Director Giuseppe Tornatore earned international acclaim in 1989 with his brilliant tribute to movies, Cinema Paradiso.

So far, he has not been able to recreate that film's success. But Malena may be his best attempt in recent years.

The exquisitely shot, erotically tinged comedy-drama is set in a small Italian sea-side town during the Second World War.

First-time actor Giuseppe Sulfaro is convincing as Renato, an imaginative 13-year-old boy whose sexual desires are awakened by the stunningly beautiful daughter of a local school teacher.

Renato is not the only admirer of the raven-haired Malena (Monica Bellucci), whose husband has been called off to war.

Men literally fall over themselves when she passes them in the street, much to the disgust of the town's gossip-mongering women.

Although she has very few lines, Bellucci absolutely smoulders on screen.

Despite her beauty, Malena is somewhat of a tragic figure. Everyone in town considers her a tramp, though she remained faithful to her husband even after the news of his death.

Renato has never spoken to Malena, but he is the only one who knows the truth about her.

Yet he remains silent even as she is being beaten senseless by a group of vindictive and jealous women.

Malena's lack of assertiveness proves frustrating at times, as does Renato's overwrought obsession with her.

Also, the fact that Renato is so young makes the more overtly sexual scenes a little uncomfortable.

There are many coming-of-age stories like Malena, but Tornatore's film -- based on a story by Luciano Vincenzoni -- is touching, sweet and passionate.

(This film is rated AA)

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