The Lions of Sicily

About The Lions of Sicily

Released in 2023, The Lions of Sicily is a captivating TV series that tells the dramatic story of the Florio family. Brothers Paolo and Ignazio Florio take a journey from Bagnara Calabra's poverty to attain vast wealth in Palermo. Their apothecary swiftly becomes a springboard for success, but it's Paolo’s son, Vincenzo, who propels the Florio family to new heights, establishing a true business empire in the years preceding the Unification of Italy.

Driven by an insatiable desire to be regarded as an equal by Palermo's nobility, Vincenzo aims to marry an aristocrat but fate has other plans. He falls for the middle-class Giulia Portalupi, a woman who captures his heart completely. His love for Giulia compels him to discard his ambitions for nobility forcing their son, Ignazio, to continue the legacy of the Florio family.

Making / Production

The production team of The Lions of Sicily worked relentlessly to recreate the historic periods leading up to the Unification of Italy. The series offers viewers an intimate journey through the Florio family's social and business ascension in a rapidly changing society. The stunning historical sets, costumes, and intricate plot developments leave a lasting impression on viewers, making it a visually stunning and captivating piece of television drama.

Actors

• Actor A as Paolo Florio: Brought to life the character with depth, perfectly depicting Paolo's struggle and determination.
• Actor B as Ignazio Florio: Showcased Ignazio's ambition and tenacity, transforming his character into a relatable figure the audience could root for.
• Actor C as Vincenzo Florio: Masterfully captured Vincenzo’s complexities, caught between his ambitions and his heart.
• Actor D as Giulia Portalupi: Beautifully embodied Giulia, her charm and vivacity capturing the audience’s hearts just as she did Vincenzo’s.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The series was filmed on location in the beautiful historic settings of Palermo, unveiling the city's stunning architecture and culture.
• Actor B learned how to run a traditional apothecary to accurately portray Ignazio's passionate dedication to the businesses' operations.
• The production design team and the props department designed and built realistic 19th century tools and equipment for the apothecary.

Quotes

• “We rose from nothing, and now we have everything." - Paolo Florio
• “Ambition is nothing without power.” - Vincenzo Florio
• “It's not just the Florio name to uphold, but its values too." - Ignazio Florio
• "One does not marry for love, but for status. Yet I chose love." - Vincenzo Florio

Music, Soundtrack

• "Rise of the Florios" - An instrumental track, setting the tone for the Florio family's journey.
• "Palermo Dreams" - A light and enticing melody that gives form to the charm and allure of Palermo.
• "Giulia's Theme" - A soft, romantic track epitomising Giulia Portalupi and her beautiful love story with Vincenzo.

Awards

The Lions of Sicily has been highly acclaimed for its moving storyline, exceptional acting, and accurate historical depiction. It has been nominated for numerous awards for Best Drama Series, Best Costume Design and Best Original Score.