Enchanted April
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Movie Reviews of Enchanted April
Movie Review: A movie that rejuvenates one's soul
Summary: 5 Stars
This is such a delightful movie, uplifting and poignant. The story revolves around four women - two unhappily married women [played by Josie Lawrence & Miranda Richardson], a curmudgeon of a widow [Joan Plowright], and an upper-class disenchanted beauty [a luminous Polly Walker, most recently seen in the HBO mini-series Rome]...all four co-rent a beautiful Italian palazzo for a month circa the 1920s. Josie Lawrence acts so convincingly in her role that you truly believe in the magic of the place & time, and that life does not have to be complicated unless one wants it to be. Miranda Richardson plays her role as the uptight wife of an author quite well, with great facial expressions that give us a glimpse into her emotional upheaval. Joan Plowright is delightful as the grumpy widow, and Polly Walker is convincing in her role as a jaded aristocrat.
The men in this movie are definitely just supporting characters, but each one, from the guy that plays the owner of the palazzo, to Jim Broadbent's author, and finally Alfred Molina's stuffy solicitor are significant in enhancing the plot, and enlivening the proceedings.
The cinematography is simply beautiful, evoking the lushness of the Italian landscape, and the upbeat tone of the movie definitely makes this a movie to be watched, especially for those of us who have moments when our spirits are flagging.
I was lucky enough to catch this on cable recently, but do wish it would be made available on DVD soon!
Movie Review: Enchanted April is "Enchanting"!
Summary: 5 Stars
Just a review that responds to the criticisms about the video quality. If you listen to the Director's & Producer's commentary on the special features, you will learn the movie was shot on 16mm film--and was originally planned as a TV-Movie! There's only so much you can do to 16mm film, as opposed to 35mm and larger film. All the "digital remastering" in the world probably can't do too much for it. So I don't think the DVD can be validly criticized for its video quality. It is what it is.
The movie, however is an absolute gem--an astonishing piece of quality work. What is funny is when the commentary states that one advantage of having a very limited (TV-scale) budget is that you don't have "big studios" breathing down your neck when you are choosing the cast for the movie--they got exactly who they chose to have. This is precisely the reason for the movie's success. The actors all seemed to have understood the mood and character of the movie and its storyline. It was shot in only 26 days, and only 2 1/2 days were sunny in Italy!! The commentary is excellent, especially if you want to hear some really good personal insight in making movies in general.
I waited FOREVER for this movie to come out in DVD! It's a must have!
Movie Review: Harmony from Chaos and Loneliness
Summary: 5 Stars
This movie validates the universality of woman's quest for meaning in Life. I dare say many women have dreamt along with the tale, of ending their ( perceived or real) isolation and finding hope in the midst of their grey mundane lives.I loved the poster she kept hidden in the cupboard of her "vacation fantasy spot". The lack of attention her spouse remembered to bestow upon her is all too common. I recommend this, and it's surprisingly upbeat and hopeful end, to all who feel they have lost sight of their vivid purposeful life. It is the quintessential story of unconditional love and acceptance, healing the hearts of self and others.
For women 35 and up. It requires a level of empathy that only living lonely, as an adult woman may impart. Especially for peri -menopausal women who are struggling with the next immanent passage in their life.It offers hope, a lovely travelogue and resolution of life's Path across a colorless daily drudgery . Creative* plot and quixotic mix of characters and sub plots.It presents us with a compassionate view of several "personality types" and how a positive intent can manifest in finding True Self in the midst of private inner sorrow.
Movie Review: One of my top five favorite movies.
Summary: 5 Stars
I agree with many of the reviews and will not comment on the plot here but just say the script, setting, filming, editing, and acting by great veteran British stars is superb! I too waited several years for this to come out on DVD as I had it on tape and laser disc. So happy it finally was released and thank Amazon for encouraging fans to pre-order so the manufacturer could be persuaded to release. It is probably just a "chick flick" to some but it certainly is the best one I've ever seen. I see it every six months just for the way this movie makes me feel - like dialing up my travel agent and booking a trip to Italy. The Villa is magic and the men and women characters so very rich and diverse thanks to excellent directing and acting. The emotional reactions you can experience in watching this film are uplifting and just the one for a gloomy day! Very few movies get five stars from me, if they do, they are usually British as they still are best at acting and telling a story in the most bewitching way! This is a "must have" movie as you will want to watch it over and over just for how it makes you feel. Don't miss it - it truly is quality too good not to own!!Movie Review: A Truly Magical, Timeless Film
Summary: 5 Stars
I rented this movie several years ago -- and FELL IN LOVE! It starts out dreary, but soon changes, and, by the end of the film, you are enveloped in this warm cocoon of hope. The characters are very real, and you fall in love with each of them as they discover themselves and grow.
There are many, many wonderful moments in this movie, but here are two I especially prize:
Lottie and Rose have left a rainy, dreary London, and arrive in Italy at night amid even worse weather. Rose asks, "How is this different?" and Lottie replies,"Well, this is ITALIAN rain." What a wonderful attitude- You just have to laugh!
Another moment has Rose discovering her estranged husband softly snoring in one of the rooms. She awakens him, and as he opens his eyes, smiles and says her name, there is no doubt in your heart that he truly, truly loves her. What a lovely, and very subtle moment, captured on film.
This is the perfect movie for a rainy afternoon, or if you are feeling just a little "blue". I have watched it often under these circumstances, & it never fails to give me the "Warm Fuzzies ;-)