The Leopard

This is an absolute must-see series!

It could have actually been a cinema film, this is the perfection of its film making. An epic construction of story telling, acting, costumes, scenery and music offers an utter delight to watch.

As far as I am concerned, this is the best Netflix series I have watched so far.

Based on the Di Lambedusa novel The Leopard, this series presents a striking insight in the political and social life of Sicily in the era of Italian unification through the account of the life and sentimental struggles of the Prince of Salina and his family.

A magnificent mosaic of history, grandeur and passion therefore unveils, masterly articulated in this series where every aspect of film making functions in perfection.

Do not miss it!

The Leopard is a 'cinematic novel' that treats several layers with pure mastery. Everything about The Leopard is exceptional---we were hooked at the first episode, and it only got better. Not since The Godfather has there been such a great combination of drama and passion in an authentic Italian setting. A phenomenal cast and breathtaking costumes add to the fun of watching this show. On the one hand, it encapsulates the essence of Sicily, Sicilians, and the Italian Risorgimento. On the other, it takes you on a deep dive into the universal struggle of distinguishing good from evil; in life, relationships, and love. It is also a cinematographic masterpiece: one can almost smell the Sicilian oranges. And the acting...., the acting!

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.

My wife and I just watched the Netflix series and the 1963 Visconti film (available for $ on Prime), and here are our takeaways. The film holds up vey well, especially the 1983 vastly improved cut still holds up. It's a splendid example of a movie epic in the grandest style. The Netflix series is nicely updated for current sensibilities by expanding and enhancing Concetta's role in the family saga. This by no means detracts or diminishes the overarching theme of a class in decline. The novel in fact ends with Concetta as more prominent, so the series does a good job of building off that. Both are outstanding productions comparable to Gone With the Wind and well worth watching, especially for those with a fondness for family sagas.

Incidental note: Deva Cassel is well-positioned to be the next Bond Girl.

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!