Reviewed by Victor Rebikoff.
Director: Audrey Wells, Touchstone Pictures, M 113 Minutes.
This charming romantic comedy is based on American author Frances Mayes celebrated novel of the same name and brought to the big screen by ‘Guinevere’ director Audrey Wells after casting Diane Lane (‘Man of Steel’) as the author Frances.
When her husband suddenly decides to file for divorce-to marry his mistress-Frances’ steady life is turned upside down compelling her to accept the offer from best friend Patti (Sandra Oh – ‘Sideways’) to take a bus tour of Tuscany in Italy.
It is while touring in Tuscany Frances impulsively leaves the tour to find a rundown villa which requires extensive repairs and then on the spur of the moment decides to purchase it as her new home.
With the help of the friendly real estate agent Martini (Vincent Riotta – ‘Unstoppable’) Frances manages to assemble a crew of locals comprising mainly of immigrants who are willing to do the work to repair her house.
Besides making friends with Katherine (Lindsay Duncan – ‘About Time’) a local busybody she also becomes attracted to Marcello (Raoul Bova – ‘The Tourist’) the handsome and affluent Italian with whom she wastes no time in developing a romantic relationship.
Over the next year with the work on her house nearing completion Frances is able to welcome her close friend Patti who is now pregnant and together spend time experiencing the beauty of the Tuscan countryside.
After finally restoring her home Francis eventually discovers the fulfilment she has been seeking for some time in a place found under the Tuscan sun as well as a new love with a charming young man.
Wells has directed and written a well-developed script for only her second major feature film instilling an enjoyable storyline filled with all the essential ingredients and having her motion picture shot in Italy-predominantly amidst the beautiful countryside in Tuscany.
In particular it is Mayes’ story of love lost and then found in a faraway place where she could make a fresh start following her earlier marriage breakdown.
Apart from the stunning cinematic settings is the perfectly-pitched performance of Lane whose portrayal of Mayes is the major highlight in this enjoyable and entertaining production.
Under The Tuscan Sun is set to be televised on Channel 7flix at 8.30PM on Friday 25 September.
Vic’s Verdict: 3 ½ Stars
