User reviews

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.

As an admirer of Visconti's masterpiece I was reluctant to watch this series, but I decided to give it a try to see how a longer running time might improve the movie. Indeed it did! Not only a longer running time, but better technical means, the cooperation of the locations where the series was shot and a better understanding of the original' limitations have gone a long way to turn this series into one of the most sumptuous, majestic filming experiences ever. It narrate the historic times of Italy's unification under Garibaldi's troops and how it affected the ancient kingdom of Sicily and its most noble family, the Salina princes. The changes are beautifully shown as they happen, the gorgeous Mediterranean light bathing the dry but haunting landscapes, and the period art design are flawless. Kim Stuart portrait of the title character is outstanding, and even if Burt Lancaster's impersonation was hard to match, I find this Gattopardo more complex and memorable than the original. The cast is splendid, Porcaroli as Conceta is moving and unforgettable, and the arrivist and snaky Sedara hints at the origins of the Cosa Nostra. Music is outstanding too, with opera and classic excerpts combining beautifully with the original soundtrack. Two aspects to remark: the direction is magnificent throughout, and the funeral scene of Paolo is one of the most beautiful, moving scenes I have ever seen. Just one flaw, preventing me from giving it a 10: the actor impersonating Tancredi is not up to par, as the memory of Alain Delon in the same role casts a big shadow over his interpretation, diminishing its significance in demerit of the final result. In summary: a beautiful masterpiece of a series.

My wife and I just watched the Netflix series and the 1963 Visconti film (available for $ on Prime), and here are our takeaways. The film holds up vey well, especially the 1983 vastly improved cut still holds up. It's a splendid example of a movie epic in the grandest style. The Netflix series is nicely updated for current sensibilities by expanding and enhancing Concetta's role in the family saga. This by no means detracts or diminishes the overarching theme of a class in decline. The novel in fact ends with Concetta as more prominent, so the series does a good job of building off that. Both are outstanding productions comparable to Gone With the Wind and well worth watching, especially for those with a fondness for family sagas.

Incidental note: Deva Cassel is well-positioned to be the next Bond Girl.

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.

Beautiful take on the book. The relationship between daughter and father as a metaphor of a world changing, whether we want it or not.

I feel like it's not something we see very often and yet father/daughter stories have so much to tell.

I loved to see parts of the book that are maybe only a few lines brought to life in such beautiful scenes.

In the series Sicily is a breathtaking view and Benedetta Porcaroli stuns with her performance... I hope to see her become a really important actress!

I really loved the costumes and the music as well (original soundtrack is on my Spotify playlist of favorites right now)

Happy to have watched it!

You do keep watching it, so it does engage one's interest, but those viewers who then read the book to the end will be wondering; where's the rest of it?

The small compact story loaded with detail has been expanded into a family and political epic. Many of the additions are good and add suspense, but the further we get from the source material, something is lost. Conchetta becomes the central character. The final episode was overlong , optimistic and unsatisfactorily missed the dual dumping of aristocracy and religious relics.

One can only imagine that episode was the result of an almighty clash between artistic integrity and 'money men' 's idea of a popular ending; and the money men won.

So, something different to Visconte/Lancaster/Cardinale production of 1963.

The Leopard is a breathtaking reimagining of Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa's classic Italian novel Il Gattopardo. Set in 19th-century Sicily, the series masterfully captures the shifting tides of power and tradition during a time of political upheaval, blending sumptuous visuals with compelling storytelling. The production value is nothing short of stunning-every frame feels like a painting brought to life, with intricate period costumes, dazzling cinematography, and an authentic recreation of Sicily's landscapes. The performances, particularly from Kim Rossi Stuart, Benedetta Porcaroli, and Saul Nanni, bring a raw intensity to their roles, making the dynamics between their characters both poignant and memorable.

The first temptation is , after the six episodes, to be very critic about this series.

But two excuses : it is a Netflix series for Netflix public. So, you know what can expect.

The second - the care for atmosphere, clothes and details. Indeed, this works as excuse for not brilliant historical films but , in this case, saves just a lot.

For acting - two names - Benedetta Porcaroli, Astrid Meloni, not ignoring the effort of Saul Nanni . Sure, subjective options.

The big problem , for me, was Kim Rossi Stuart. Behind see the first trailer, I considerated him too young for the role of Don Fabrizio Salina. After the first three episodes , I accepted a version like western character more than a Sicilian aristocrat. But he tries to propose his The Leopard, nod very faithful, for vulgar- brutal- cynical nuances by the hero of novel.

In fact, for many scenes, the book seems more an pretext, maybe an inspired option being for title The days of Concetta. The big sin - absence of nuances, reflected, in fair manner , by the version of Luchino Visconti.

Deva Cassel begins well and, the last episodes, becomes a beautiful doll.

But , sure, long time, I dreamed about a version in which Don Fabrizio was Alain Delon , the only , for me, with experience to explore, in wise manner, the role.

Sure, more than good intentions . And, maybe, after decades, possible in a 2058, at a century after publishing, another, better series inspired by this masterpiece.

Appreciation to Netflix for idea and for the kick to read ( again ) the novel writen by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa.

The leopard... in italy, it's il gattopardo. Just a few years before our own civil war, sicily was having its own war of the classes. An upperclass family must get out of the city before the uprising of the commoners. And that includes whisking the daughter out from the convent where she has been safely tucked away, getting her education. Very class driven. It's the have and have nots. But cousin tancredi doesn't stand with his own family... he's on the side of the revolutionists. Who will win this battle? Will italy unite under one flag? Lots of time spent of tactical marriages which shift the balance of power. And money. It's okay, but things move pretty slowly. So many cicadas and crickets chirping in the heat. Netflix has been much better about dubbing films from foreign countries. This dubbing group is quite british! For a long time, foreign films were not dubbed well on netflix, and it was painful watching them in the united states. This six episode series directed by various people. Purportedly a remake of the 1963 film the leopard, directed by visconti. The 1963 film got great ratings, but is currently only available on apple and amzn.

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.

This TV series is a bastardization of the controversial yet celebrated novel The Leopard, a masterful exploration of the Italian nobility's decline and the bourgeoisie's calculated rise. The show introduces countless alterations to the story, none of which reinforce its themes; instead, they dilute its depth and distort the meaning of key actions.

The novel's message is unmistakable, the bloated, slothful aristocracy, stripped of its former fighting spirit, finds itself overtaken by a bourgeois class that has ascended through sheer cunning and ruthless ambition. Yet, this adaptation strips away that nuance, injecting a nefariousness into the characters, no doubt a deliberate move to appeal to modern audiences.

The acting is commendable, but it doesn't hold a candle to the exceptional 1963 film adaptation. This series is a feeble attempt at depth, a misguided reimagining that squanders the brilliance of its source material. They had the perfect blueprint in the form of the beloved film, yet they discarded it in favor of a shallow narrative that reduces the struggle to a one-dimensional tale of the villainous lower class devouring the rich. The original was loathed by both the wealthy and the poor precisely because it held up a mirror to both of their vices. This version, however, contributes nothing new to the discourse, only a hollow, inferior imitation of a story that once had profound significance.

This Leopard is definitely the opposite from both the film and book.

It is true that series take a deeper dive into the political world, but Don Fabrizio in the book and film doesn't really get involves because he accepts that he's an old man whose world is dying therefore accept the changes but worries for the future of his children.

Unlike the film/book, Don Fabrizio doesn't like his nephew at all.

Concetta is more emotional than the wallflower Concetta.

The Father or priest is timid compared to the more cynical Father who seen both sides of Don Fabrizio.

Despite the name, I don't consider this mini series to be the actual The Leopard because Lampedusa and Visconti who were actual Italian noblemen who knows the world through and through while this was produced by a middle-class Brit.

Let me tell you no one would ever speak back to Don Fabrizio since he is the head of the family, the aristocracy is very patriarchal and religious. Second, where are all the bonnets? Ladies, especially noblewomen, would never have their hair loose like that nor uncovered. Third, despite Concetta being a woman, she have to have an escort regardless because women in those times were considered children who need a permanent guardian, so there's no way Concetta will be walking around like that and doing what she wants without her father's permission.

Unlike the book/film, Tancredi and Angelica meet by "chance" or should I say cunning scheme by her father.

Don't get me wrong, I know Richard Warlow is trying to add some personalities because truth be told, Italian nobles have so little of it.

However I am just a little annoyed with the reviews who are trying to bash the original film to uplift this one which is quite sad.

This is an absolute must-see series!

It could have actually been a cinema film, this is the perfection of its film making. An epic construction of story telling, acting, costumes, scenery and music offers an utter delight to watch.

As far as I am concerned, this is the best Netflix series I have watched so far.

Based on the Di Lambedusa novel The Leopard, this series presents a striking insight in the political and social life of Sicily in the era of Italian unification through the account of the life and sentimental struggles of the Prince of Salina and his family.

A magnificent mosaic of history, grandeur and passion therefore unveils, masterly articulated in this series where every aspect of film making functions in perfection.

Do not miss it!

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!

The Leopard Series - A Gripping Emotional Ride

The Leopard is not just a series; it's an emotional rollercoaster that grips you from the very first episode. With its intense storytelling, deep character development, and unexpected twists, it keeps you hooked till the very end.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the series is how it plays with emotions. It takes you on a journey filled with suspense, heartbreak, and psychological depth, making you feel every moment as if you're living it yourself. The cinematography and direction are outstanding, enhancing the immersive experience.

However, this series is not for the faint-hearted. It delves into heavy themes that can be mentally and emotionally overwhelming at times. It makes you think, feel, and sometimes even question your own emotions. But that's what makes it truly exceptional-it leaves a lasting impact.

Overall, The Leopard is a masterpiece that blends storytelling, emotions, and suspense flawlessly. If you enjoy thought-provoking and intense dramas, this series is a must-watch. Just be prepared for a journey that will stay with you long after the final episode.

I absolutely loved it. From the sets and costumes to the cinematography and soundtrack - it was a treat to watch. So much time passes throughout the show, yet the pacing is done well. The actors, especially the lead, carry so much charm and layers. I was moved to tears by the end of it. I am eager to see more stories from the creators and the cast. There is just a balanced quirkiness about it, mixed in with the overall heavy tone, that really makes this show feel unique and will have you yearning for more. The journey is beautiful, poignant, and brutally honest. I wish I had more people to talk about this show with, as I get the feeling it may resonate with everyone differently. For me - many aspects hit hard and had me thinking deeply about my own life, relationships, trauma, and forgiveness.

Why try to make a remake of a Masterpiece? Will it bring something new? Some part or nuance or the book forgotten by the genius of the unreplaceable giant Director Luchino Visconti? Better photography, sound, dialogues or cinematographic technique? Better Actors or performances? Stunning landscapes or monuments? NO!!! None of that!: Instead this series copies the original film in many ways, without adding anything apart some pointless nudities, even pudic! The end is even much worse!!! I was going to miss seeing this, as only the attempt is even an offense to the Master! How can a no name new Director try to portrait a social class he does not know at all? (the Aristocracy?). Even the figure of the house Priest is almost a photocopy of the original!

Please save us from this horrible ordeal. If you want to promote a place, better finance a tourist video properly done.

AVOID by all means: an offense to the mind and spirit!!!!

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.

(For those wondering, the first is "The Crown," and "The Leopard" bears some resemblance to it.)

Why is the rating not higher? Why is this show not more popular??!?!?!?

First, The Leopard is visually glorious. It is so beautiful, and I'm only upset that Sicily will become even more of a tourist attraction as a result... The costumes are stunning, no expense seems to have been spared on the sets - it's just a feast for the eyes.

The story itself is very compelling, though I must admit I have never read the book (just came in the mail the other day), and I love all of the symbolism between new and old Italy. What really stands out in the story is the character development. Anyone who thinks this show is boring probably wasn't paying much attention to the nuanced changes and developments in the characters throughout.

I need more people to see this show, because I need more people to talk to about this show. My only gripe is the sex scenes. Sure, it's not an HBO production, but in general I find sex scenes to be lazy, intrusive, and so over-done. Don't care if that sounds prudish. Can't we be more creative?

Still, I only gave it 9 stars because 10 are resolved for the very best, which to me is "The Crown."

I am a man in America. This is my personal mirror. A film is like a dance in my heart with a beautiful woman. Her eyes welcome me. We breathe poetry in the motion of togetherness. The music is the bridge where our souls rejoice.

The Leopard is what I long for. Beauty, majesty, fine clothing, horses and being in the country, knowing that love is truly immaculate and sacred.

Celebrating the personal, because our time is precious. Only precious when our heart is received.

I once was in love with my cousin. The innocence of our kisses and holding her remain. The apprehension of our love, being Catholic. What does life gift us with such desire ? I was Tancredi.

Last year I met an Italian woman after mass at San Carlos Cathedral in Monterey. We talked for at least an hour, I was enchanted. She blessed my longing for what closeness truly is.

I had a horse very similar to the one in the film that was shot. I used to ride on Carmel beach, looking for closeness in others. Moments of this closeness were rare.

The Leopard is healing to my river of emotions. In this healing, don't wake me from such a beautiful dream. My sincere gratitude to the director and the cast for taking me home. Many of us fully realize what we are missing. -Riding With The Prince-

A beautiful, sumptuous historical family saga set in 19th Ccntury Sicily. I'd never heard of the novel from which this series is adapted but The Leopard is a feast for the eyes and the soul.

The gorgeous Kim Rossi Stuart is wonderful in the title role of The Leopard. Tall, imposing, handsome and totally charismatic.

I found it interesting to learn about this period in Italian and Sicilian history and the series brings it to life wonderfully. It's emotional and the stunning buildings, costumes and the lighting and music - just wow.

Finally - I must mention the most amazing dog!! That gorgeous gentle giant deserves an award for his performance!

I gave this the benefit of the doubt but even my wife who normally is in to this kind of Telenovela stuff was bored like hell. It looks beautiful mainly because Italy is beautiful but also the camara work is great. The storytelling is soooo slow and the actors are not being given anything to work with it seems. Or maybe they are just not that good I'm not sure. If you are all about appearances and looks you might enjoy it if not you will fall asleep. Being a Novela theres not even a lot of drama which is the only thing a Novela must have. If not it has nothing which is the case here. If you around a 100 years old or already dead you might enyoy the tempo!