Il paradiso delle signore

I watched some of the BBC's 'The Paradise' and didn't really care for it. So I'm not sure why I decided to give the Italian version on Acorn TV a try but I'm glad I did. I loved the characters, the clothes, the cars, the city and the drama of 'The Ladies Paradise'.

Note - my rating is based on the first 2 seasons.

After a couple of episodes, I was definitely hooked! Cinematography, costumes, characters, plots and music all take me back to an era long past. I now feel like I'm fluent in Italian! I'm just hoping they produce more episodes. Much better than the crap on American TV!!!

This Italian-language import, set in post WWII Italy, follows Teresa Lorio, a young woman who leaves her small rural Sicilian hometown for Milan. Teresa finds work--and much more--at a newly opened department store: The Ladies' Paradise. Drama, romance, and character tension make this delightful Italian series binge worth!!!!

One day I stumbled upon this show having no idea really what it was about . All I knew was that it was an Italian show. After watching about three episodes though, it soon became a favorite of mine.

The Show:

Who: Employees of "The Ladies Paradise," and their families and friends, and many other characters throughout the seasons.

What: Stories of people who have things in common and not so much. In most instances, each character is possibly affected in one way or another. Stories of themes around: love, family, drama, compassion and the show is humorous at times too.

When: Mid 1950s, IPDS is a period drama- the costumes are stellar.

Where: Milan, Italy

I'm skipping why.

*Note: The music is one of the best parts of the show in my opinion.

I give the show two thumbs up as well. 👍🏼👍🏼

The show is probably best for those 13 and older.

Beautiful series from a more elegant time; characters to fall in love with! These characters are not only believable, but the script is well written and full of heart. The 1950's sets are creatively accurate and the fashion conveys the elegance of that time. There are poignant moments in each storyline where the values of the characters are touchingly challenged. The amount of old fashion restraint depicted in the characters, coupled with the modern time of the late 50's entering old world Italy, proves to add an indelible creative impact on the script.

The Italian society in the 50's is not only recovering from the war, but the largely catholic upbringing of the characters influences, pulls and tugs on each storyline. The series marks a time before computers, cell phones and the quick news of the world -- so much so that you are just as absorbed in their story lines as were the people of that time line in theirs.

If you love Downton Abbey, Victoria and The Crown, this series will add to your love of the beauty of traveling to another time, culture and place to absorb yourself in the lives of these complex and yet characters. Highly, highly recommend.

I hope that they keep their successful, beautiful and heartwarming style going in season 3. The actors are all brilliant, especially the lead couple of Teresa and Pietro. A real winner!

Delightful and lovely Italian series that gives a look back into 1950s Italian life.