Tea With Mussolini

Pros: Stunning photography, first rate performances by the cast, enchanting story
Cons: Plot is a little too contrived and characters lack depth

This semi-autobiographical story by Italian Director Franco Zeffirelli (Romeo and Juliet), is a highly entertaining account of the shift of Florence in the late 1930's and early 1940's from a haven for art and culture, to a haven for the Fascist ...

Pros: Sensational actresses and a gentle story...
Cons: ...but probably a little too slow for some.

This quintessential Englishwoman in Tuscany film was a surprise find of mine. I'm a huge fan of that English School of Acting which largely comprises of arched eyebrows and caustic one liners so it was with giggling glee that I picked up this movie one ...

Pros: Cher returns to the screen, and is the best thing going
Cons: Zeffirelli's personal story is too personal to be interesting

The jaw-dropping volume of talent, per frame, that is contained in the film TEA WITH MUSSOLINI almost demands a great review, at least for the casting agent. Any movie that brings together the talents of Cher, Dench, Smith, Tomlin and Plowright should be...

Pros: Happy ending; seeing someone portray Mussolini, which you don't see every day
Cons: Slow, slow, slow, predictable dialogue...did I say slow?

You're in a small town, with one theater, and it's not one of the two days that the flick is showing. (Besides, you've already seen the film...on the upside it only costs $2.50!) What to do? Head to Video Connection to take in something you missed on...

Pros: Very well done film with great acting
Cons: A little under 2 hours

This is a must see video - a great film to share with a good friend or someone that needs a relief from the harsh reality of life. Cher stars in the great film about 5 women who live in an Italian town that is on the brink of Mussolini's war. Once...

Pros: the grand dames
Cons: Cher

If you love the grand dames of British film - Judi Dench, Joan Plowright and Maggie Smith - you will love Tea with Mussolini.

Although not as good as Life is Beautiful and Enchanted April - which it is advertised to be a combo of - this is a...

Pros: aimed for the mature, art-house crowd
Cons: aimed for the mature, art-house crowd

Based on Franco Zeffirelli's own childhood in Florence, this comedy-drama tells the story of the five extraordinary women who care of Luca, a boy born out of wedlock, while resisting the madness of war that sweeps over Europe during the '30s and...

Pros: Terrific performances by the female stars.
Cons: Italian villains too stereotyped.

In the blue corner - three marvellous English eccentrics played by Maggie Smith, Judy Dench and Joan Plowright. In the red corner - the Americans, played by Cher and Lily Tomlin. The result? All play their parts extraordinarily well, but the unanimous...

Pros: cher gives a magnificent performance as an american jew, first lauded, then hunted by wartime italy.
Cons: it's a true story, so they all died...or will.

this was a fabulous movie. too often, true stories take a quick dip into the terribly interesting and then quickly turn down the long road of boredom. this story kept my interest the whole way through. i was livid when the movie was over, wanting to...

Pros: Superb characterizations. Lightly spiced with danger, love, and betrayal.
Cons: Period piece. Historical portrayal of Italy during WWW II.

Strangely enough this film struck me as a Slice of Life movie; assuming your "life" is in Florence, Italy during the reign of Mussolini and the Fascists.

Its strength rests on the characters, played flawlessly in their infinite...

Pros: a chance to see some great actresses doing what they do best
Cons: it's a war film

What a great idea. Cast a bunch of old war horses like Judi Dench, Joan Ploughwright and Maggie Smith along with the likes of Cher, let them chew up the scenery and you've got a first rate movie.

Although "Tea with Mussolini"...

Pros: Great character development
Cons: This is not an "Action" film!

"Tea With Mussolini" offers a fresh look at World War Two through the eyes of a young child who comes of age, and a group of ladies (British and America) who love living in Italy.

You will love the cast! Cher, makes a great...

Pros: Great acting and gripping plot
Cons: starts slow

I was reluctant to see this movie, because, based on the ads, I assumed it was nothing more than the typical, highbrow British period piece/chick flick. So, when I was compelled to go by my significant other, my expectations were quite low. Suffice it...

Pros: Great cast, costumes, set, music
Cons: Insufficient character development of several key characters

I was drawn to the movie when I realized Cher was cast. I've been a follower of her movie career. When I began to watch the movie, however, and realized the size of the prestigious cast, I was thrilled.
The film is certainly for women who like to...

Pros: Enjoyable, just settle in and watch
Cons: Not for the hyper

I liked Tea with Mussolini. I enjoy watching period pieces, and I learn from most of them, because while movie makers exaggerate and present imaginative solutions to biographical and historical events, when it comes to the locale, customs and clothes...