I am not really a fan of this kind of genre even if I can sense that it was critically acclaimed since it was

competed in an award giving body abroad. I first noticed this movie when I was scanning through our cable and was showed in a local movie channel and dubbed in Filipino. The movie did not arouse my interest whatsoever until I was compelled to watch the whole film in class. It couldnt have been more of a surprise for me, a positive surprise at that. It was special.

The movie was wrapped in luscious cinematography; the set was dressed to perfection. I was very impressed on how they recreated the 40s feel in the whole plot. It was set in World War II in very small village in Sicily (IMBD, 2000) a boy named Renato (Giuseppe Sulfaro) falls for the very seductive Malena (Monica Belluci), I wouldnt call it falling in love, its maybe having an infatuation since hes a kid who just entered puberty. The woman turned out to be an obsession for young Renato that caused his sexual awakening to the point that stalking her became his hobby. Every day, Malena walks through the main streets where he attracts undesirable attention with men who thinks of her as a mere sexual object and often envied by their wives because of her charisma. Gossips soon start to circulate about her sleeping with different men and later linked with married men. When unfortunate events hit her, people started to take advantage of poor Malena and later offered her indecent proposals. In the eyes of Renato she was a woman of dignity but is clouded with much grief after her losses. Although in the latter part, Malena turned broke and eventually became a home wrecker and all around prostitute. But through Renatos eyes we can see Malena as a dignified human being.

The daring role of the protagonist (Sulfaro) in playing the painful process of growing up is brilliant. His struggle in dealing with his sexuality and desires was very relevant to me. Bellucis mystery and drastic transformation was portrayed even more believable when we come in depth with her character. We can sense the grief and longing in her eyes plus the body language to boot. Their performances couldnt be better.

My intention was also drawn in their attention of wearing long or short trousers. Its their symbol of manhood. I found it outrageous since we all wear them any day and I never gave it much thought in the first place. The film also provides an in depth look in masturbation and voyeurism which I find very amusing especially when Renato's family caught him. To sum it all up, Tornatore gave us a moving film about the cruelties and beauties in the world and seeing it through the eyes of a young boy.