Set in the 1860s during Italy’s unification, a Sicilian prince arranges his daughter’s marriage to secure his family’s future, causing heartache for his other daughter. The Netflix mini-series “The Leopard,” starring Deva Cassel as Angelica and Saul Nanni as Tancredi, is a fresh adaptation of the classic novel, expanding on character development and historical context over six episodes. The series captures the essence of the original film while offering a unique interpretation for a new audience.
WHAT IS THE STORY ABOUT?
Set against the backdrop of the 1860s, as Italy undergoes a transformative revolution leading to unification, the Prince of Salina becomes acutely aware of the impending doom facing the traditional aristocracy and his own family. In a bid to secure his lineage, he orchestrates a marriage between his daughter Angelica and his nephew Tancredi, fully aware that this decision will shatter the heart of his beloved daughter, Concetta.
WHO ARE THE STARS?
Deva Cassel, following in the footsteps of her illustrious parents Vincent Cassel and Monica Bellucci, made her acting debut in 2023 with the Italian film La bella estate, after a successful modeling career.
In the mini-series The Leopard, she portrays Angelica Sedàra, the strikingly beautiful and ambitious daughter of a wealthy Sicilian landowner. This role was originally brought to life by Claudia Cardinale in the iconic 1963 film.
Saul Nanni takes on the character of Tancredi Falconeri, the Prince’s nephew, whose revolutionary ideals align more closely with the movements of General Garibaldi than with the aristocratic values of his family.
Prince Salina, the story’s central figure, is embodied by the talented Kim Rossi Stuart. Known for his performances in acclaimed films like Romanzo Criminale and Our Best Years, he steps into a role once portrayed by the legendary Burt Lancaster.
IS IT WORTH YOUR TIME?
First hitting theaters in 1963, The Leopard stands as a monumental piece of Italian cinema and a significant work from the acclaimed director Luchino Visconti. This cinematic gem draws inspiration from the novel by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, published in 1958, and transports viewers to Sicily during the tumultuous 1860s, a time marked by the fall of the Bourbons at the hands of revolutionary Giuseppe Garibaldi.
The film not only showcased one of Burt Lancaster’s finest performances but also highlighted two of the era’s most gifted actors: Alain Delon and Claudia Cardinale. Garnering the prestigious Palme d’Or at the 1963 Cannes Film Festival, Visconti’s work was a commercial hit, attracting over 3.6 million viewers in France, despite a challenging production process.
Burt LancasterAlain DelonClaudia Cardinale
A NEW ADAPTATION, NOT A REMAKE
As a timeless classic of cinema, The Leopard is being reimagined this year—not as a remake, but as a fresh adaptation of the original novel. This new six-episode Netflix series aims to reinterpret Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa’s work rather than compete with Visconti’s film.
The series format allows for a deeper exploration of the historical context and character development, stretching the narrative over six hours compared to the 185-minute runtime of the 1963 film. This extended duration enables a richer storytelling experience.
To maintain her unique interpretation, Deva Cassel opted not to view the original film, relying solely on the novel and the vision of the series’ directors—Tom Shankland, Giuseppe Capotondi, and Laura Luchetti.
Conversely, Saul Nanni acknowledged the influence of Alain Delon, one of his heroes, while striving to present a distinctive take on Tancredi Falconeri. Although comparisons between the two adaptations are inevitable, both the film and the series offer complementary perspectives rather than direct competition.
A SUCCESS IN THE SPIRIT OF THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO?
This European superproduction boasts the resources needed to vividly bring this historical narrative to life. The stunning sets transport viewers to Southern Italy, while the gripping pace of the plot encourages binge-watching through all six episodes.
Following in the footsteps of last year’s cinematic triumph The Count of Monte Cristo, this series adaptation of The Leopard aims to reintroduce a classic to a new generation. The on-screen chemistry between Deva Cassel and Saul Nanni, which extends off-screen as well, is likely to captivate subscribers to the streaming platform.
The mini-series The Leopard is now streaming exclusively on Netflix.
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