Frequently Bought Together
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Product details
|
Reviews
Product Description
A charming and unpretentious tale, Mid-August Lunch is whisper-thin and delicately balanced. The main character, Gianni, played by Di Gregorio himself, is in his 60s but still lives with his mother who is forced to look after three other elderly ladies. On the eve of the mid-summer Italian holiday of Ferragosto, Gianni is approached by building manager Luigi (Alfonso Santagata) and blackmailed into looking after Luigi s mother for two nights in exchange for forgiving certain tenant debts. But when Luigi comes to the apartment, he s brought his aunt Maria (Maria Calì) as well as his mother, Marina (Marina Cacciotti). Soon after, Gianni s doctor friend Marcello (Marcello Ottolenghi) pays a call, asking if he can leave his mother, Grazia (Grazia Cesarini Sforza), for just one night. The four women, each with their own strong personality, prove a handful, but Di Gregorio s approach is true to life, avoiding platitudes or exaggeration as he spins a warm-hearted, humorous saga.
Tags Customers Associate with This Product(What's this?)Click on a tag to find related items, discussions, and people.
|
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
42 of 43 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
A very charming piece that follows the misfortunes of a middle-aged man who looks after his mother over the course of a long bank holiday weekend. He is essentially indolent, still living with mum in his sixties, gradually getting into greater debt, but happy. One by one, the landlord and a doctor friend off load elderly relatives so they can get out of the city for some fun. The elderly ladies all argue and our hero has to hold them all together with fine cooking, plump beds and general entertainment. He gradually espies an opportunity and his view changes.
I loved this film. It's a very gentle piece that is well written, directed and wonderfully acted by all the cast. The manner in which the son begins to exploit the old ladies, acts as diplomat between, exhausts himself and eventually begins to warm to them is so well presented in such a excellently crafted and beautifully observed manner. It is a very rewarding film, well worth watching.
I loved this film. It's a very gentle piece that is well written, directed and wonderfully acted by all the cast. The manner in which the son begins to exploit the old ladies, acts as diplomat between, exhausts himself and eventually begins to warm to them is so well presented in such a excellently crafted and beautifully observed manner. It is a very rewarding film, well worth watching.
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
This was a humorous movie and in some ways very touching. It was nice to see the main character (Gianni) respect and take care of his mother. He never lost his patience and was always kind. The older women guests were strong personalities, very real and funny in their own cute ways. When you watch the interviews, you will see just how real they were. Great story line, very creative. If you like things "Italian" or have been to Italy, you will especially relate and enjoy the story. If you want to experience a wholesome and entertaining movie, this is for you. Our entire family loved the film and we were sorry when it ended. The dialogue is in Italian, but following the english subtitles was easy.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
We (two adults and one 12 year old) all loved this film - such a simple idea - very amusing with several laugh out loud moments. One to show to all ages. We also all enjoyed the interviews with the director and the cast - very entertaining! Only negative point is the cover picture of the DVD doesn't do it justice. Other than that it is a great film. Also great for those learning Italian, as the speech isn't too fast and the subtitles match the speech very well.
Would you like to see more reviews about this item?
Were these reviews helpful?
Let us know
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Smart
Good characters,the description of Rome and the decay of a traditional quarter is funny and interesting. I will watch it several times and appreciate new details every time. Read more
Published 5 months ago by manuel
Pranzo di Ferragosto
This delightful film is a great hit with audiences of our food film festival, Screen Bites. The performances of the elderly ladies are a constant delight, and it is directed with... Read more
Published 6 months ago by P. G. Pirrie-weir
Mid August Lunch
A delightfully gentle film about a middle aged unemployed man, a bit of a loser, who lives with his mother. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Bunny
A Delightful Film
In Italian, with English subtitles, this film examines the interactions between a group of people (a middle aged son, his mother, and a group of elderly women wished upon him) over... Read more
Published 7 months ago by Marran Grey
In my top ten films!
This short film is an authentic glimpse of Italian life. It's gentle, affectionate portraits, untainted by sentiment or Hollywood glamour, have a richness of their own. Read more
Published 8 months ago by M. Whiteside 'Eye of the beholder'
A Rare Gem not to be missed
I can't praise this little film high enough so sweet and funny. I love the relationships between all the characters , such brilliant casting and acting. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Sue Carter
Fantastico!
If I had a film Top Ten, this would have gone straight into it, as its a sublime film of quiet beauty, humour and humanity. Arise Sir Gianni Di Gregorio!
Published 8 months ago by hercressness
A GREAT FILM MAKING YOU LOOK AT LIFE DIFFERENTLY
A slow-burning, enchanting film told with simplicity, gentleness, subtle observation, warmth, affection and brilliant acting. My only regret: it's too short! Read more
Published 19 months ago by J.Utah
A Completely Charming and Entertaining Film
This film had me in its thrall from beginning to end. The plot is simple, Gianni pays off debts and considerable rent arrears by caring for the mothers of his creditors. Read more
Published 19 months ago by Glen1975
Excellent, moving comedy
I saw some excerpts from this film last year and made a mental note to buy it when I could, what a lovely film. Directed and acted with impeccable timing and great vitality. Read more
Published 22 months ago by F. Proctor
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
Listmania!
|
|
Look for similar items by category
Look for similar items by subject
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
