Enchanted April (A- or 3.5/4 stars)
'Enchanted April', directed by Mike Newell, is an absolute delight of a motion picture; the perfect choice for a Sunday matinee and, it will almost assuredly lift your spirits. Lottie & Rose (Josie Lawrence, Miranda Richardson), 2 married women living in 1920's London share the same thing: vacant relationships with their husbands (Alfred Molina, Jim Broadbent). Desperate for a 'change-up', they decide to rent an Italian castle for the month of April as a spring getaway. In order to save $$ (neither of them have much), they advertise for 2 other women to accompany them. Mrs. Fisher (Joan Plowright), an elderly widow knew many famous authors in her youth (mid-1800's), and is struggling with a lonesome, too-regimented existence. She's all too happy to join Lottie & Rose on their vacation.
The 2nd woman they interview is Lady Caroline Dester (the beguiling Polly Walker), a gorgeous flapper who is sick & tired of being the "center of attention"; especially concerning men. The trip to the castle would give her some appreciated alone time ... or so she thinks. None of these women have much in common. They arrive in San Salvatore's Mediterranean seaside castle; a castle draped in beautiful wisteria, ivy, potted plants, & all other sorts of flora & fauna. Away from dreary London, sunshine abounds at the castle. No men are to be found, goals are being reassessed, & relaxation is of utmost priority. But something magical starts to take-over these women as the weeks go by. And as they try to come to grips with the stagnation in their lives, they realize that they may want their men around after all.
This is a charming, heartwarming tale of 4 downtrodden women who find themselves, re-discover old romances, & create new ones. 'Enchanted April' - the ultimate feel-good film - casts a warm spell over you as you watch. If there is any reason I won't give this film an A or A+, it's because the story is thin; straightforward, functioning, mainly, to create character interaction. That said, the setting is absolutely glorious, the characters are lovely, & seeing their emotional growth as the movie proceeds is really something to watch. The film shows how a holiday can be the source of a spiritual awakening. And most importantly, it shows that, no matter the era, doing 'nothing' for an extended period of time can be good for you.
I love Miranda Richardson. While she doesn't do anything over-the-moon great here, she's just a pleasant, superbly nuanced actress who can make you feel something out of the smallest wrinkle on her lip. Joan Plowright is outstanding as the hilarious, pompous widow Fisher. In her introductory scene, I hadn't laughed out loud so much (at her antics) during a film in a long time. Josie Lawrence, Polly Walker, & Michael Kitchen - as the endearing, half-blind owner of the castle - also impress. If you're looking to have a low key, unapologetically optimistic time at the movies with pleasant characters, good writing, wittiness, light humor, & locales that will make your mouth water - then 'Enchanted April' is the film to see. I certainly was enchanted.
The 2nd woman they interview is Lady Caroline Dester (the beguiling Polly Walker), a gorgeous flapper who is sick & tired of being the "center of attention"; especially concerning men. The trip to the castle would give her some appreciated alone time ... or so she thinks. None of these women have much in common. They arrive in San Salvatore's Mediterranean seaside castle; a castle draped in beautiful wisteria, ivy, potted plants, & all other sorts of flora & fauna. Away from dreary London, sunshine abounds at the castle. No men are to be found, goals are being reassessed, & relaxation is of utmost priority. But something magical starts to take-over these women as the weeks go by. And as they try to come to grips with the stagnation in their lives, they realize that they may want their men around after all.
This is a charming, heartwarming tale of 4 downtrodden women who find themselves, re-discover old romances, & create new ones. 'Enchanted April' - the ultimate feel-good film - casts a warm spell over you as you watch. If there is any reason I won't give this film an A or A+, it's because the story is thin; straightforward, functioning, mainly, to create character interaction. That said, the setting is absolutely glorious, the characters are lovely, & seeing their emotional growth as the movie proceeds is really something to watch. The film shows how a holiday can be the source of a spiritual awakening. And most importantly, it shows that, no matter the era, doing 'nothing' for an extended period of time can be good for you.
I love Miranda Richardson. While she doesn't do anything over-the-moon great here, she's just a pleasant, superbly nuanced actress who can make you feel something out of the smallest wrinkle on her lip. Joan Plowright is outstanding as the hilarious, pompous widow Fisher. In her introductory scene, I hadn't laughed out loud so much (at her antics) during a film in a long time. Josie Lawrence, Polly Walker, & Michael Kitchen - as the endearing, half-blind owner of the castle - also impress. If you're looking to have a low key, unapologetically optimistic time at the movies with pleasant characters, good writing, wittiness, light humor, & locales that will make your mouth water - then 'Enchanted April' is the film to see. I certainly was enchanted.