Classics: A Review of The Leopard by Lauren Ennis

"A man who doesn't spend time with his family can never be a real man" Don Vito Corleone famously declared in The Godfather. It is this same sentiment that lies at the heart of another tale of a Sicilian patriarch; The Leopard. Much like The Godfather, The Leopard follows Don Fabrizio Corbera as he struggles to guide his family through political unrest, personal turmoil, and sweeping change. At once an ode to a bygone era and a timeless story of family The Leopard is a series you cannot refuse.

The story begins in 1860 as Giuseppe Garibaldi and his redshirts enter Sicily in a political coup against the local monarchy. As members of the local aristocracy the Corbera family find their status, wealth, and very way of life upended. As head of the family Don Fabrizio struggles to keep the Corbera clan together even as their entire world threatens to crumble around them. Amidst this upheaval the family also faces threats from within as they struggle to come to terms with personal rivalries and romantic entanglements all while striving to find their place in a rapidly changing Italy.

This sweeping historic tale continues to resonate today largely through its depiction of the paradox of parenthood. Throughout the series Don Fabrizio struggles to do what he believes is best for his family. In this depiction of a father trying to do his best the series ensures that Don Fabrizio is a relatable character viewers rather than a distant elite from an even more distant era. As the series progresses, however, it becomes apparent that father does not always know best. Ultimately, it is his meddling in his daughter's love life, his intercession in his nephew's legal troubles, and his neglect of his wife and son incur irreparable consequences. This depiction of his misguided but well-meaning efforts make him a tragic figure as it is his very attempts to guide and help his family which hurt them the most. Despite his many mistakes, however, it is the lessons that he imparts in and example that he provides to his family that allow them to move forward and find their place in the new Italy. For some fatherly love Italian style, join the Corbera family in The Leopard.

Daddy's home!

The series brings Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa's novel to brilliant life thanks to the work of its cast. Saul Nanni perfectly balances callousness and charm as Don Fabrizio's reckless nephew, Tancredi. Benedetta Porcaroli infuses Don Fabrizio's oldest daughter and right-hand woman, Concetta, with a winning combination of intelligence, warmth, and girl next door charm. Deva Cassel showcases all the smoldering sultriness of a 1940's femme fatale as ambitious socialite, and Concetta's romantic rival, Angelica. Alessandro Sperduti personifies decency as Concetta's idealistic suitor, Colonel Bombello.Roberta Procida infuses Don Fabrizio's mistress, Mariannina with world weariness, wit, and sass. Alberto Rossi captures the passion and frustration of Don Fabrizio's overlooked son, Paulo. Astrid Meloni conveys warmth and wisdom as Don Fabrizio's devoted wife, Stella. Francesco Colella blends humor and cunning as opportunistic politician, Don Calogero. Even in the midst of superior supporting performances, however, the series belongs to Kim Rossi Stuart as Don Fabrizio. In Stuart's hands Don Fabrizio is more than a symbol of a fading era and is instead a complicated man struggling to hold onto his dignity, his family, and his way of life even as they threaten to disappear.

Even as it captures the sweep of Italian history The Leopard is a timeless story of family and fatherhood. The intelligent script transports viewers to the tumult of Risorgimento-era Italy. The dynamic performances bring di Lampedusa's novel to vibrant life. This Father's Day celebrate family and fatherhood with The Leopard.

Like father, like daughter