M - Il figlio del secolo

I mainly focus on the film aspects. Without getting too deep into it, I try to gauge how much truth versus mystification is presented. I don't align with either the right or the left.

This series is one of the most beautiful I have seen in recent times. Mussolini's dialogue with the camera is pure gold. The way he conveys his thoughts, mocks the viewer, and shares his confessions keeps you glued to the screen and makes you feel involved in the story. Marinelli is fantastic! Those who criticize him likely do so for reasons unrelated to his performance. Francesco Russo is superb, and Barbara Chichiarelli is perfect!

By now it is evident that in the Post-network era and when from the zenith the third Golden Age of Television began its inevitable downward parabola no one, including myself, would have expected such a product... especially an Italian one.

M the son of the century is the classic turn of the century, the breaktrough event or, if you like a film allegory better: it is the hero we need but do not deserve. The future of Our television, it is clear, blatant and unashamed that it will be defined by the 'Before M' and the 'After M'.

Beautiful, beautiful series. Monumental every performance. Ficcanti every dialogue. Generative storytelling from history and brought up to date, without ever becoming exhibitionist. A series one step away from hybris without ever crossing the thin line and, because of this, incredibly verisimilitude in its (deliberate) staging between the theatrical and magical realism.

A possible event, because there is a thick book behind it, not only of volume but also of historical research... but also (oh my God, finally!!!) an adequate budget. It matters little that some images are realistically dated in the staging. It doesn't matter. You want the real date? There's the book but in this instalment it was perfectly there.

A futurist Zang Tumb Tumb series like we've needed for a long time. Because, just like futurism, the last true and pure current of thought and artistic movement that since the publication of its manifesto in 1909 has not found to date a worthy new cultural vision that can be described as truly original and not a rinsing of dishes from other shores. This is M. The first of something else in the making that, los peri pernos, will be even more surprising and innovative.

Zang Tumb Tumb.

Interesting drama about the rise to power in Italy of Mussolini. Though did not like when he spoke to the camera as took away the intrigue of it all.

But the real powerhouse of this series is the performance of Luca Marinelli as the dictator, he is truly magnificent and gave out strong reminders of Robert De Niro in his pomp, and dominates every scene he is in Before watching this only really knew of Benito Mussolini from World War Two, so this was an eye opener of a history lesson.

I would be interested in a second series if it happens but mainly just to see Marinelli in action again as he truly is the best thing about it all.

A solid recommendation from me. I really enjoyed the flow, acting, action, and storytelling. I always find it fascinating how such a destructive force can rise to power-what forces support it, oppose it, and which ones get swayed, and why. The quality of the series is excellent. For me, it belongs in the same league as Der Untergang and Unsere Mütter, unsere Väter.

What makes this series particularly compelling is its exploration of the political landscape in Italy at the time. The power struggles between the socialists, the monarchy, and other factions add layers of intrigue, showing how different forces either resisted or enabled the rise of authoritarianism. The shifting allegiances and moral dilemmas make for gripping storytelling.

On top of that, the action sequences are intense and well-executed. The battles, street clashes, and political confrontations feel raw and realistic, adding weight to the historical events. The choreography, cinematography, and pacing of these scenes keep the tension high, making it a visually and emotionally engaging experience.

While the cinematography is out for everyone to appreciate, I feel a need to stress a couple of key points international audiences might miss.

First and foremost: the series is based on the first of four books about the life of Mussolini, and while they are routinely described as "novels", they are in fact impressively researched from a historical point. Pretty much every dialogue, speech, document and event are openly sourced and beyond question.

While the staging frequently and blatantly is not realistic in order to make the show more spectacular, pretty much everything happened as you see it - including a D'Annunzio's Japanese samurai secretary and other apparently absurd elements.

My second point is about the acting and language. While it will fly above the heads of anyone not _very_ experienced with Italian, the work behind regional accents, lapses into dialects and the very speech patterns of 100 years ago is exceptional indeed. It is a shame this will mostly go unnoticed, as it actually conveys a fair bit of refinement to an already stellar ensemble performance.

Lastly, the (not present in the books) stabs at current politics are far more varied than expected. Like, everyone can understand a sudden fourth-wall-breaking "Make Italy Great Again!", but you'll probably miss the reference to the catastrophic Berlusconi era (delivered via subtle voice and body acting, or even just a brief costume change), or to the sorry state of the last few recent Italian legislatures.

In short: come for the show, stay for the history lesson... and see it with an Italian resident if you can to enjoy it at its fullest.