Sicilia, 1860. The island is ruled by nobles affiliated to the House of Bourbons of Naples, but Italy’s war of unification was just around about to impact Sicilia. Don Fabrizio Corbera, Prince of Salina, known as “the Leopard”, strives to protect his family and lands before the imminent arrival of Garibaldi’s army. Respected by all, he is a man of principles. He raises five children and his orphan nephew, but makes no secret of his preference for one of his daughters, Concetta, and his nephew Tancredi. Concetta’s heart goes out to her handsome cousin. Tancredi is fond of her, but his ambition drives him to join the ranks of Garibaldi, the likely victor.
Now captain of the red shirts, Tancredi is fascinated by the sublime and sensual Angelica. He has nobility, but not a penny. The young girl is of modest origin, but her father, an unscrupulous profiteer, is wealthy. The wedding is celebrated, much to Concetta’s despair. Tancredi leaves to make a career in Turin, the capital of young Italy, while the Salina family, who remain in Sicily, sees the glory days of the nobility decline.
Like the character of the Leopard, the direction is outdated.
Inspired by a famous novel, adapted into a film by Luciano Visconti in 1963, the series is based on a powerful subject: in the midst of the turmoil of history, the younger generation vibrates with passion and ambition, while their elders take a bitter assessment of their lives. Generation and values conflict, modernity erasing tradition, the characters redefine themselves, question themselves, and ultimately realize what really matters.
Unfortunately, the production’s classicism borders on the boring. No audacity, pretty images that look like they were filmed ten years ago, heavy music (except when Verdi appears). It’s hard to believe that this series was broadcast in 2025! Dealing with a classic subject doesn’t mean you can’t be a little creative.
I can’t honestly call it a good series. However, as a great history buff, and having had the chance to visit beautiful Sicily, I can recommend this mini-series to those who share these interests.
Miniseries, 6 episodes (55 mn), 2025, on Netflix
WITH : Kim Rossi Stuart as Don Fabrizio Corbera, Prince of Salina, Benedetta Porcaroli as Concetta Corbera, Saul Nanni as Tancredi Falconeri, Deva Cassel as Angelica Sedara, Paolo Calabresi as padre Pirrone, Francesco Colella as Don Calogero Sedara, Corrado Invernizzi as Chevalley, Astrid Meloni as Maria Stella, Princess of Salina, Bosco as Bendicò