Director: Giuseppe Tornatore
Cast: Monica Bellucci, Gabriella Di Luzio, Giuseppe Sulfaro


In 1940 during WWII in Italy, a boy named Renato, a young boy at the time, is introduced to the beautiful Malena. After her husband Nico jons the war, Malena is left at the mercy of the people who make up the Sicilian town in which she now lives. Perceived as an outsider, it isn’t long before her husband’s continued absence begins to make Malena a target to the lust and jealousy that seems to run rampant around her. The only one who’s able to see the entire picture is Renato, but will he be willing to help or will he let Malena fend for herself just as she needs him the most. Written and directed by Giuseppe Tornatore, Malena was nominated for 2 Oscars. With 3 wins and 16 nominations this movie was a favorite among viewers after its release. Monica Bellucci plays Malena Scordia and Giuseppe Sulfaro takes on the role of Renato Amoroso. Malena is one of those movies that deserves the R rating, and not in a bad way. Many films wouldn’t have been able to pull it off but I found myself pleasantly surprised with the depth of this film. Though to get the full effect it’s best to watch the original Italian version since the U.S version has been heavily cut.