looking for a film to past the time.

The one thing I loved the most was the development in character. As a viewer, I saw all of the characters lives change in great detail. From Sofia to Luca to Moyra. Even though the plot had some violent scenes, the writer managed to put in aspects of loyalty and love which made you kind of root for vengeance against the opposite characters. All in all. One of the best, if not the best in my opinion. If you want drama and action, see this movie.

Unfortunately the acting of the main characters is the only reason to recommend this film. Vanessa Redgrave was at her elegant best, but the dialogue of her role left her with little/no opportunity to demonstrate her art. The same can be said for Nastassja Kinski and Illeana Douglas. Meg Tilly (whose character was never a part of the book), provided an adequate dose of comic relief. James Marsden can be complimented on his eloquent portrayal of the unnervingly human demon, Luca.

But those were the only good sides. The director of "The Last Don" did poorly with this venture, as did the screenwriters. Not only were the characters underdeveloped, but their setting, behavior, and movements were utterly unbelievable. I do not know what the director was thinking, but when the a set of four women remains unchanged and un-aging through the interval of twenty years--the viewer may well question the quality of the film. The accents, so well done in "The Last Don" were misplaced or absent here. To make a long story short (too late?), the actors struggle valiantly against overwhelming odds to do a good job in the mess of a script they must work with, but their battle is lost.

The extravagant look, sunny locations and the "distant lands" atmosphere make this movie a great escape on a winter's day. Le Plante is tied by US law but succeeds in keeping the story flowing with some sweet touches here and there. Being a big Carmen Argenziano fan, there's plenty to drool over and he plays the part of an influential Don with style. Others players add little but on the whole this is an enjoyable piece.

What can I say! This movie is one of the best movies that I have ever seen. No matter how many times I see this movie I just love it more and more. Nastassja Kinski is absolutely delightful as Sofia. Vanessa Redgrave is a great matriarch and James Marsden is great at being the evil and insane Luca.

A JOY!