Malena (2000)
Giuseppe Tornatore’s haunting Sicilian drama about beauty, desire, and wartime cruelty, featuring an iconic performance by Monica Bellucci.
Malena - Movie Information
- Original Title: Malèna
- Release Year: 2000
- Directed by: Giuseppe Tornatore
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 48m
- Original Language: Italian
- Spoken Languages: Italian
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 16, 2000 (Ireland - 18), December 25, 2000 (United States - R), October 27, 2000 (Germany - 12), June 27, 2001 (France - TP), March 16, 2001 (Brazil - 14), October 27, 2000 (Italy - T), March 23, 2001 (Spain - 16), March 10, 2001 (South Korea - 19)
- Alternative Titles: マレーナ (JP), 말레나 (KR), Maléna (CZ), Μαλένα (GR), Малена (RU), 西西裏的美麗傳說 (TW), Malena (ES), Малена (BG)
- Production Companies: Medusa Film, Miramax, Pacific Pictures
- Production Countries: Italy, United States of America
Malena - Plot
During WWII, a teenage boy discovering himself becomes love-stricken by Malèna, a sensual woman living in a small, narrow-minded Italian town.
Malena - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the world of wartime Sicily come to life:
Too young to be a widow, too beautiful to be alone.
Where to Watch Malena
Looking for where to watch Malena?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Malena - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Giuseppe Tornatore
Main Cast
- Monica Bellucci
- Giuseppe Sulfaro
- Luciano Federico
- Matilde Piana
- Pietro Notarianni
- Gaetano Aronica
- Gilberto Idonea
- Angelo Pellegrino
- Gabriella Di Luzio
- Pippo Provvidenti
Writers
- Giuseppe Tornatore
Producers
- Harvey Weinstein
- Carlo Bernasconi
Malena - FAQs
Where can you watch Malena online?
Malena is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It can also be streamed for free on Kanopy and Hoopla. Availability may vary by region — check JustWatch for current options near you.
Is Malena based on a true story?
Malena is not based on a specific true story. Director Giuseppe Tornatore wrote the screenplay inspired by a short story called “Notte di Natale” by Luciano Vincenzoni. The film draws on universal themes of wartime social cruelty, beauty, and adolescent longing rather than documented real events.
Who plays Malèna in the 2000 film?
Monica Bellucci plays Malèna Scordia, the beautiful and tragic widow at the heart of the film. Giuseppe Sulfaro portrays Renato Amoroso, the teenage boy whose obsessive admiration for Malèna forms the story’s emotional core. The supporting cast includes Luciano Federico, Matilde Piana, and Gaetano Aronica.
What is the ending of Malena explained?
At the film’s end, Malèna’s husband Nino returns from war, and the couple eventually leaves town after she is publicly humiliated. Years later they return, and the townspeople — now remorseful — treat her with quiet respect. Renato, now grown, silently says goodbye, closing his bittersweet chapter of first love.
What is Malena (2000) about?
Set in wartime Sicily, Malena follows Renato, a 13-year-old boy infatuated with the town’s most beautiful woman, Malèna. As war strips her of protection and status, small-town jealousy and gossip destroy her reputation. The film is a poignant meditation on desire, cruelty, and the cost of beauty in a closed society.
Who directed Malena and who composed the score?
Malena was written and directed by Giuseppe Tornatore, the Italian filmmaker celebrated for Cinema Paradiso. The film’s evocative score was composed by the legendary Ennio Morricone, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Score — one of the film’s two Oscar nominations.
Did Malena win any awards?
Malena received two Academy Award nominations: Best Cinematography for Lajos Koltai and Best Original Score for Ennio Morricone. The film also earned nominations at the Golden Globes and the David di Donatello Awards in Italy, and was selected as Italy’s submission for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
What is the age rating for Malena?
Malena is rated R in the United States, reflecting its mature themes including sexuality, wartime violence, and depictions of social cruelty. International ratings vary: it received an 18 certificate in Ireland, a 12 rating in Germany, and a 16 rating in Spain. It is not suitable for younger audiences.
More About Malena
Explore further details, credits, and community data for Malena on these trusted resources: