Il Gattopardo

This is an absolute must-see series!

It could have actually been a cinema film, this is the perfection of its film making. An epic construction of story telling, acting, costumes, scenery and music offers an utter delight to watch.

As far as I am concerned, this is the best Netflix series I have watched so far.

Based on the Di Lambedusa novel The Leopard, this series presents a striking insight in the political and social life of Sicily in the era of Italian unification through the account of the life and sentimental struggles of the Prince of Salina and his family.

A magnificent mosaic of history, grandeur and passion therefore unveils, masterly articulated in this series where every aspect of film making functions in perfection.

Do not miss it!

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.

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.

You do keep watching it, so it does engage one's interest, but those viewers who then read the book to the end will be wondering; where's the rest of it?

The small compact story loaded with detail has been expanded into a family and political epic. Many of the additions are good and add suspense, but the further we get from the source material, something is lost. Conchetta becomes the central character. The final episode was overlong , optimistic and unsatisfactorily missed the dual dumping of aristocracy and religious relics.

One can only imagine that episode was the result of an almighty clash between artistic integrity and 'money men' 's idea of a popular ending; and the money men won.

So, something different to Visconte/Lancaster/Cardinale production of 1963.

I just read the book recently and the movie is just as beautiful. Nobody does it like the Italians. If you're a real fan of theater as an art form and film as a life-changing world enhancing experience then you should definitely see the leopard. Cinematography is absolutely stunning. What a beautiful period piece ; costumes magical, This is a stunningly visually crafted masterpiece of a series. But you have to watch it in Italian. Thank you, Netflix. The acting is incredible and spiritually enhancing with a handsomely beautiful cast. Enjoyable to watch. A lesson in history about Sicily. Lovely to see Sicily. Recommend.