Il Gattopardo

The Leopard Series - A Gripping Emotional Ride

The Leopard is not just a series; it's an emotional rollercoaster that grips you from the very first episode. With its intense storytelling, deep character development, and unexpected twists, it keeps you hooked till the very end.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the series is how it plays with emotions. It takes you on a journey filled with suspense, heartbreak, and psychological depth, making you feel every moment as if you're living it yourself. The cinematography and direction are outstanding, enhancing the immersive experience.

However, this series is not for the faint-hearted. It delves into heavy themes that can be mentally and emotionally overwhelming at times. It makes you think, feel, and sometimes even question your own emotions. But that's what makes it truly exceptional-it leaves a lasting impact.

Overall, The Leopard is a masterpiece that blends storytelling, emotions, and suspense flawlessly. If you enjoy thought-provoking and intense dramas, this series is a must-watch. Just be prepared for a journey that will stay with you long after the final episode.

Many don't know that Italy was united very late in history and that unification came with tremendous upheaval. I have read that Don Fabrizio was based on Lampedusa's own grandfather. You may not sympathize with the privileged life depicted here but Don Fabrizio is an amazing character -- entitled and flawed, yes, but also prescient, indomitable, resilient, shrewd, loving, pragmatic, and, in his own way, principled. Note the importance of the Church in the story -- Catholicism vs. Secularism was part of the conflict, especially since some Italian states were Papal states well into the 19th century. Also, the contrast between northern Italy, represented by the new government and Concetta's suitor, versus the culture of the South, is an important element, as well as the eternal class struggle. The production is visually beautiful too. I recommend reading the novel by Lampedusa and streaming the Luchino Visconti film with Burt Lancaster as well. Decide for yourself which is best -- for me, they all complement each other. So glad this great story is getting a new audience.

Few shows get everything right. This one gets more right than wrong but there are weaknesses. The strengths: the cinematography is absolutely stunning. For six hours you can indulge in the unspoiled, sunny countryside of 19th century Sicily, one beautiful shot after another. Likewise, the costumes are beyond beautiful; someone deserves an award for their beauty and variety. And then there's the acting: most of the cast is adequate, but there are two absolutely standouts: the first is Kim Rossi Stuart, one of those actors who can convey deep emotions with just a facial expression, a twitch of the eyes, a slight curl of the mouth. But the most extraordinary performance belongs to Benedetta Procaroli. She is actually the center of the story, and without her dazzling skills, the show wouldn't have worked. And that's because of the program's weakness: it's very slow, as though everyone on the production could barely labor in the hot Sicilian summer sun. There are long intervals where nothing happens, and although it's a beautiful nothing, too much nothing is boring. This show just barely avoids that -- thanks to the acting, the scenery, the costumes.

You do keep watching it, so it does engage one's interest, but those viewers who then read the book to the end will be wondering; where's the rest of it?

The small compact story loaded with detail has been expanded into a family and political epic. Many of the additions are good and add suspense, but the further we get from the source material, something is lost. Conchetta becomes the central character. The final episode was overlong , optimistic and unsatisfactorily missed the dual dumping of aristocracy and religious relics.

One can only imagine that episode was the result of an almighty clash between artistic integrity and 'money men' 's idea of a popular ending; and the money men won.

So, something different to Visconte/Lancaster/Cardinale production of 1963.

Beautiful take on the book. The relationship between daughter and father as a metaphor of a world changing, whether we want it or not.

I feel like it's not something we see very often and yet father/daughter stories have so much to tell.

I loved to see parts of the book that are maybe only a few lines brought to life in such beautiful scenes.

In the series Sicily is a breathtaking view and Benedetta Porcaroli stuns with her performance... I hope to see her become a really important actress!

I really loved the costumes and the music as well (original soundtrack is on my Spotify playlist of favorites right now)

Happy to have watched it!