Silvio Soldini's delightful comedy was a surprise when we first saw it in its original release. On second viewing recently, "Pane e Tulipani" looks still fresh. This is a film that seems to be telling us never be afraid to take a stand and to experiment. The film has the feeling of a travelogue because they way it starts, but in fact, it's more like a voyage of discovery.
When the film opens we see the Italian tour group at one of the ancient ruins in their country. As the trip continue, our eyes are set on the gorgeous Rosalba, the middle age woman who is among the passengers with her husband and two children. Soon we watch as the bus departing without Rosalba, who is late for it. She can't believe her eyes! The nerve of the husband and children! How dare them! Thus begins a trip in which Rosalba will discover what a sham her married life is. Instead of going home to Pescara, she decides to go to Venice. After all, she's never been there and on a whim she sets for the ancient city on the Adriatic. The next train will be the following day. She decides to play tourist.
When she goes to the Marco Polo restaurant, she meets the sad waiter, Fernando Girasoli. She has to do with a cold supper since the cook has been taken ill. This encounter proves to be the happiest thing that has ever happened to Rosalba. When she misses the train the following day, she goes back to the restaurant to eat. Since she doesn't have enough money, she asks Fernando if he knows of a place she can stay for the amount of money she still has. Fernando, in a kind gesture, lets her stay at his small apartment for the night.
Venice, alas, has played a trick on Rosalba. Suddenly she feels liberated from the doldrums of her married life. She is free to do what she pleases, whenever she wants, and calls home and tells them she is taking a vacation, after the kind Fermo, at the flower shop, has given her a job.
The arrival of Rosalba plays heavily on Fernando. He is a mysterious man who leads us into believing he is trying to end his life by committing suicide. Rosalba discovers things about Fernando, who, at the same time, is learning things about her. We watch as these two become closer. But suddenly, when the detective Rosalba's husband has sent to look for her, finds her, she goes home, resigned to go back to being a housewife to a husband that cheats on her and mother to children that don't appreciate her. That is, until she gets the pictures developed from all the key moments of her adventure, especially of her happy stay in Venice. We know what she will do next!
Mr. Soldini's film is greatly enhanced by Licia Maghetta, the intelligent actress portraying the middle aged wife. Ms. Maghetta wins us over because we realize she needs something else in her life. Bruno Ganz, a wonderful and resourceful actor, makes the most out of the taciturn Fernando. The film is worth seeing just to watch these two actors interact with one another. The rest of the cast is good.
This is a film that will warm one's heart.
When the film opens we see the Italian tour group at one of the ancient ruins in their country. As the trip continue, our eyes are set on the gorgeous Rosalba, the middle age woman who is among the passengers with her husband and two children. Soon we watch as the bus departing without Rosalba, who is late for it. She can't believe her eyes! The nerve of the husband and children! How dare them! Thus begins a trip in which Rosalba will discover what a sham her married life is. Instead of going home to Pescara, she decides to go to Venice. After all, she's never been there and on a whim she sets for the ancient city on the Adriatic. The next train will be the following day. She decides to play tourist.
When she goes to the Marco Polo restaurant, she meets the sad waiter, Fernando Girasoli. She has to do with a cold supper since the cook has been taken ill. This encounter proves to be the happiest thing that has ever happened to Rosalba. When she misses the train the following day, she goes back to the restaurant to eat. Since she doesn't have enough money, she asks Fernando if he knows of a place she can stay for the amount of money she still has. Fernando, in a kind gesture, lets her stay at his small apartment for the night.
Venice, alas, has played a trick on Rosalba. Suddenly she feels liberated from the doldrums of her married life. She is free to do what she pleases, whenever she wants, and calls home and tells them she is taking a vacation, after the kind Fermo, at the flower shop, has given her a job.
The arrival of Rosalba plays heavily on Fernando. He is a mysterious man who leads us into believing he is trying to end his life by committing suicide. Rosalba discovers things about Fernando, who, at the same time, is learning things about her. We watch as these two become closer. But suddenly, when the detective Rosalba's husband has sent to look for her, finds her, she goes home, resigned to go back to being a housewife to a husband that cheats on her and mother to children that don't appreciate her. That is, until she gets the pictures developed from all the key moments of her adventure, especially of her happy stay in Venice. We know what she will do next!
Mr. Soldini's film is greatly enhanced by Licia Maghetta, the intelligent actress portraying the middle aged wife. Ms. Maghetta wins us over because we realize she needs something else in her life. Bruno Ganz, a wonderful and resourceful actor, makes the most out of the taciturn Fernando. The film is worth seeing just to watch these two actors interact with one another. The rest of the cast is good.
This is a film that will warm one's heart.