This year, one of the most raved about and beloved Netflix series is coming to an end. You know the drill–get your red jumpsuits and masks ready!
Money Heist (otherwise known as La Casa de Papel), one of the greatest heist shows in TV's history, deserves the greatest celebration in Malaysia as it heads into its fifth and final season. Joining us to bid a grand farewell to the series is Malaysian muse and international singer-songwriter, Yuna, who collaborated with internationally-acclaimed musicians of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) for a riveting rendition of Bella Ciao.
See also: Yuna Begins A New Chapter In Her Musical Journey
Bella Ciao, which means 'beautiful goodbye', originated from an Italian folk song in the late 19th century that eventually took on a political meaning. It was initially sung by seasonal monda (weeding) workers of the paddy fields in northern Italy to help the healthy growth of young rice plants.
A back-breaking task, monda was carried out by women known as mondinas. They would spend many hours working on bare feet in water up to their knees and their backs bent. It was due to these atrocious working conditions, coupled with long hours and very low wages, that led to constant dissatisfaction and, at times, rebellious movements and riots in the early years of the 20th century. Bella Ciao was the song that these women sang while trying to pass the time working in the fields as an expression of resentment against the authorities.
During World War II in Benito Mussolini’s Italy, the lyrics were changed to reflect the partisans fighting fascism in the country. The Italian partisans sang it as they told their loved ones goodbye before they went to battle with the Germans. Since then, it has lived on as a revolutionary anthem and a symbol of freedom.
This version, bearing lyrics infused with bravery and defiance, was used on Money Heist especially during big plot points. The song first made its Money Heist debut in a scene with the Professor and his older brother Berlin the night before their heist at the Royal Mint of Spain. In one of Tokyo’s (played by Ursula Corbero) narrations, she provided insight into the song, saying: “The life of The Professor revolved around one idea: resistance. His grandfather, who had fought against the fascists in Italy, taught him the song—and he taught it to us.”
See also: Exclusive: Ursula Corbero Says Bella Ciao To ‘Money Heist’ & Tokyo
Versions of Bella Ciao continue to be sung worldwide as an anti-fascist hymn of freedom and resistance. On the Money Heist franchise, it's the musical centrepiece and one of its most recognisable symbols.