Malena

This was a pretty intense, kind of depressing Italian film during which I felt angry, uncomfortable, and disheartened.  However, before you completely dismiss it you should know that as the credits rolled the film left me feeling satisfied.  The story centers around a boy who falls in love with a beautiful woman, played by Monica Bellucci, and watches as the town they live in spreads vile rumors that ultimately tear her apart.  Set against the backdrop of WWII, the film is all about conflict - a confused boy growing up, a young woman whose beauty works against her,  a small town at wartime - all wrapped up in bitterness and gossip.  Bellucci has few lines, yet portrays the gut-wrenching solitude of her melancholy character with stoicism and grace.  The scenes are incredibly powerful, and shot beautifully.