Enchanted April [1991]

Location, not Tuscany but Liguria (Portofino); writing; musical score and impecable acting. Amanda Richardson and Joan Plowright are incapable of putting a foot wrong, but they are by no means left to carry the day alone, and it is impossible to list the various actors in order of merit. At first sight, Polly Walker might seem the weak link in the chain, but she is perfectly cast as the languid, and worldworn aristo, turning in a sterling performance.

The Italian cast are also worthy of mention, and we are left (as is proper) to get the drift of their Italian, or not, and there is plenty of it! The boiler scene is a classic (btw - pericoloso means dangerous).

Classic quote (Mrs. Fisher): "[in my day]..husbands were taken seriously, as the only real impediment to sin."

This film is a MUST HAVE, but don't buy it on video - wait until it is available on DVD. My ropey copy was taped from the TV and requires replacing. It is a disgrace that this, and many another fine production, has not yet been issued on DVD. We all have VCR's, but who wants to buy videos any more?? The BBC seem particularly guilty in this respect.

Amazon please note: can't you log customer DVD searches and exert pressure so that they are released in the UK? The American market is much better served in this respect.


Enchanting viewing   February 15, 2004
22 out of 23 found this review helpful

I have watched Enchanted April on many occasions and it never fails to surprise and captivate me. The relationship between the two main characters (Lotty and Rose) is so sympathetically written and played by Josie Lawrence and Miranda Richardson that one is left with the feeling that anything in life is possible. The Tuscan backdrop and the superb acting from the entire cast make this a film that has to be watched again and again. Enchanted April makes you laugh and cry at the same time and leaves you really caring about what happens to every single one of the characters. As the title suggests this film takes you to a most enchanting place.


Enchantment indeed   January 29, 2006
18 out of 18 found this review helpful

Having loved this film when it was first shown on TV, I have owned the video since the day it was issued and continue to watch it over and over again. It brings continuing delight on every viewing - it lifts low spirits, gives hope on a dreary English winter day and binds a group of my own friends together. If one of us needs cheering up then the phrase "Think of San Salvatore" does the trick! So why oh why is it STILL not available on DVD???


A Gentle Masterpiece   September 3, 2006
R Young (UK)
16 out of 16 found this review helpful

Ignore the Time Out and Film Buff reviews, which consign this film to the dustbin of the bland. In fact this film is a consumate allegory on Spiritual Enlightenment.

Appearing almost innocent of its own intentions, the film follows the naive ambitions of a misunderstood and unhappily married young woman to take a villa in Italy with "like minded" companions. This is a singles holiday wound back one hundred years.

But what unfolds is a subtle and exquisitely elegant story of diversely thinking people resolved to their mutual antipathies and psychological flaws.

A simple tale which is all the more intelligent for its restrained and understated poise.

This film is (will be) one of the jewels of 20th Century Cinema. The direction is taut yet breathes, the location is stunning. The script is clever, the cast outstanding.

This is a must have film, and is a welcome antidote to so many other films which gain their kudos through sensation, violence, and essentially empty attempts to impress.

Enchanted April should be compulsory viewing for all those seeking "conflict resolution". It is a better healer than a thousand therapy sessions.


Stunning and peaceful at the same time   July 11, 2006
W. Parsons (UK)
13 out of 13 found this review helpful

As all the other reviewers have said, breath-taking...peaceful. A holiday in itself, from everyday, for any viewer.
Please, please, please bring it out on DVD.
Much-watched VHS copies are fading away.
Relaxation therapy in a box.