Under the Tuscan Sun: A Movie Review

Diane Lane has starred in classic films such as Unfaithful, The Perfect Storm and Nights In Rodanthe, but my personal favorite is Under the Tuscan Sun, an uplifting story with a lot of heart.

Frances, played by Lane, moves to Tuscany on a whim after divorcing her husband.  It was supposed to just be a vacation, but it turned into a life changing experience.  With what money she has, Frances purchases a villa that needs major work.  She hires a crew of men, and here in this land far from home in the United States, these men begin to become her friends.

Patti is Frances' very pregnant friend, left behind in the States, and after her partner leaves her, Patti journeys to Tuscany to be near her friend.  Together, Patty and Frances lean on each other.  While Patti awaits the birth of her child, Frances falls for a dreamy Italian man.

But is he just a little too perfect?

Sometimes, love just doesn't work out.  Frances learns many life lessons and begins rebuilding her life.  Nobody ever said living had to stop at a certain age.  There is always time to pick up and start anew.

Brilliant acting, with Grey's Anatomy star Sandra Oh playing best friend Patti, and some of the most gorgeous pictures of landscapes of views in Italy.  A captivating and heartwarming film.  It's the type of movie that makes you feel good.

HIGHLY recommended.  One of the best.

When Frances is debating over the villa and the rather eccentric character, Katherine, an interesting lady living in Italy, asks her if she will buy it, Frances explains that it would be a terrible idea with how her life is going. Katherine replies, "Mmm, terrible ideas... Don't you just love those?"

And then, sorry, if this is a spoiler, but it's an amazing quote... The final lines: "Unthinkably good things can happen even late in the game. It's such a surprise."

Nobody can ever take your hope for a better tomorrow.

* Created October 18th, 2010 KG