As the war progresses and news of her husband's death arrives, Malena's situation worsens. She is forced into poverty and eventually turns to prostitution to survive. The townspeople's cruelty culminates in a public shaming of Malena after the war ends.
Years later, her husband (who lost an arm in the war, not his life) returns to find her gone. Renato, now older, helps the husband find her. In a powerful final scene, Malena returns to the town, aged and scarred, and whispers a quiet "Good morning" to the gossiping women. By showing her vulnerability, she is finally accepted.
Directed by Giuseppe Tornatore (famous for Cinema Paradiso ), Malena stars the stunning Monica Bellucci in her breakthrough role. Set in 1941 in a small Sicilian town during World War II, the film follows the life of Malena Scordia, a beautiful young widow whose husband is presumed dead in the war.