• Monday, December 25, 2000

• Country:

  USA

• Language:

  English

• Runtime:

  92 min

2000

On the day in 1940 that Italy enters the war, two things happen to the 12-year-old Renato: he gets his first bike, and he gets his first look at Malèna. She is a beautiful, silent outsider who's moved to this Sicilian town to be with her husband, Nico. He promptly goes off to war, leaving her to the lustful eyes of the men and the sharp tongues of the women.

During the next few years, as Renato grows toward manhood, he watches Malèna suffer and prove her mettle. He sees her loneliness, then grief when Nico is reported dead, the effects of slander on her relationship with her father, her poverty and search for work, and final humiliations. Will Renato learn courage from Malèna and stand up for her?

Goofs

• Continuity: The bike that Renato rides, suddenly has a modern derailleur-type chain tensioner at the rear at about 20-21 minutes into the film. At all other times, his bike has a fixed rear gear without the chain tensioner.
• Continuity: After Renato passes out, he is in his mother's lap. His arm position changes between shots.
• Continuity: Nino's position changes when he falls to the ground after he is hit. He is first on his left, then more on his back. His position relative to the steps also appears to change.
• Continuity: Renato's bike changes position when he helps Malena pick up oranges.

Taglines

• An intimate portrait and an epic story of the courage we discover, the innocence we surrender, and the memories we cherish.....forever.
• She was too young to be a widow, and too beautiful to be alone. Every man wanted to have her. One boy risked everything to protect her.
• A world at war. A young man coming of age. And the woman who changed his life forever

Awards

1. Oscar
   Event: Academy Awards, USA
   Result: Nominated
   Category: Best Cinematography
   Recipient(s): Lajos Koltai
2. Golden Swann
   Event: Cabourg Romantic Film Festival
   Result: Won
   Category:
   Recipient(s): Giuseppe Tornatore
3. David
   Event: David di Donatello Awards
   Result: Nominated
   Category: Best Cinematography (Migliore Direttore della Fotografia)
   Recipient(s): Lajos Koltai