Los leones de Sicilia

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.

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.

As a Sicilian I am very happy that for once they try to do a series that does not talk about the mafia and the bad things that has this territory. Here instead they try to give prestige to the most illustrious family of Sicily that has done so much good for Sicily and Sicilians by giving work to many families. I liked the actors, even if they are not all Sicilians have learned Sicilian well and have made the product very credible. I liked the shooting and I recognized almost all the places, on the other hand the sicily is beautiful and the shooting at the port were made in cefalù a fantastic village near palermo. I hope so much that they will make the second season that will talk about the Targa Florio the oldest motorist race in the world, and that passes by my village.

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!

There is now an option, watch in Italian! Look at the top of the screen. Subtitles on, audio Italian.

Original post follows, but no longer holds true. I will watch the series then amend it.

Had been looking forward to this but sadly dubbed in English, and refuse to watch anything not using the original language. The timbre, temper of foreign film and television is its original language. Language is our most precious and unique way of expression. It is why imperial powers throughout centuries have forbidden people to speak in their own languages, stripping places and their native peoples of identity. Until Disney and Hulu take their heads out of their accounting books and allow users to listen to what appears to be an exciting epic series .