The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that it doesn't shy away from being a super-sized-cliche;

Let me be very fair here, this is not the best movie in my opinion. But, this movie is fun, it has purpose and is very enjoyable to watch.

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

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.

I saw this movie pt 1 yesterday and pt 2 today on channel 7 here in Australia. I too be honest was not really interested in the story line, more like the acting, for one James Marsden being angry and messed up. Caught me off guard, Partly cause I have only seen him play more up-beat cheerful roles in movies like "hop" and as some prince in "Enchanted" here he was like all angry and getting hardcore and stuff. Not only that he did it well. Better than I would have expected. Maybe I just have not seen him in his other intense roles? Now I would not be surprised.The best acting in the whole movie was by the fellow who played Giorgio Corolla (pig face)Christopher Shaw. I actually started paying attention to the movie when he was present as this deformed person being hidden in the church by his father. He was the best character in the whole film you could actually root for with ease, and it was played the best. Unfortunately Christopher Shaw seems to be a very unknown actor. This movie kinda made me feel sad he is not in more stuff. Or that I could not find any clips on youtube off him in this movie or another movie off his acting, cause he has good stage presence. Very talented. That is all.

There have been many TV movies based on the mafia, but this particular film, BELLA MAFIA, is about the finest. Brilliant performances by the entire cast. In my humble opinion, and even though I have seen a lot of his work I believe this is JAMES MARSDEN'S finest performance. It still irks me to this day why he was not nominated for an Emmy. The guy is superb, as well as Natasha Kinski and Vanessa Redgrave. JAMES MARSDEN, as handsome as ever, is pure evil and brings so much depth to his character. You want to care about him and fear him at the same time. This movie ranks up there with THE GODFATHER. Do not hesitate to see this movie. The fact that it is not on DVD yet is a crime unto itself!! It has not popped up on TV lately but it should. Too bad this wasn't originally a theatrical release. It has Oscar written all over it!!

This is my favorite movie, I love mafia movies but this one shows the strength of women and their ability to run things just as good as if not better than a man. I would recommend everyone see this movie it is wonderful! It makes you laugh it makes you cry, it even makes you angry but in the end it will make you happy that you decided to watch it. The actors and actresses were great you would think that you were watching their real lives and not just a movie they auditioned before because everything was so natural. There were some little tweaks that I would personally make to the movie to make it more interesting and more tuned to my personal taste but other than those few minor things this is the best movie that I have ever seen.