In my recent review of M. Il figlio del secolo, I noted my regret at not watching The Lions of Sicily (I leoni di Sicilia) instead. However, despite my strong dislike for M, it turns out that it was the better option. I found The Lions of Sicily so disappointing that I couldn’t even get past the first episode.
Released on Disney+ on October 25, 2023, this historical drama is adapted from Stefania Auci's 2019 novel about the Florio family. Utterly bored with the show’s lack of depth and character development, I found the overly simplistic depiction of class conflict and the trials and tribulations of the merchant class and the nouveau riche in nineteenth-century Sicily uncompelling.
The performances fell flat, and the choice of using modern pop music for the soundtrack was ill-advised. Unfortunately, even the exquisite period costumes and stunning Sicilian backdrop couldn’t redeem the show. In hindsight, its association with Disney should have raised a red flag for me.