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Italy released, PAL/Region 2 DVD: LANGUAGES: Italian ( Dolby Digital 5.1 ), English ( Subtitles ), Italian ( Subtitles ), WIDESCREEN (1.85:1), SPECIAL FEATURES: Cast/Crew Interview(s), Interactive Menu, Scene Access, Trailer(s), SYNOPSIS: Despite the fact he is a middle-aged man, Gianni lives in an old house in the center of Rome with his mother, a woman of faded nobility who tyrannizes him and leaves him only enough free time to go to the tavern. On the eve of the Feast of the Assumption holiday, the apartment block manager--aware of Gianni's enforced 'captivity'--suggests he look after his own mother for a couple of days, in return for the waiver of all the unpaid utility bills. When he turns up at his house also accompanied by his old aunt, Gianni feels rather ill. He therefore pays a visit to his doctor friend for a check-up, but even the latter leaves his old mother in Gianni's care for the Feast of the Assumption. SCREENED/AWARDED AT: Venice Film Festival, ...Mid-August Lunch ( Pranzo di ferragosto )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
47 of 48 people found the following review helpful
By Pat
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.
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful
By John Schiavi
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.
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
By A. Customer
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.
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4.6 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting movie
There's not much action in this movie - it's more of a wry look at how people (here, older ladies) behave. The action stays with you, though, and gives much food for thought.
Published 25 days ago by Ruth Hardwick
5.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting film
Fascinating film and a great order. A wonderful way to practice one's Italian whilst enjoying good acting and an entertaining plot.
Published 4 months ago by Jessminda
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great film.
Bought for my daughter to practice her Italian listening skills. She really enjoyed the quirky look into Italian life. Quite a short film but well observed.
Published 6 months ago by Horwichite
4.0 out of 5 stars
gentle, humorous, touching and unusual
This is a charming, gentle, humorous film, not very long - about 75 minutes - and set almost entirely in a small apartment in Rome. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Mr. Ian A. Macfarlane
5.0 out of 5 stars
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 17 months ago by manuel
5.0 out of 5 stars
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 18 months ago by P. G. Pirrie-weir
4.0 out of 5 stars
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 19 months ago by Bunny
5.0 out of 5 stars
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 19 months ago by Marran Grey
5.0 out of 5 stars
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 20 months ago by M. Whiteside 'Eye of the beholder'
5.0 out of 5 stars
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 20 months ago by Sue Carter
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