Malèna (2000)

Malèna is a remarkable film that you may never experience as the director intended because the censors removed fifteen mins from it.
It's the story of an adolescent male's ascent into manhood. Men lust for Malèna and women hate her. She becomes young Renato's obsession and he becomes her protector. His sexual awakening fantasies are played out onscreen, which is what got the censors worried. It's handled in a sympathetic and comical way but still treads dodgy moral ground.
Some essential character work that emphasises Malèna's struggle was also cut. For that reason alone either view it as intended or not at all. The only place it passed uncut (109 mins) was Italy, so you'll need to import.
Leaving aside the controversy for a second, the socio-political setting, musical score (Morricone), structure, pacing, storytelling and especially the beautiful golden lighting of the cinematography are all superb.

4½ cans of oil out of 5