As an admirer of Visconti's masterpiece I was reluctant to watch this series, but I decided to give it a try to see how a longer running time might improve the movie. Indeed it did! Not only a longer running time, but better technical means, the cooperation of the locations where the series was shot and a better understanding of the original' limitations have gone a long way to turn this series into one of the most sumptuous, majestic filming experiences ever. It narrate the historic times of Italy's unification under Garibaldi's troops and how it affected the ancient kingdom of Sicily and its most noble family, the Salina princes. The changes are beautifully shown as they happen, the gorgeous Mediterranean light bathing the dry but haunting landscapes, and the period art design are flawless. Kim Stuart portrait of the title character is outstanding, and even if Burt Lancaster's impersonation was hard to match, I find this Gattopardo more complex and memorable than the original. The cast is splendid, Porcaroli as Conceta is moving and unforgettable, and the arrivist and snaky Sedara hints at the origins of the Cosa Nostra. Music is outstanding too, with opera and classic excerpts combining beautifully with the original soundtrack. Two aspects to remark: the direction is magnificent throughout, and the funeral scene of Paolo is one of the most beautiful, moving scenes I have ever seen. Just one flaw, preventing me from giving it a 10: the actor impersonating Tancredi is not up to par, as the memory of Alain Delon in the same role casts a big shadow over his interpretation, diminishing its significance in demerit of the final result. In summary: a beautiful masterpiece of a series.
