Review of Tea with Mussolini (1999) by Hannah D — 18 Jun 2011
Judi, Joan and Maggie the three Grande Dames of British acting combine their formidable talents in this understated and charming World War II movie. Set in Italy before and during the war, it follows the story of a group of English ladies living in Florence. Their story is woven together with that of a young boy, Luca, who is abandoned into their care by an unloving father. They are joined in this venture by Cher as a ditzy, glamourous American Broadway star and her archeologist chum Lily Tomlin.
Maggie wears the role of the snooty aristocrat well but it is the ever wonderful joan Plowright who steals every scene she is in. Love her.
This movie has faults. It does feel a bit too episodic in places, as though we are missing a linking narrative and it does somewhat gloss over some of the emotional turmoil of the time and situation but, as an unusual take on the war movie, this is to be applauded.
This review of Tea with Mussolini (1999) was written by Hannah D on 18 Jun 2011.
Tea with Mussolini has generally received positive reviews.
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