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Amazon.co.uk Review
In filming this semi-autobiographical account of life in Italy during the dawn of World War II, director Franco Zeffirelli imbues Tea with Mussolini with the mixed blessings of fond reminiscence. It's a warmly inviting film, as impeccable as any Merchant-Ivory production, but like a hazy memory it's uncertain in its narrative intentions. And yet with an exceptional cast to compensate, the film's as engaging as it is inconsequential. Zeffirelli's alter ego is Luca (Charlie Lucas in youth; Baird Wallace as a teenager), who is raised in Florence by Mary (Joan Plowright), the middle-aged secretary of his absentee father. Luca lives among a loose band of British and American women, nicknamed "Il Scorpioni" for their stinging wit in the shadows of Mussolini's thuggish dictatorship. Along with Mary there's Hester (Maggie Smith), a crusty ambassador's widow; Arabella (Judi Dench), a lively bohemian; lesbian archaeologist Georgie (Lily Tomlin); and Elsa (Cher), a flamboyant American who quietly finances Luca's education.
Il Scorpioni witness the rise of fascism and the dangers of resistance, weathering dictatorial custody and (in Elsa's case) falling prey to heartbreaking betrayal. But Tea with Mussolini carries little dramatic weight; you have to forgive its unfocused structure to appreciate its merits. Zeffirelli gently conveys the passage from pleasantry to wartime, and he's drawn uniformly fine performances from this seasoned cast. If the film is vaguely unsatisfying, it's only because it had the makings of greatness and settles instead for an ethereal quality of anecdotal enchantment. --Jeff Shannon
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
52 of 53 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I caught this film a few years ago on Channel 4 (in England), and was quite taken with its story telling. One cannot but notice the stellar cast - Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Joan Plowright, Lily Tomlin and, believe it or not, Cher. They, however, do not dominate the film, nor does it become a case of watching actors trying to out-act each other. Much more, each plays a gracious part to the other, allowing the story to come through.
The cinematography is excellent, with San Gimignano and Florence caught beautifully. The music score is supportive and well-written without drowning the scenes in emotion.
All in all, the film comes across as very 'English' (or rather, what 'English' once was) - balanced, gracious, never too much and always polite. If anything, the film is worth £7 just for Maggie Smith's line at the end.
The cinematography is excellent, with San Gimignano and Florence caught beautifully. The music score is supportive and well-written without drowning the scenes in emotion.
All in all, the film comes across as very 'English' (or rather, what 'English' once was) - balanced, gracious, never too much and always polite. If anything, the film is worth £7 just for Maggie Smith's line at the end.
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Superlative performances from an outstanding cast, stunning settings, (San Gimignano in particular) and a charming storyline. What more can one say but superb, enchanting, marvellous, delightful!
20 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
My wife insisted we watch this, I refused and made her watch Casino Royale, but I gave in next time and watched this and I really enjoyed it. I guess even more than the 007 film.
Set during the war in Florence with a group of stubborn older ladies who think Mussolini will protect them during the German occupation, but will he?
A good film to enjoy during a lazy Sunday afternoon, just don't tell my wife I preferred this to Casino Royale.
Set during the war in Florence with a group of stubborn older ladies who think Mussolini will protect them during the German occupation, but will he?
A good film to enjoy during a lazy Sunday afternoon, just don't tell my wife I preferred this to Casino Royale.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Enjoyable and well-acted film.
I remember watching this some time ago on television, with mixed feelings.
There have been a number of films with Italy at the core and this one is decent enough. Read more
There have been a number of films with Italy at the core and this one is decent enough. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Richard Mirfin
Lovely period drama.
A great movie to sit down to, over Xmas. Well acted, original story line and good score. Not a lot of minus points here.
Published 4 months ago by Anthony Marshall
Excellent film.
Entertaining and disturbing wartime film about the ex-pat community living in Florence Italy during World War 2. Good value and recommended.
Published 5 months ago by Jan Ericcson
Sadly dull
I so wanted to love this film, but sadly it wasn't to be, it was just so false. The story line lacked credibility and I felt it made a mockery of the suffering that happened... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Skippy
An evening of enjoyable fun
Set in Florence during the Second World War, this is a story of stubbourness, defiance, class; as war breaks out, the women are interned but, for a variety of complicated reasons... Read more
Published 6 months ago by RR Waller
Charm, pathos, tension and humour.
I fell in love with this film when it was first released and have watched it many times since. It never fails to charm me with wonderful acting from such a prestigious cast. Read more
Published 8 months ago by AAPritchard
Tea with Mussolini
Stunning cast - full of superb performances! A truly uplifting and entertaining film, based on a true story of a diverse group of women, who through their love of art and Italy,... Read more
Published 10 months ago by clemmie
Lots of charm
I really love this film and all those in it. Joan Plowright is perfection. A story with a happy end, beautifully produced with great sensitivity and humour, and it is a true... Read more
Published 10 months ago by M. Compton Sally
Perfect!
This DVD was a gift for a friend who has a property in Tuscany and who only has DVD player there at the moment. The scenes are from Tuscany. Perfect. Read more
Published 11 months ago by Loops
Tea with Mussolini
If I could have given this 10 stars, I would have done. This is a superb film, graced by fantastic performances and set against an Italian background of war. Read more
Published 13 months ago by nicegranny
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