Location, not Tuscany but Liguria (Portofino); writing; musical score and impecable acting. Amanda Richardson and Joan Plowright are incapable of putting a foot wrong, but they are by no means left to carry the day alone, and it is impossible to list the various actors in order of merit. At first sight, Polly Walker might seem the weak link in the chain, but she is perfectly cast as the languid, and worldworn aristo, turning in a sterling performance.

The Italian cast are also worthy of mention, and we are left (as is proper) to get the drift of their Italian, or not, and there is plenty of it! The boiler scene is a classic (btw - pericoloso means dangerous).

Classic quote (Mrs. Fisher): "[in my day]..husbands were taken seriously, as the only real impediment to sin."

This film is a MUST HAVE, but don't buy it on video - wait until it is available on DVD. My ropey copy was taped from the TV and requires replacing. It is a disgrace that this, and many another fine production, has not yet been issued on DVD. We all have VCR's, but who wants to buy videos any more?? The BBC seem particularly guilty in this respect.

Amazon please note: can't you log customer DVD searches and exert pressure so that they are released in the UK? The American market is much better served in this respect.


Enchanting viewing   February 15, 2004
 22 out of 23 found this review helpful

I have watched Enchanted April on many occasions and it never fails to surprise and captivate me. The relationship between the two main characters (Lotty and Rose) is so sympathetically written and played by Josie Lawrence and Miranda Richardson that one is left with the feeling that anything in life is possible. The Tuscan backdrop and the superb acting from the entire cast make this a film that has to be watched again and again. Enchanted April makes you laugh and cry at the same time and leaves you really caring about what happens to every single one of the characters. As the title suggests this film takes you to a most enchanting place.


A movie with pericoloso and understanding   November 15, 2003
 5 out of 8 found this review helpful

Over the years some people become more fun and interesting. On the other hand some become staunch and passionless. Seems that Lottie (Josie Lawrence) picked the latter to marry. One day at her club she sees an advertisement to rent an Italian villa for a month she shows this to a friend Rose (Miranda Richardson) and offers to share the cost.
This leads to a great adventure with the beautiful Italian villa "San Salvatore."
The story is well written and could have made a good play as it has all the elements of understanding and misunderstanding. Even some explosive scenes.
There all the characters, looking for a retreat from life, find each other again; for some the first time. You will find yourself wanting it to go on.


Wisteria and Sunshine   May 9, 2003
 9 out of 9 found this review helpful

Enchanted April is simply a wonderful film, filled with quiet romance and the mystery of life, and love. Watching this film is like watching a beautiful flower bloom from the most miniscule, dew covered bud. There is a charm and warmth found here that is sadly missing in film today.

When an ad is placed in the paper offering a vacation of wisteria and sunshine at a castle by the sea in Italy, two Englishwomen, Lottie (Josie Lawrence) and Rose (Miranda Richardson), who are friends from church, leave their mates behind to join two other women for an April to remember. Joan Plowright is delightful as the elderly Mrs. Fisher, who begins to live again under the spell of wisteria and sunshine. But it is beautiful Polly Walker’s portrayel of Caroline Hester, with her magic eyes and Louise Brooks look, that nearly steals the show.

The internal musings of Lottie and Rose prompt both women to do the unthinkable and send for their husbands, bringing humorous and unexpected events to this April on the Riviera. Each will begin to find inner happiness and a rebirth of love. Even Few films have the depth to sooth the soul and leave you feeling good about life like this magical film. Take your own enchanted holiday by picking this up as soon as you can.


WONDERFUL   March 13, 2003
 2 out of 2 found this review helpful

A wonderful film with wonderful acting and a wonderful story, it is one of those films that has such a profound meaning that it is hard to describe what a joy it is to watch, four lonely women who are all opposites in character and lifestiles take a trip to Italy to get away from the unhapy lives they lead in London, what they find in the Italian sunshine is as much of a surprise to the viewer as it is to the characters ... nothing i can say will prepare you for this wonderful story, watch it ... it's a must !