Watch Bella Germania

Bella Germania is a romantic drama miniseries that originally premiered on ZDF in Germany in 2019, and was later released on PBS Masterpiece in the United States. The show is based on the novel of the same name by Daniel Speck and is a tale of two cultures, two women, and one family.

The show revolves around Julia, a successful Italian-German shoe designer, who embarks on a journey to discover her family's past. While growing up as a German-Italian, Julia has always been curious about her roots but never received any answers from her mother, who refused to talk about her past. After her mother passes away, Julia finds a letter that leads her to Sicily, where she discovers that her grandfather is still alive.

On her journey to Sicily, Julia meets a young Sicilian man named Vito, who helps her connect with her grandfather. She also discovers secrets about her family's history, including her grandfather's involvement in a tumultuous love affair with an Italian woman named Anna.

As the story unfolds, the audience is taken on a journey between present-day Italy and Germany, as well as the Italy of the 1940s and '50s. We see how Julia's grandfather, Franco, and Anna's love story began and their struggles to be together in the midst of World War II and the social norms of the time. We also see how Julia's mother, Luisa, grew up in post-World War II Germany and the challenges she faced as an Italian-German.

The show is a beautiful portrayal of the clash between different cultures and how love knows no boundaries. The scenery is breathtaking, with shots of the Italian countryside and historic sites. The cinematography and music are also top-notch, creating a beautiful and romantic atmosphere.

The acting in Bella Germania is outstanding, with Natalia Belitski as Julia and Silvia Busuioc as Anna both delivering powerful performances. Belitski portrays Julia perfectly, capturing the character's determination to uncover the truth about her family's past while also struggling to balance her own personal life. Busuioc's portrayal of Anna is equally impressive, showing her character's strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

The show also tackles important issues, such as immigration, belonging, and identity. Julia's struggle to embrace both her German and Italian heritage resonates with those who have dealt with similar struggles in their own lives. The show also sheds light on the complex relationship between Italy and Germany, particularly during and after World War II.

Overall, Bella Germania is a captivating and emotional miniseries that beautifully weaves together past and present, shedding light on the complexities of love and family. It is a must-watch for anyone who loves a good romantic drama, with a touch of history and culture.

Bella Germania is a series that ran for 1 seasons (3 episodes) between March 4, 2022 and on PBS Masterpiece