Malena
12-year-old Renato experiences three significant events on the same day: the beginning of the Second World War, getting a bike, and witnessing the arrival of the gorgeous Malèna. Through his eyes, we see the curse of beauty and loneliness of Malena, whose husband is presumed dead, and, through his soul, we see his love for her.
Critics Sentiment
Renato makes his final gesture of respect to Malena
The town's women brutally attack and humiliate Malena publicly
The film plunges from Malena's growing desperation to the devastating public humiliation scene, then recovers significantly with Renato's maturation and the bittersweet resolution.
Malena follows a tragic arc that begins with enchanting beauty and youthful infatuation, descends into a harrowing examination of societal cruelty and mob mentality, then rises to a melancholic but redemptive conclusion. Critics consistently praised Bellucci's wordless performance and Tornatore's visual storytelling, though many found the central humiliation sequence almost unbearably disturbing. The film's exploration of beauty as both blessing and curse, combined with its authentic coming-of-age elements, created a deeply affecting experience that stayed with viewers long after the credits rolled.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 45
Monica Bellucci
Malèna Scordia
Giuseppe Sulfaro
Renato Amoroso
Luciano Federico
Renato's Father
Matilde Piana
Renato's Mother
Pietro Notarianni
Prof. Bonsignore
Gaetano Aronica
Nino Scordia
Gilberto Idonea
Centorbi, the Lawyer
Angelo Pellegrino
Political Secretary
Gabriella Di Luzio
Baron's Lover
Pippo Provvidenti
Dr. Cusimano
Maria Terranova
Dr. Cusimano's Wife
Marcello Catalano
Lieutenant Cadei
Elisa Morucci
Lupetta
Domenico Gennaro
Pharmacist
Vitalba Andrea
Pharmacist's Wife
Pippo Pattavina
Praetor
Franco Catalano
Shopkeeper
Daniele Arena
Agostino
Giovanni Litrico
Pinè
Gianluca Guarrera
Nicola
Crew
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