Fans of grand period dramas like Bridgerton and Downton Abbey may want to binge-watch a "beautiful" limited series, available on Netflix. Set in the 19th century, The Leopard recounts the experiences of Don Fabrizio Corbera, Prince of Salina, a Sicilian nobleman whose aristocratic household navigates the "changing sociopolitical times" of Italian society as Giuseppe Garibaldi's Redshirt army is poised to seize Sicily.
A Tale of Aristocratic Turmoil
Upon the Redshirts' arrival in Palermo, Corbera recognises the peril facing his family and the existential threat to the ancient aristocracy, prompting their escape to his Donnafugata estate, where circumstances rapidly deteriorate. The period drama draws from the 1958 novel Il Gattopardo (translated as The Leopard) by Italian writer Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, which documented the era through the perspective of a Sicilian aristocratic household.
The celebrated novel almost failed to see publication, having been rejected by two publishers before appearing posthumously. Nevertheless, The Leopard is now regarded as amongst the most significant novels of the 20th Century.
From Classic Film to Modern Series
Decades following Luchino Visconti's Palme d'Or–winning film adaptation of The Leopard, which premiered in 1963, the narrative is brought to life anew in a contemporary limited series. Audiences can anticipate being swept away by the revolutionary historical backdrop and lavish production design, reports the Manchester Evening News.
In the role of Don Fabrizio Corbera, the Prince of Salina, is actor Kim Rossi Stuart, whose extensive Italian filmography includes Angel of Evil, Everybody Loves Diamonds, and The Keys to the House. Alongside him is actress Benedetta Porcaroli, known for portraying schoolgirl Chiara in Netflix's teen drama Baby, and for subsequently appearing in the horror film Immaculate with Sydney Sweeney, as well as in the film Amanda and Netflix's The Gentleman.
Cast and Audience Reception
Deva Cassel takes on the role of Angelica Sedara, with the actress well-acquainted with the entertainment industry through her parents, Italian actress Monica Bellucci and French actor Vincent Cassel. The ensemble also features Disney's Alex and Co star Saul Nanni, television presenter Paolo Calabresi, and Francesco Colella from ZeroZeroZero.
Following Netflix's The Leopard's debut on the streaming platform last year, audiences have been lauding the period drama on Rotten Tomatoes, with one viewer writing: "As testaments to the flux of history go, The Leopard manages to be beautiful, engaging and suitably elegiac." A second expressed: "The series can feel like an exquisite Italian cake, created to perfection, a thing of beauty to behold and indeed devour". A third chimed in: "Netflix's The Leopard is a thrilling and dramatic watch with juicy twists and turns", while another remarked: "The Leopard is just ludicrously luxe."
"A remake of Lucino Visconti's classic film, this stunning, if slow-paced period/political drama explores themes of power, romance, immorality and societal change - as General Garibaldi's army from the North invades Sicily in its unification of Italy", elaborated another viewer. The Leopard is streaming now on Netflix.
