Belcanto

Visuals: Impressive scenery, surroundings, locations, architecture, palaces, costumes: visually, aesthetically very very good.

Music: much more interesting musical background than normal series. Watch8ng it was a very rewarding experience when it comes to the sound-world.

Emotions: every episode creates many strong emotions which change rapidly, you always feel something. Every episode has so many moments you feel like you could cry. Every episode is very touching.

The scenario is captivating. I tried to watch the 1st episode. It was impossible not to watch the 2nd episode immediately. I watched ALL 8 episodes, in just one evening. All of them, just because I wanted to see how the story develops. The episodes fully captivated my attention. I didn't even miss one second. I was fully concentrated in it. Absolutely captivating storyline!

Acting: The main character is an excellent, talented young actor, that you can't get bored of her! Charismatic. The actors are very experienced, professional Italian actors. All of them are convincing (except when the actor who impersonates Antonia is acting like she's s singing - not convincing at all, but that's a small and not annoying detail).

The only "minus" is that I can see some "gaps" or inaccuracies in the story. Some things are not persuasive in the story. Eg, betrayal, someone tries to kill someone, and forgiveness is given way too easily, fast, immediately, in a naive manner, and that is definitely not convincing to me.

I watched it because I am learning Italian. So, my view is influenced by the fact that I had this motivation.

This is a drama about three women, the opera and Italy in times of the Austria-Hungarian empire's occupation of Italy. It's got everything: a sweet, talented main character who is neglected by her parents and underprivileged, people who are blinded by ambition, absolutely beautiful singing, great love interests, and an interesting political background. The actors are fabulous, RAI seriously employs a huge group of people who can really act. The director did a fantastic job. The costumes are beautiful and believable. The main characters are absolutely beautiful. I seldomly cry with TV shows, but I did with this one. The scene where everyone sings a song as someone is about to be murdered was heartbreaking and beautiful. The only thing I wanted was to see the love story develop more, and the ending left too many questions unanswered, too many things I still wanted to see. I really hope there's a second season. I watched it because I'm learning Italian, it's a show you can access for free on the official platform or app from RAI Play. Don't skip it if you like dramas and you know Italian, and please watch at least two and a half episodes, you'll fall in love and want to see all eight. Please, make the second season! Fantastic job, everyone.