'Bella Mafia' was a TV mini-series that is available on VHS tape in two versions: one an apparently truncated version of 117 minutes on one tape while the preferable version is over two tapes and 180 minutes or three hours (but that includes seven minutes of previews of other films). One could think of this as a poor cousin to 'The Godfather,' but from the point of view of the women. These women are the wives or would be wife of the Luciano family. The men, father and sons, are all killed and it is up to the women to even the score. It has a nice look to it, but seems to overly draw from 'The Godfather' by using the name Michael and without compelling supporting character actors. Unfortunately for 'Bella Mafia' there are no equivalents of Al Pacino to be found here or anything resembling the presence of Marlon Brando. Hence, the movie is dominated by two presence's: Vanessa Redgrave as the matriarch of the family and Nastassja Kinski, one of her daughters-in-law. With the end of the first half of the movie, it is more than obvious what will eventually happen in the second half. The only question being what will be the details? In that sense, the movie unfolds very predictably and there is little suspense. It is a problem that the author of the novel, Lynda La Plante, never overcomes because she is also credited with the 'teleplay.' It is then a matter of appreciating the performances. All of the male actors seem to be weak and are easily overshadowed first by Vanessa Redgrave and then by the take-control of the film by Nastassja Kinski. Nastassja's performance is intelligent, as usual, and exceedingly even throughout at an elevated level. She is more than believable and has at least given a very good performance, covering lots of emotional range. Make no mistake, this is no 'Godfather' or anything close. Just never mess with Nastassja's Sophia character, otherwise one is likely to end up dead.
45 Reviews
Women. Can't live with them, can't die without them.
Vomitron_G21 August 2013
Apparently, I must have seen the cut-down version of 'Bella Mafia' - running time: 113 minutes - because like every fifteen minutes there was a time leap into the future (sometimes only months, sometimes years). I just didn't have time to get into the story that way. Also, it had this artificial drama feel to it and the same sappy score to go with it. Now, I understand this way of film making, but I don't exactly approve of it. But than, at the 1-hour mark, a lot of people suddenly get killed in two simultaneous scenes and this made-for-TV movie promptly becomes very, very interesting. And during the next 50 minutes, it totally redeems itself from the flaws of the first half. The ending is marvelous, especially when you've come to learn a lot about the characters' background. Nastassja Kinski's role is the pillar of all the drama & intrigues in 'Bella Maffia' and the best part of it all is that nobody knows about it (except for one person at the very end). There seems to be a two-part mini-series of this film (with a lot of extra scenes, I imagine - 2x105 minutes). So if you're interested in seeing 'Bella Mafia', I could advice you to watch the full mini-series. You'll probably get more out of it. Oh, and there's quite a few shocking scenes in this movie, especially considering it was made for TV. Not bad at all. Just be sure to be persistent biting your way through that first hour.
Enjoyably ridiculous
tim-764-29185616 December 2011
It was the summon of a bevy of beauties, led by the superb Vanessa Redgrave that caught my attention. To have THEM as the mob bosses was both intriguing, sexy and a bit different.
The colour's turned up too high, you hardly ever feel that this family is connected and the accents are well dodgy. The blatant way murder plots are carried out so amateurishly is astounding - you don't really go into a court, visibly bribe the security, announce that the gun is under a seat and then show the thing! Yes, we know it's there, we're not blind or stupid! Then, when you shoot someone but miss and someone else finishes the job off for you, you DON'T get let off scott free.
Despite that, this Mafia tale for the Jilly Cooper parade (is that too harsh?) is not without its moments. Jennifer Tilly, to me, is always very watchable and Denis Farina as Redgrave's husband actually looks and plays the part. He's been in 'proper' Mafia flicks, you know!
I did lose interest a bit two-thirds in and lost count of the bodies and who was doing what to whom. I didn't really care. But for a winter's afternoon viewing as the wind and rain was howling, it provided very amiable entertainment indeed.
The colour's turned up too high, you hardly ever feel that this family is connected and the accents are well dodgy. The blatant way murder plots are carried out so amateurishly is astounding - you don't really go into a court, visibly bribe the security, announce that the gun is under a seat and then show the thing! Yes, we know it's there, we're not blind or stupid! Then, when you shoot someone but miss and someone else finishes the job off for you, you DON'T get let off scott free.
Despite that, this Mafia tale for the Jilly Cooper parade (is that too harsh?) is not without its moments. Jennifer Tilly, to me, is always very watchable and Denis Farina as Redgrave's husband actually looks and plays the part. He's been in 'proper' Mafia flicks, you know!
I did lose interest a bit two-thirds in and lost count of the bodies and who was doing what to whom. I didn't really care. But for a winter's afternoon viewing as the wind and rain was howling, it provided very amiable entertainment indeed.
BELLISSIMA
nifabs20 June 2003
Warning: Spoilers
BELLA MAFIA is a moving story - which holds your interest for those with brains and intellect.
The women show power and raw emotion comes into play. Nastassia Kinski and Vanessa Redgrave are brilliant actresses when it comes to underplaying emotions and living it all through the face.
James Marsden's Luka is heinuos and totally insensate in his lunacy.
It's where Nastassia discovers Luka is her son after killing him and she buries him without revealing this secret to the other women of the Luciano clan that we see the power of the Bella Mafia. They are able to hold death defying secrets, suffer life threatening suffer losses and not betray themselves or their cause.
As Nastassia takes off her dress, the dress in which she murdered her firstborn and lights a fire out of it by his graveside, we see the Phoenix rise, an awakening of steel, the rebirth of blood causes. Only death can stop the Bella Mafia.
There is a play on all the characters but Nastassia and Vanessa Redgrave are outstanding in role as doomed lover, widow, vengeful mother/gun totting matriarch, shrewd defender of the brood and finally Head Of The Clan.
These Women Rule OK!!!
10/10
The women show power and raw emotion comes into play. Nastassia Kinski and Vanessa Redgrave are brilliant actresses when it comes to underplaying emotions and living it all through the face.
James Marsden's Luka is heinuos and totally insensate in his lunacy.
It's where Nastassia discovers Luka is her son after killing him and she buries him without revealing this secret to the other women of the Luciano clan that we see the power of the Bella Mafia. They are able to hold death defying secrets, suffer life threatening suffer losses and not betray themselves or their cause.
As Nastassia takes off her dress, the dress in which she murdered her firstborn and lights a fire out of it by his graveside, we see the Phoenix rise, an awakening of steel, the rebirth of blood causes. Only death can stop the Bella Mafia.
There is a play on all the characters but Nastassia and Vanessa Redgrave are outstanding in role as doomed lover, widow, vengeful mother/gun totting matriarch, shrewd defender of the brood and finally Head Of The Clan.
These Women Rule OK!!!
10/10
It lacks the genuine Italian-mafia atmosphere.
gdickhoff14 May 2009
First of all, don't get me wrong, I am an mafia-film kind of person. I like the atmosphere these movies breath. The whole Italian culture is reflected in films like the Godfather trilogy. Is Bella Mafia one of these movies? No, and I'll tell you why. The casting is poor, no authentic Italian woman had natural blond hair and blue eyes. Most women in this movie have the most non-Italian features, it's a shame. The casting of the men is better, especially James Marsden, who plays Luka is a good portrayal of the character. The story is really good though. Interesting and moving, the movie portrays the life of a Italian family (the standard ingredient of a mafia film) in Sicily. When the head of the family don Roberto Luciano declines an offer of Corolla (he wants to do business in narcotics) he kills his youngest son. Michael Luciano was engaged to be married with the pregnant Sophia (a beautiful blond and blue eyed young woman). Don Roberto Luciano swears revenge on Corolla but before he can do so the whole male side of the family is murdered by Corolla's adopted son Luka, the twisted, uneducated son of Sophia. Sophia, and all the wives of the Luciano men swear vengeance to whoever did it.
A very interesting movie to watch, but please do not expect a great mafia movie like the Godfather. The real mafia-Italian atmosphere is missing, but other than that, I can recommend Bella Mafia to the mafia lovers.
A very interesting movie to watch, but please do not expect a great mafia movie like the Godfather. The real mafia-Italian atmosphere is missing, but other than that, I can recommend Bella Mafia to the mafia lovers.
COOLEST MOVIE EVER!!
mia5life14 January 2004
What can I say! This movie is one of the best movies that I have ever seen. No matter how many times I see this movie I just love it more and more. Nastassja Kinski is absolutely delightful as Sofia. Vanessa Redgrave is a great matriarch and James Marsden is great at being the evil and insane Luca.
A JOY!
A JOY!
Wonderful movie!!!!
soaringhawk447 January 2006
I've probably seen Bella Mafia a dozen times and it never fails to hold my attention. It's about a group of Mafia wives who band together to avenge their husbands murders. It has to be one of the best movies I've ever seen. Vanessa Redgrave is excellent as always, Nastassja Kinski is wonderful in her role as well. But I'd have to say that Illeana Douglas performed the role of Teresa Luciano with such perfection I almost forgot I was watching a movie! I think one of the most moving scenes, for me at least, was when Sophia (played by Nastassja Kinski) walked in to her sons bedroom. Of course, there were so many scenes that left me speechless. I can't leave out James Marsden, his role as Luka Carolla was wonderful as well, carrying out his adopted father's vengeance with a very hard heart.
Worth watching only if you're REALLY into Mafia films
saintpauliboy5 July 2001
One of the challenges with any film concerning the Mafia is that they're usually compared (intentionally or subconsciously) with "The Godfather" trilogy. Tough company, right? Some films still manage to retain respectability, such as "The Last Don", "Casino", or "Goodfellas". Then there are films like "Bella Mafia".
"Bella Mafia" is well-acted. How can it not be with capable actors like Redgrave, Kinski, Tilly, Farina, etc.? Yet even they're abilities can't overcome some of the lines they're forced to deliver. Let me be clear - I'm not a professional writer nor actor. I can, however, detect "cheese" when I see or hear it. At one point about half-way through the film I looked at my wife and said, "They should re-name this "Those Wacky Lucianos". Some of the situations, dialogue, and mannerisms of the performers seemed like it was almost poking fun at the mob-movie genre. I won't go into details of the plot, just suffice it to say the twists turns were more than implausable. Even my wife, who LOVES mob movies, admitted it was more than a bit weak.
Here's the bottom line. If you REALLY like movies about the Cosa Nostra, then check it out. Just keep your expectations low. That way, the talented actors may just do enough to keep your interest. They really do nice work, especially considering what they had to work with. Otherwise, skip this one and watch something else.
"Bella Mafia" is well-acted. How can it not be with capable actors like Redgrave, Kinski, Tilly, Farina, etc.? Yet even they're abilities can't overcome some of the lines they're forced to deliver. Let me be clear - I'm not a professional writer nor actor. I can, however, detect "cheese" when I see or hear it. At one point about half-way through the film I looked at my wife and said, "They should re-name this "Those Wacky Lucianos". Some of the situations, dialogue, and mannerisms of the performers seemed like it was almost poking fun at the mob-movie genre. I won't go into details of the plot, just suffice it to say the twists turns were more than implausable. Even my wife, who LOVES mob movies, admitted it was more than a bit weak.
Here's the bottom line. If you REALLY like movies about the Cosa Nostra, then check it out. Just keep your expectations low. That way, the talented actors may just do enough to keep your interest. They really do nice work, especially considering what they had to work with. Otherwise, skip this one and watch something else.
Amazing!
James Marsdens Angel7 July 2001
This movie was much better than I had anticipated! It was slightly confusing with all the different connections, but was well written and well made. The acting of the Luciano women and Luka was exceptionally well done! The actors and actresses were very convincing at depicting their specific role. I definitely recommend this movie!!
What a shame......
blueaugust7 January 2006
It is such a shame that such truly talented and wonderful actresses are showcased in such a horrible, terrible, poorly written, and laughable waste of film. Nastassja! What were you thinking? Ever since Tess you have been one of my favorite actors in the world, so it actually hurt to see you do this film. Vanessa? Did you need the money THAT badly? It breaks my heart to see you in a film so incredibly beneath your class and talent. Illeana. Oh, Illeana. I don't even have words. James Marsden is just awful as he completely goes over the top with almost every facial gesture he makes. Tilly is her usual self, and in this instance, was a badly needed breath of fresh air as she seemed to be the only one to get that this was a campy joke of a film. I think the kernel of thought that spawned this film was actually a pretty good idea...and the actors who signed up may have thought so as well, but from genesis to filming, something went terribly, terribly wrong.
Regrettably underdeveloped.
iliawarlock5 July 2003
Unfortunately the acting of the main characters is the only reason to recommend this film. Vanessa Redgrave was at her elegant best, but the dialogue of her role left her with little/no opportunity to demonstrate her art. The same can be said for Nastassja Kinski and Illeana Douglas. Meg Tilly (whose character was never a part of the book), provided an adequate dose of comic relief. James Marsden can be complimented on his eloquent portrayal of the unnervingly human demon, Luca.
But those were the only good sides. The director of "The Last Don" did poorly with this venture, as did the screenwriters. Not only were the characters underdeveloped, but their setting, behavior, and movements were utterly unbelievable. I do not know what the director was thinking, but when the a set of four women remains unchanged and un-aging through the interval of twenty years--the viewer may well question the quality of the film. The accents, so well done in "The Last Don" were misplaced or absent here. To make a long story short (too late?), the actors struggle valiantly against overwhelming odds to do a good job in the mess of a script they must work with, but their battle is lost.
But those were the only good sides. The director of "The Last Don" did poorly with this venture, as did the screenwriters. Not only were the characters underdeveloped, but their setting, behavior, and movements were utterly unbelievable. I do not know what the director was thinking, but when the a set of four women remains unchanged and un-aging through the interval of twenty years--the viewer may well question the quality of the film. The accents, so well done in "The Last Don" were misplaced or absent here. To make a long story short (too late?), the actors struggle valiantly against overwhelming odds to do a good job in the mess of a script they must work with, but their battle is lost.
Great movie-thanks to James Marsden's breathtaking performance
hn3603021 June 2002
James Marsden's talent was at its best in this movie. The scenes in which he mourned his deceased handicapped friend and he seduced Graziella Luciano were particularly captivating. Nobody could have played the role better. Luka (played by James) was possessed by the devil. He killed people left and right and even killed babies, but we could not help sympathizing with him. I hope the movie would delve more on how he became such a devilished person, thus giving James more screen play. I hope they would make a dvd out of this great movie. James Marsden's breathtaking good looks and extraordinary talent make him the very best. Look forward to his new movies Interstate 60, X2, The 24th Day, and The Preacher in theaters in Fall 2002 and sometimes in 2003.
It's great
ksenialappo23 January 2006
I have seen this movie about 4 years back and I couldn't forget it ever since. I got mixed up with the name of the movie and now that I have finally found it, makes me so happy. I really liked this movie and would recommend it to others. Maybe there are some faults with the acting or the age of the actors that don't change throughout the whole movie, but I have never really seen a movie, which was perfect. Bella Mafia, actually keeps you tensed and you can hardly take your eyes off the screen. It's a really good movie. I remember myself sitting on the chair for 3 hours without even getting out of the room and knowing me being very much picky in movies, this gotta be a good movie! For those who haven't seen The Last Don, I would surely recommend to see it as well.
TV Movie Quickly Sinks !
Kelt Smith28 June 2001
This 1997 tv movie starts off with great promise only to quickly
sink. With lots of fanfare & build up, this movie looked very promising.
The first 30 minutes are fairly well done and pull you in, but then the
trouble starts ! Not only does all credibility goes right out the
window, but the actors involved seem to realize that they've gotten
themselves into an unbelievable mess. Like alot of the works of STEPHEN
KING where it is apparent that he got a terrific premise for a story,
only to drop the ball because he just didn't know where to go with it.
This tv movie appears to have been written by several different writers,
none of whom knowing what the others have done, so that continuity of
tone is downright impossible. You'd have better luck matching separate
plaids !
sink. With lots of fanfare & build up, this movie looked very promising.
The first 30 minutes are fairly well done and pull you in, but then the
trouble starts ! Not only does all credibility goes right out the
window, but the actors involved seem to realize that they've gotten
themselves into an unbelievable mess. Like alot of the works of STEPHEN
KING where it is apparent that he got a terrific premise for a story,
only to drop the ball because he just didn't know where to go with it.
This tv movie appears to have been written by several different writers,
none of whom knowing what the others have done, so that continuity of
tone is downright impossible. You'd have better luck matching separate
plaids !
Great Film!!
larrymp20 June 2002
I have seen this film about 3 times. It is an excellent film. Vanessa Redgrave is always a wonderful actress. I think the entire cast is excellent. James Marsden is great as Luka. He is dynamite and powerful. Dennis Farina is a great actor, also.
So Disappointing
eddie-8327 September 2000
Lynda Laplante has written brilliant material in the past, especially the `Prime Suspect' series but with `Bella Mafia' she is ham-strung by the medium, i.e. U.S. TV which forbids the level of sex, violence and profanity that gives her best stuff its edge.
Attempts to reproduce elements of `The Godfather' and `Romeo & Juliet' are almost pathetic, Vanessa Redgrave is the only principal cast member to age as the generations pass, Nastassia Kinsky is beautiful throughout. In one unintentionally hilarious sequence Ms. Redgrave fires a gun in a packed courtroom, is arrested but quickly released because she missed her target!
All too melodramatic.
Attempts to reproduce elements of `The Godfather' and `Romeo & Juliet' are almost pathetic, Vanessa Redgrave is the only principal cast member to age as the generations pass, Nastassia Kinsky is beautiful throughout. In one unintentionally hilarious sequence Ms. Redgrave fires a gun in a packed courtroom, is arrested but quickly released because she missed her target!
All too melodramatic.
wonderful
smoothie-413 January 1999
when i saw this movie when it was released as a mini series,i was elated to find that this italian mafia film had plenty of sustenance and not filler like many minis do.plot was strong,acting well done,and all the ladies were gorgeous.i'm ready for a second installment, like a book II perhaps.
When is this movie coming out on DVD????
hepnershadow12 April 2009
Warning: Spoilers
This has to be one of the coolest movies ever made for t.v. The plot, the plot twists! I wish there was a sequel so we find out how Sophia and the rest of the "bella mafia" kills the others responsible. Does Moyra, "He's so old," marry Vito Giancamo? What happens to Rosa and Michael? Kinski was the perfect actress to be cast for this film. As was Redgrave. I especially like her during the cooking scene in the Corolla house, "There's more..." as they drug Luka.
The script is smart and the dialog well written. I kinda felt like there was some relation to real world cosmic thing, when Luka comes back to his "mi mama." Teresa needed to be given the chance to show how business savvy she was. Moyra was the comic relief. I especially like the end when Sophia, Teresa, and Graziella do a final toast with one of the mafia guys (I can't remember his name). It is so funny how sweet they are. Love this movie!!! I wish it would come out on DVD soon.
The script is smart and the dialog well written. I kinda felt like there was some relation to real world cosmic thing, when Luka comes back to his "mi mama." Teresa needed to be given the chance to show how business savvy she was. Moyra was the comic relief. I especially like the end when Sophia, Teresa, and Graziella do a final toast with one of the mafia guys (I can't remember his name). It is so funny how sweet they are. Love this movie!!! I wish it would come out on DVD soon.
Other comments
bolerame8 November 2001
After I'd submitted my earlier comment, I returned to read some of the other contributors. I was really surprised as I read through them how many did not like the movie or James Marsden as Luka. And then I noticed that all of the naysayers were male.... I'm not sure what that means :o)).... it's just an observation. Is it possible that the male viewers could not find it plausible that women would seek revenge in this way? Could it also be possible that there is a little jealousy over the incredible good looks of James Marsden (who I thought was a great Luka)? Why was it even compared to "The Godfather"? Why couldn't it just be viewed without being compared to anything else?
Awful
Red Garlic14 January 2001
Greatest Mafiozo Movie Ever!
lukealbertini2 July 2018
A fun but convoluted piece of soapy trash.
mark.waltz30 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
It takes forever to get to know who is who of the many characters in this over-stuffed pasta shell, but as you do, you become unintentionally amused of all of the seemingly unrelated stories wrapping their way around this troubled family led by Dennis Farina and Vanessa Redgrave. It certainly is elaborate looking, but often it goes off into tangents that make no sense and you have to begin to wonder what it's all about. You also begin to wonder if any of these characters have any real decency, especially when there are so many violent deaths including one sequence where a group of mobsters are viciously poisoned.
Poor Jennifer Tilly gets the most humiliating moments thanks to the exploitation of her squeaky voice which is a malapropism for her trashy character's personality, pregnant with one of the sons of the family and secretly married to him. Nastassja Kinski is cast as the old girlfriend of one of the dead brothers who ends up married to the other, her illegitimate son raised in a monastery, out of nowhere befriending a dying man (who sounded like a woman infected with cancer), later adopted into the family and becoming equally as violent as the older members of the family He was unaware were blood relatives.
As the film goes on, the narrative becomes more convoluted as it pops around from decade to decade, and some characters don't even seem to age. Redgrave, nominated for Golden Globe, doesn't even get one really good scene to warrant that nomination, not really her fault but that of the writing for her character. Indeed, this is a messed up TV movie, often not making any sense, overloaded with cliches and one-dimensional characters, and using manipulative music but in spite of all that, it ends up being really enjoyable in spite of the frustration surrounding the narrative.
Franco Nero, who appeared with Redgrave in "Camelot" and later in "Letters to Juliet", becomes involved with her later in the film, but even that is screwed up through the writing. As the women begin to take over the family, I have to retitle this "How Green was my Valley of the Italian Dolls", trashy and badly edited, with Imelda Staunton coming on as another female member married into the family. By then, it's too little too late to really call this a good movie, but a fun piece of trash that is genuinely so bad that you won't be able to take your eyes off of it.
Poor Jennifer Tilly gets the most humiliating moments thanks to the exploitation of her squeaky voice which is a malapropism for her trashy character's personality, pregnant with one of the sons of the family and secretly married to him. Nastassja Kinski is cast as the old girlfriend of one of the dead brothers who ends up married to the other, her illegitimate son raised in a monastery, out of nowhere befriending a dying man (who sounded like a woman infected with cancer), later adopted into the family and becoming equally as violent as the older members of the family He was unaware were blood relatives.
As the film goes on, the narrative becomes more convoluted as it pops around from decade to decade, and some characters don't even seem to age. Redgrave, nominated for Golden Globe, doesn't even get one really good scene to warrant that nomination, not really her fault but that of the writing for her character. Indeed, this is a messed up TV movie, often not making any sense, overloaded with cliches and one-dimensional characters, and using manipulative music but in spite of all that, it ends up being really enjoyable in spite of the frustration surrounding the narrative.
Franco Nero, who appeared with Redgrave in "Camelot" and later in "Letters to Juliet", becomes involved with her later in the film, but even that is screwed up through the writing. As the women begin to take over the family, I have to retitle this "How Green was my Valley of the Italian Dolls", trashy and badly edited, with Imelda Staunton coming on as another female member married into the family. By then, it's too little too late to really call this a good movie, but a fun piece of trash that is genuinely so bad that you won't be able to take your eyes off of it.
A Nice Twist on a Mafia Movie. Very Nicely Done.
jimendress8228 January 2002
I loved the story line. Widows of murdered mafia bosses take over "the family business". You have to see the **boxed set** to fully enjoy, understand and follow the plot and storyline. In the single taper verion a lot of parts are cut out of the film and leave you hanging in some areas. This film had lots of drama for the ladies and action for the gents. Would recommend to anyone who enjoys a nice mafia film. A+
This is a excellent movie w/o you being able to predict the next move!
bervinclans922 October 2004
I had my husband watch this movie with me and he isn't the type of person that will sit and watch a movie I have select with ease. But, this movie grabbed his attention! This is an excellent movie, and this is why I rated it a 10! I have told all my family and friends to buy this movie and get the popcorn ready for a great great movie. From the beginning of the movie I could not predict what was going to happen. It started of a bit slow but when the action took place it was on action after another. The ending was beautiful yet sad at the same time Hopefully, there will be a bella mafia II and I get a chance to rate it as well.
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