“L’amie prodigieuse” (France 2): 5 good reasons to see the adapted series from the book: Femme Actuelle Le MAG

This is called perfect timing. One month after the release of a new novel by Elena Ferrante at Gallimard (The deceitful life of adults, published on June 9, 2020), France 2 broadcasts for the first time the first season of The Prodigious Friend, series adapted from his eponymous saga. An adaptation of the literary phenomenon of the famous writer in eight episodes, produced by Saverio Costanzo and corresponding to the first volume, published in 2011. Broadcast since 2018 on the Rai, the program has already fascinated more than 7 million Italian viewers … and won over users of the Canal + streaming platform, where it had been broadcast since December 2018. Today, the series arrives in the French television with an appointment set for Wednesday July 15 at 9:05 pm on France 2. No doubt that fans of the literary work will be in front of their small screen, joined by many curious little ones who will quickly fall under the spell of the 60-year-long friendship story of Elena and Lila. While waiting for the broadcast, discover five good reasons to watch the series.

1. The prodigious friend, a series faithful to the book

Same incipit, same terms, same expressions in the narration with the voice-over which reads certain passages of the book almost word for word … The serial adaptation of Elena Ferrante's literary success could not be more faithful. Enough to delight fans of the saga, probably curious to find out if the work of the famous author has not been distorted by the television series. Let them be reassured! You can find everything there, from words to the Italian atmosphere and the incredible story of Lila and Elena. “It was very important for us to maintain the tone, style and narration of Elena Ferrante, not out of obligation of fidelity, but because in this text we immediately found all the elements in several successive, complex and organized layers dramatically in a cinematic way ”, said the producer of the series, Lorenzo Mieli, to Current wife. "So it was a necessary job."

2. Prodigious actresses for the roles of Elena and Lila

Elena and Lila will no doubt be as the readers had imagined them. The two heroines of the saga, who meet on the school benches in the heart of a district of Naples in the 1950s, correspond perfectly to their double presented on the small screen, between sweetness and harshness, candor and mischief. “The casting to find Elena and Lila young and adolescent was very long and was attended by our excellent casting director Laura Muccino and her team, under the demanding supervision of Saverio”, said Lorenzo Mieli. “We saw over thousands of girls before finding the actresses who matched Elena and Lila. Our goal was to find the girls who perfectly embody our two heroines and the story we had to tell. Saverio chose them on the first try. The two Elena had this sweetness mixed with a form of fragility, while having the strength to communicate to the public his strong internal disturbances. The two Lilas, for their part, have the capacity to show this pride and this external, almost explosive vitality, as well as this enormous interior suffering of Lilah. ” Successful bet.

3. A wonderful and romantic story

Whether you read the saga or not, The prodigious friend worth the detour. An incredible story of a friendship in which ordinary and extraordinary mingle, spanning ages, decades and eras, it is as romantic in its literary version as in its serial version. A beautiful story of friendship made of jealousy, admiration and emancipation in post-war Italy, perfectly recreated on the screen. “We were all very afraid to disappoint the expectations of the readers of the saga”, explains Lorenzo Mieli. "But I think it’s always the case when you make such an important literary adaptation in series or film. After the launch of the first season, we immediately went for general public support and the opinion of Elena Ferrante readers. We were happy to see that they had found the right and fair accommodation. ”

4. The discovery of Naples in the 1950s

A raw atmosphere, sometimes harsh, violent, and where misery reigns in this post-war Italy: this is the atmosphere that emanates from The prodigious friend, as much in the literary saga as in its adaptation. The plot is located in a popular district of Naples, completely reconstructed as a studio in the industrial area of ​​Marcianise, north of the city. A plateau of 20,000 square meters, with 14 buildings and a church, among others. “The heart of the neighborhood where young girls live beats on its own pulse”, detailed Elio Maiello, chief decorator of The prodigious friend at Huffington post. "It is a microcosm with its rhythm and its customs, conditioned by – and conditioning – the life of its inhabitants". The whole gives a result … prodigious.

5. Better understand the literary mystery of Elena Ferrante

If you've missed the literary mystery of Elena Ferrante, now considered a key figure in popular culture of the 21st century, it's time to catch up! Indeed, the author (or the author!) Uses a pseudonym and makes it a point of honor to remain in the shadows without revealing her true identity. No television appearances, a few rare interviews with the written press … After all these years, the mystery remains. In fact, there are many fans who, although curious, get offended when journalists try to pierce it and shed light on its identity! The recipe works wonders: in 2016, Elena Ferrante is cited among the 100 most influential personalities by the prestigious magazine Times and 10 million copies have been sold worldwide. A mystery which reinforces the uniqueness of the author and promotes the interest of readers … and spectators.

The prodigious friend, from Wednesday July 15 at 9:05 p.m. on France 2.

Synopsis:

When the most important friend of her life seems to have mysteriously disappeared without leaving a trace, Elena Greco, an elderly woman, decides to tell as faithfully as possible her story of 60 years of friendship, sincere and imbued with rivalry, with Raffaëlla Cerullo, nicknamed Lila. The plot opens with the last year of elementary school for Lila and Lenù in Naples. Both extremely gifted and from a modest background, have little hope of reaching college and quenching their thirst for culture. Surrounded by violence, settling of scores, blows and deaths, the two little girls do not let themselves be counted and each make their way. Throughout the seasons, we discover their forever linked friendship, the choices and the fate of each…

Read also : "L'amie prodigieuse" (France 2): casting, voice-over, identity of Elena Ferrante … everything you need to know before watching the series