The Leopard

Based on Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusas's novel, The Leopard, Italy's War and Peace, the series details the revolution led by Giuseppe Garibaldi, beginning in 1860, which led, eventually, to the unification of Italy. It betters Visconti's 1963 film adaptation in many ways, not least in using genuine Italian actors instead of glamorous Hollywood stars like Burt Lancaster and Alain Delon-who were dubbed and Claudia Cardinale who had no need to be. The sets are fabulous because they're actual "pallazzi", Sicilian palaces, packed with the art of the times. There's romance, intrigue, politics and religion, what more could you ask for.

Beautifully matched, sturdy carriage horses. Prancing, spirited Prince's chargers. Energetic purposeful military steeds. Graceful, sleek women's palfreys. Ever since the series about France's Louis XIV ended, I've missed seeing the horses featured in historical movies. I suspect that in real life people galloped less and plodded more often but I enjoy watching the rosy, nostalgic version.

And likewise throughout the 6 episodes you get to enjoy all the perks of a noble. Lavish mansions with fairy-tale gardens and gilded angel frescoes staring down at you from the ceilings. Sumptuous banquets. Grandiose balls. Opulent gowns.

As for the plot, reading the book when it first came out, it impressed me as being one of the best, rip-roaring stories I'd ever encountered. The first movie, debuting a few years later, was very good but of course could not include everything from the book. Now, details of both have faded. I think the current movie does reflect the feeling of the book quite well.

Obvously I read The Leopard when I was quite young. Although I was not totally unaware of it's historic and sociological aspects, that wasn't my main interest at the time. If I read it today, it would probably be an entirely different experience. Looking up current reviews, I see that over time liberals have seen it as too conservative and conservatives have felt it to be too liberal. That probably means it's about right.

Does the series deal even-handedly and fairly with the depictions of aristocracy vs peasants? I would say in some scenes Yes and in some No. But the creators certainly made the effort to do justice to the deeper story.

I got really caught up in the series way beyond the beauty of the scenery and the horses and binged-watched it over 2 evenings.

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.

I just read the book recently and the movie is just as beautiful. Nobody does it like the Italians. If you're a real fan of theater as an art form and film as a life-changing world enhancing experience then you should definitely see the leopard. Cinematography is absolutely stunning. What a beautiful period piece ; costumes magical, This is a stunningly visually crafted masterpiece of a series. But you have to watch it in Italian. Thank you, Netflix. The acting is incredible and spiritually enhancing with a handsomely beautiful cast. Enjoyable to watch. A lesson in history about Sicily. Lovely to see Sicily. Recommend.