Is Malena Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Malena is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 108 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Malena Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2000, Malena emerges as a significant entry in the Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of During WWII, a teenage boy discovering himself becomes love-stricken by Malèna, a sensual woman living in a small, narrow-minded Italian town. Unlike standard genre fare, Malena attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a refreshing take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Malena features a noteworthy lineup led by Monica Bellucci . Supported by the likes of Giuseppe Sulfaro and Luciano Federico , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Malena (2000) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.4/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
Malena Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Malena is a Drama film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. During WWII, a teenage boy discovering himself becomes love-stricken by Malèna, a sensual woman living in a small, narrow-minded Italian town. The screenplay takes time to develop its characters, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's themes.
Thematic Depth
The film delves into universal human experiences—love, loss, identity, and belonging. It holds up a mirror to society, asking difficult questions about morality, choice, and consequence.
What Works & What Doesn't
✅ Strengths
- Solid execution of genre conventions
- Engaging moments that showcase the filmmakers' vision
- Competent performances from the cast
⚠️ Weaknesses
- Some narrative choices that feel predictable
- Occasional pacing lulls in the middle act
Malena Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Malena resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Malena reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Malena?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Malena Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $14.5M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Advertisement
Full Cast & Crew of Malena
- Monica Bellucci – Malèna Scordia
- Giuseppe Sulfaro – Renato Amoroso
- Luciano Federico – Renato's Father
- Matilde Piana – Renato's Mother
- Pietro Notarianni – Prof. Bonsignore
Top Highlights
Monica BellucciMalèna Scordia
Giuseppe SulfaroRenato Amoroso
Luciano FedericoRenato's Father
Matilde PianaRenato's Mother
Pietro NotarianniProf. Bonsignore
Gaetano AronicaNino Scordia
Gilberto IdoneaCentorbi, the Lawyer
Angelo PellegrinoPolitical Secretary
Gabriella Di LuzioBaron's Lover
Pippo ProvvidentiDr. Cusimano
Where to Watch Malena Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVParents Guide & Age Rating
Malena is rated R. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.4/10, and global collection metrics, Malena stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2000 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Malena movie hit or flop?
Malena is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.4/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Drama movies.
Is Malena worth watching?
Yes, Malena is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Drama cinema.
Where can I watch Malena online?
Malena may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked Malena
How Malena Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Malena
This movie is a masterpiece of storytelling. It explores the themes of loss, grief, and growing up in a captivating way that resonates with anyone who has faced challenges in life. It balances the drama with moments of humor, especially in the interactions between the young boy and his father, who have a realistic and touching bond. The ending was satisfying and emotional. The movie also excels in its visual aspects, with stunning cinematography, art direction, and setting that create a vivid atmosphere of the Sicilian culture and lifestyle of the time period in which the movie is set. The casting was spot on, with the young actor and Monica Bellucci delivering outstanding performances. Bellucci in particular impressed me with her expressive eyes in the market scene, where she conveyed the character’s feelings without words. As a man, I related a lot to Giuseppe Sulfaro character and his coming of age. Honestly, I didn't think I was going to like this movie as much I did when it finished. Rarely do I ever bother writing reviews for a movie I liked but this one I loved. Definitely worth a watch.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
