Made in Malta

"Made in Malta" is an engrossing romance-drama movie released in 2019 by director Julian Galea. The piece is not just a showcase of Galea’s compelling storytelling but also features the beautiful scenic landscapes of Malta.

The film stars Greg Audino as Vince and Elena Babicheva as Anna, in a story about star-crossed love, second chances, and soul-searching suffering that spans across time and age, set against the exquisite backdrop of Malta.

Vince, played by Greg Audino, is a successful Hollywood film director. He embarks on a journey back to Malta, a Mediterranean gem where he used to live years ago. We see Vince as a man who has achieved a lot professionally, but beneath the glitz and glamour of his career, he yearns for something missing in his life, something that drives him back to the island.

In the heart of Malta, he crosses paths with the Russian bombshell, Anna, played by Elena Babicheva. Anna is a free-spirited and vivacious woman with an air of enigma around her. Vince and Anna shared a passionate romance when they were young, living in Malta. However, circumstances forced them apart, turning what could have been an intense love story into a fleeting memory.

The raw energy and on-screen chemistry between Audino and Babicheva bring this complex past relationship to life, creating an enticing pull that keeps the viewers hooked. Their past love story is only revealed in pieces, adding a layer of mystery and making it a tug at the heartstrings as we see their relationship rekindle in the present.

While Audino and Babicheva are the centrepieces of this film, Ariadna Cabrol's portrayal of Lucia brings a unique charm. Lucia is a breath of fresh air, leading her own life, unfazed by the happenings around her. Her character adds another layer to the film, making it more relatable and realistic.

Despite the central love story, the film is not solely a traditional romance film. It dives deep into themes of regret, unresolved past relationships, self-discovery, and the struggle of maintaining romantic relationships in a modern world. The relationships are not sugar-coated; they are raw, real, challenging, and flawed, just like in real life.

"Made in Malta" also highlights the beauty and culture of the Mediterranean island. Capturing the essence of Malta, its sun-soaked streets, vibrant culture, quaint houses, stunning beaches, narrow alleyways, the film could easily double as a love letter to this idyllic island. The cinematography is a beautiful canvas, highlighting the charm of the island as well as adding to the film's mood.

Julian Galea’s direction and storytelling is noteworthy, as he manages to make a simple plot captivate the audience for around 80 minutes with the help of the evocative emotional narrative and beautiful cinematography. The storyline is engaging because it goes beyond the romantic cliches and explores the nitty-gritty of love and relationships. Galea’s screenplay is full of memorable dialogues, which are witty, heartfelt, and profound.

The film’s sound design and score are also laudable; the music perfectly fits the scenes, punctuating the movie's dramatic moments and enhancing the overall emotive experience of the film. Several scenes have little to no dialogue with the soul-stirring background score doing all the speaking, conveying the unsaid emotions and adding a poetic touch to the narrative.

In summation, "Made in Malta" is an absorbing tale about love, life, reliving past, and rediscovering oneself. It’s a blend of dramatic and romantic cinema with captivating performances, relatable characters, and earnest storytelling set in the heart of the breathtaking Mediterranean paradise. This is a film not just for the romantics among us, but for anyone who appreciates a well-woven story that delves deep into human emotions.