Les Lions de Sicile

Interesting series although somewhat melodramatic at times and the characters come across as somewhat one dimensional. It has the misfortune to have one of the worst soundtracks that made me put it on mute at times to avoid listening to. During a crucial scene you'll start hearing an English soft rock song that is way off the mark. On the plus side it's a story set in a time and place of Scilly in the 1800's that's not well covered. Despite the flaws just enough interest to keep watching it through to the end but definitely could have been better with improved characterization and a totally different soundtrack.

This is a great series. The English is horrible. But, you can change it to Italian, French etc. Likewise the subtitles. This is the saga of a family that has a lot of ups and downs. At times it's frustrating to watch. But a great series.

All the reviews that talk about the language thing have not tried to change the language. There are options. I like the series and do not understand how the complainers never thought to look. You don't like something and never look to see if you can change it? Seriously?

I hope that they choose to do more with it. I would love to see another part of this saga.

Based on the book by Stefania Auci that recounts the rise of one of the most influential families of the Italian medidione from their arrival in Sicily in the late 1700s to the Unification of Italy, the series is a bet gone wrong. Despite the enormous production effort and a very interesting cast, among which Michele Riondino stands out, the story fails precisely in portraying the characters, who are monolithic and lacking depth.

The richness of Sicily is well represented by the magnificent palaces, but the exteriors, thanks also to a gloomy cinematography, do not do justice to Palermo, where it seems that there is only Piazza Pretoria, and a port awkwardly recreated by rather approximate VFX.

Loving this series, but the forced English voiceover is just horrible. I enjoy watching international series in their original audio and hate that I have no choice to change it. And the music is awful too, it just doesn't match up with the era. Hated that about Peaky Blinders as well. These issues are why I can only give it 8 stars. That being said, the story and actors are great! Would've given it an easy 10 if not for my previous complaints. Reading other reviews makes me feel better that I'm not alone and exaggerating.

I also don't appreciate being forced to write a 600 review on here, so it will be my last. Happy New Year to all!

Despite some really solid actors, the characters are generally not very convincing and the overall feel of the series is more like the beloved Italian soap operas of today. The scenery and overall story of rags to riches is interesting enough, but this production just doesn't quite hit the mark. Too much going on and with too many flashbacks make it quite 'messy' and not fluid or flowing to take the viewer along or care what happens. My main complaint though is that the whole series was overwhelmed by the constant intrusion of bizarre and inappropriate modern music. Why was this even necessary? It totally put me off and the mute button was used extensively. The time period is well represented by the details and the focus on the different societal stratas and population that struggled to make a living. You can see where and how and why the mafia evolved from this society. It could have been more interesting than it was. A shame, as the concept and real story it is based on are worth knowing about.