Genres

Visitors Review

2012-05-19 07:30:44

Enchantment at Your Fingertips

Wonderful performances by Michael Kitchen and Joan Plowright but Josie Lawrence steals the show. I watch this whenever I'm blue and am so happy to own it. It's an intelligent, believable adult fairy tale. The camera work is beyond excellent and the music is superb even as it is unobtrusive. Best of all, it's the opposite of Hollywood. That means no cookie cutter beauties, no slick easy answers, no pasting over awkward moments by incompetent writers with tired pop tunes. This is the real deal folks: a work of art (with humor).

2012-05-19 03:24:15

The sweetest movie!

This is such a sweet movie. It's one of my all-time favorites. I saw it many years ago and have always wanted to own it. I checked it out of the library not long ago and still loved it. I decided to find a copy to own. A very good story in friendships, women deciding to discover themselves and the meaning of their roles in marriage. It's a good story about self awareness for the husbands and the wives. It has incredible scenery and is romantic. Very good acting by all. Heart warming and lifting.

2012-05-17 05:21:26

Romantic, beautiful landscapes, the best movie ever!!!

I found this movie by accident. It turned out to be one of my most favorite movies. I can't count the number of times that I have watched it. When I'm feeling down, I watch it; when I'm feeling happy, I watch it; when I'm feeling romantic and I'm alone, I watch it. There's no mood that's not right for this movie!

2012-05-16 06:10:12

After all this wait, a terrible transfer!

Of course this is one of the best films ever made. But for those of us who saw it in the theatre, bought the VHS, then bought the Laserdisc, this is a terrible disappointment. The sound quality is poor and uneven. The film looks like it was run at a grindhouse for a year before they made the transfer. Spots, runs, fades, off-colors, grain--in short, WHY? Why not take a film everyone's been waiting to appear for years & get the negative out of the vault? Do a little resotration? Shame on Miramax & Disney--they certainly won't be in my "tub of love" anytime soon.

2012-05-15 18:13:31

Fantastic!!!!!!!

This review is from: Enchanted April (DVD) This is one of the most beautiful, touching, well made films of all time, and 100% clean to boot!!! I am desperately waiting for this to be released on DVD.

2012-05-15 05:37:16

Enchanted April the ultimate cure for Winter Blahs

Every year, as the winter starts to take its cruel toll and the SEASONAL Effective Disorder really sets in, I rent a copy of Enchanted April, invite my best friends over, (especially the gardeners), and have a good (drunken) party watching everyone in Enchanted April blossom out into a newer, freer spring in the most spectacularly floral setting. The only thing that comes anywhere close to it for 'feel good' rating is Room With a View, and perhaps Antonia's Line, which also makes me want to throw off my shackles and go Bohemian and barefoot through fields of lavender. I want it on DVD so that I can zero in on the fine details of it. Also, the VHS at the local rental wore out. I'd buy it instantly, but they are currently only available in VHS and this is too temporary a copy to satisfy my need for a SAD cure.

nycritic 2012-05-12 20:50:47

Eternal Spring of Four Ladies

This is the kind of movie England can do in its sleep, and that'smeaning it as a compliment. Because of the success of very Britishcomedies of manners situated at the end or beginning of the TwentiethCentury, most notably adaptations of E. M. Forster novels, this veryMerchant-Ivory like production was received in the light it broughtwhen it was released in 1992. It was an exceptional year for actressMiranda Richardson, having appeared as the wife of Jeremy Irons whodiscovers her husband has been having an affair in the worst possibleway in DAMAGE, and as the IRA terrorist who eventually dons a wig andgets a nasty comeuppance in THE CRYING GAME. Here, she plays a quiet,serene type of woman in Rose Arbuthnot, one who with Josie Lawrence whoplays Lottie Wilkins, embarks on a trip that is filled withself-discovery. They are joined by an unlikely pair of ladies: oneCaroline Dester, played by the enigmatic Polly Walker who resembles avery vamp Louise Brooks (and not just in the style of hair she wears),and Mrs. Fisher (Joan Plowright). This foursome will eventually mergetogether into becoming deep friends only because the story is so filledwith spring and an overwhelming, dreamy sweetness it almost preordainsit, but this is fine; it's the movie it wants to be. Alfred Molina andJim Broadbent (then relatively new to American audiences) fill out thecast as the husbands of the two main characters, and all in all, MikeNewell makes with his movie a living thing of near-magical elements,full of quiet moments and wonder.

2012-05-12 06:22:40

I was enchanted AND I laughed

There's a lot of humor in this film, much of the humor is subtle, and some of it is obvious. For example, some intellectual humor where the simple-minded but endearing Lottie asks the stuffy old woman if she knew Keats, a poet who had been dead for over a hundred years! Or the scene where she's trying to get permission from her husband to go to Italy with her friend.. that whole scene is priceless, very funny. As far as obvious humor, one example would be her husband having a rather... explosive... accident while he's taking a bath!... and then he comes out half-naked and charred only to be met by the old woman!! You'll laugh :)AS you can imagine, this film is a satire or lampoon of the attitudes and mores of the 1930s which is when this story takes place. But don't worry, it's not a stuffy old boring period piece--far from it! This is an immensely enjoyable and accessible film that will really delight you. Very easy to follow and enjoy, very amusing and funny.David Rehakauthor of "Love and Madness"

glmrtndrthy 2012-05-10 11:44:18

A Vacation in Italy

If you need a vacation in January, pop this video in and relax. Theatmosphere and heart of this movie are its best parts. Not to detractfrom the story and the performances, because they are stupendous. Thisfilm makes me happy just watching it.After the storm and on the first day in Italy, the window opens (ala"The Wizard of Oz") but, this is no fantasy. This film is perfection asit shows the development of the characters through love and kindness.Every aspect of this film satisfies. The acting, screenplay, originalstory, cinematography, and so on...I can't say enough about this movie. One of my all-time favorites. Hopeit is yours too! Do yourself a favor and watch it.

tedg 2012-05-09 17:24:44

Types

A simple, theatrical concept done well as other commentsattest.The key device here is that women come in types. Only if you accept that canyou buy the idea that left alone a certain mix of types will each blossom.Here, we have the Madonna (impressed on us rather bluntly) the honestnervous airhead, the pompous old hasbeen and the slut. Variousstereo/archetypical men parade through as well.I liked this film, but it left me with two memorychildren:--the first is honest puzzlement over whether I have to type a woman toappreciate her in art.--the second is what happens to lovely spoiled Caroline when the movie ends.It makes her Palerma highclass callgirl role in 8 1/2 women so much richer.That also is a film about typing women, and she plays the same type. Alsoappealing in the role.

2012-05-08 06:35:33

DVD, PLEASE, PLEASE!!

This is simply one of the best movies ever made. Perfect adaptation, perfect casting, perfect everything. Why it has not been put on DVD for the public is unexplainable. With today's prolification of movies containing violence, depravity and downright unpleasantness, why can't there be more that contain themes of hope, love, and yes, enchantment. Escapism? Perhaps, but then we need more movies like this that are healing to the soul.

2012-05-07 22:19:55

" A Little Gem.

I bought this video in a sale for only .... And because it had received, as far as I know, very little publicity, I wasn't expecting much. But my word how it surprised me!Two young women, Lottie Wilkins (Josie Lawrence), and Rose Arbuthnot (Miranda Richardson), bored with their unappealing husbands and feeling trapped in a dreary, smoky1920's London, in which it never seems to stop raining, decide to get away from it all to a castle on the Mediterranean - the very castle in fact in which the original novel on which the film is based was written. Advertising for two others to go with them in order to defray expenses, they find themselves having to settle for Mrs Fisher (Joan Plowright), an irascible old woman who claims to have been the friend of many distinguished writers all now dead ("Did you know Keats?" asks the rather simple-minded Lotti while Rose cringes in the background. "No! I didn't." shouts Mrs Fisher. "I didn't know Shakespeare or Chaucer either" ), and Lady Caroline Dester, a glamourous socialite who sick and tired of men and their grabbing attentions, just wants, like Garbo, to be alone.On the first morning when Lottie opens her bedroom shutters, the incredible beauty of the place with its sun, ocean, fresh-air and flowers, bursts upon her and instantly begins to work its therapeutic magic, not only on her but on all of them. From arriving dull, depressed and querulous, they become within hours, hopeful, optimistic and far more loving. Lottie startles and pleasantly surprises Mrs Fisher by actually kissing her, and even begins to remember what it was about her husband that she loved. She decides to send for him and persuades Rose to do the same. Lottie's husband comes - though not in answer to her letter but to see Lady Dester, he being one of the men she is trying to get away from. Finding his wife there comes as a complete surprise. However, both husbands respond to their wives' now happy, loving natures and, as a consequence, again become lovable themselves. The owner of the castle George Briggs, (Michael Kitchen) pays a visit and falling for Rose, is disappointed when her husband turns up. But he is not miserable for long. The magic of the place has also cast its spell on Lady Dester and seeing George's distress she seeks him out to offer sympathy - with predictable results. I am giving nothing away when I say that all are paired off at the end - except for lonely, irascible Mrs Fisher who now of course is lonely and irascible no longer.Everything about this film seems to me perfect. I can think of nothing to carp about. There is much humour in the dialogue and everyone acts supremely well although I was most impressed by Josie Lawrence and Michael Kitchen. So subtle are the changing expressions that move across the face of Lawrence that you can almost read her thoughts. This is indeed a little gem of a film. It is certainly the best ... I have ever spent.

2012-05-07 14:53:21

"There's Something About Italy . . ."

This review is from: Enchanted April (DVD) The beautiful, privileged--and bored--Lady Caroline utters these words as she gradually succumbs to the spell of the enchanted sun-drenched garden of an Italian castello to which she has retreated as a refuge from the tiresome London Season, in which men persistently "grab." She is one of an unlikely quartet of women who have rented the villa, perched on a cliff above the Tyrrhenian Sea, for the month of April. Each of the others has her own reasons for escaping: a repressive marriage, the relentlessly thankless responsibilities of doing good works, and just plain willfulness--all of which are exacerbated by the seemingly endless downpour of London rain. All of their respective problems, however, boil down to an essential loneliness, for which the Ligurian coast of Itlay provides the antidote.In this high-calibre ensemble cast, Joan Plowright stands out as the sour, embittered bluestocking, Mrs. Fisher, who has staked a claim of having been the confidant of the 19th-century literary illuminati (but not Keats!); her main problem is that they are all dead. Josie Lawrence plays the awkwardly outspoken Lottie, who persuades a slight acquaintance, Rose--a devout woman with a philandering husband--to go halves and answer an advert, which promises wisteria and sunshine. Miranda Richardson, who with her smooth red hair looks as if she belongs in a Pre-Raphaelite painting, endows her character with a tranquil charm, which quite captivates the owner of the villa, Mr. Briggs, a myopic First-World-War veteran. Michael Kitchen is at his most engaging in the role of the solitary man who finds solace in playing the oboe. Polly Walker, who seemingly floats on air, is convincing as the world-weary Lady Caroline. As the setting works its spell on the women, one almost wishes that they not spoil it by inviting their menfolk (Alfred Molina and Jim Broadbent) to stay; but all that is part of the enchantment, and to say any more would spoil it for you."Enchanted April" is not only beautiful to view, but it also has its moments of high comedy, especially in scenes with Plowright, Molina, and Broadbent. And while the film will make one feel awfully good, it is never syrupy. If I have a criticism, it is one of omission. I wanted to see more of the story after the husbands and Mr. Briggs arrived. The film ended too soon. But that flaw merely makes one want to watch "Enchanted April" again.And again.

2012-05-06 15:39:05

Enchanting Enchanted April

This little film is pure magic. It will leave you feeling like a child on a may morning. Two married women shatter the routine of their everyday lives by renting a villa in Italy to escape dreary London rains, and spice up their dreary London marriages. Along the way they adopt a bitter biddie and sad flapper and take them along for the ride. Wonderful movie.

2012-05-02 02:26:45

A wonderful film

I'm not even a girl and I appreciated this film. This film is classy, witty, comical, and really enjoyable to watch. I liked it a lot. It's not very long either which makes it great for repeat viewing. The scenic backdrops of Italy are beautiful. This is one of my new favorite pictures.

2012-05-01 11:35:42

It enchanted me!

I'd forgotten how struck I was by this film - it was the inducement or incentive responsible for my first trip to Italy in 2001. We weren't fortunate enough to have an island retreat or such a splendid villa, but because Italy has so much in its favor, no matter.I watch this film more often than most of those in my collection. It bolsters my spirits, suffuses me with warm, sweet feelings, and buoys me up from whatever depths I might have been in. All the actors are splendid in their roles. This was my introduction to Joan Plowright, who I was later to see and enjoy in "Tea With Mussolini".I've heard Enchanted April will be coming to Broadway, and wonder how they can possibly capture the film's beauty - maybe I'll have the opportunity to find out. But in the meantime, I'll be popping this delightful film into the VCR often as summer approaches, transporting myself back in my mind's eye and memory.

2012-04-29 11:18:05

At last, the DVD version is here!

This review is from: Enchanted April (DVD) I can't add much to the other reviews here, so I'll just express my great joy at seeing the DVD version of this lovely, lovely movie finally available. Still have to wait until May, but at least we know it's coming!

2012-04-28 21:53:26

Finally on DVD

This is one of those wonderful little films with a feel good all throughout. The actresses are all superb and Joan Plowright is especially fine (when isn't she?). Three of the ladies are in relationships that have somewhat soured and they feel a month in April inItaly will change their lives and of course it does. Also fine work from Alfred Molina, Michael Kitchen and Jim Broadbent. I have often wondered why this hasn't been on dvd but happy that it will be remedied this coming May.

2012-04-26 05:19:12

Enchanted April

This review is from: Enchanted April (1992) [NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.2 Import - Sweden] (DVD) This film is a gem among the multitude of films of sex and violence. The main feature of the film is the atmosphere of beauty, kindness and togetherness, well, a sense of happiness.

2012-04-25 15:31:13

ENCHANTED BY ENCHANTED APRIL

This review is from: Enchanted April (DVD) Since I first saw Enchanted April in the theater, it has always had the power to take me away on this enchanted vacation along with the actors. Few movies feel like they are restoreing you soul and this movie is the very best at reminding you that life itself is the adventure and everyting else we add to it is the cream. Four ladies at different points in their lives are the unlikely sharers of a month by the sea in a castle in Italy. They are all at crossroads in life and somehow this beautiful place gives then the time they need to sort out what is really important in life. As one actor say, getting on with your loving is the most important thing. For two that is a rekindling of their love for their selves and their husbands, for one it is to rejoin the living and enjoy what time she has left and for the last it is just to be brave enough to stop mourning a lost love and begin to love again. This movie has been a long time coming to US Format DVD but it has been well worth the wait. May this movie spread its enchantment on you from time to time. Enjoy !!!