Greenes Please don't spend money on this.

Ploydsge just watch it!

Inadvands Boring, over-political, tech fuzed mess

Nicole I enjoyed watching this film and would recommend other to give it a try , (as I am) but this movie, although enjoyable to watch due to the better than average acting fails to add anything new to its storyline that is all too familiar to these types of movies.

classicsoncall A thoroughly charming and introspective movie, focusing on a middle-aged man (Gianni di Gregorio) and a quartet of elderly ladies who move in to his tiny apartment in a trade with the administrator for falling behind on his condominium fees and rent. One of them is his mother, she was already there of course, and if I had to guess, the actress Valeria De Franciscis has to be one of the oldest, if not THE oldest woman ever to appear in a movie. And yet, she appeared in a couple more before she passed away earlier this year! As the story starts out, you don't feel very much empathy for Gianni as he appears to be lazy and almost a con man in the way he shirks his financial responsibilities. But as the picture progresses, and the overnight visitors arrive, it appears that Gianni has to work harder at being a good housekeeper than any salaried job might require. Yet he does it with such equanimity and good spirit that it's impossible to judge him as a ne'er do well.Though you wouldn't classify this film a comedy, there are a number of humorous moments that occur involving all the players. I got a kick out of Gianni spiking the chamomile to put the ladies to sleep so he could get some rest himself. Gianni's mother came up with that 'staff of command' business I never heard of before, and Marina was a hoot, getting frisky with Gianni and looking for a little naughty attention if I may be so bold to say. Grazia with her forbidden macaroni casserole was another comical event causing Gianni untold frustration in keeping all of these diverse personalities in check so they wouldn't over extend or hurt themselves.The finale had some bittersweet tenderness to accompany it, as the women, some of whom fell out of sorts with each other to begin with, wound up being best of friends who wanted to preserve their moment of happiness around the dinner table forever. With it's quiet denouement, the movie allows us to reflect on the passing of time and how growing older doesn't have to be a time of loneliness and sorrow, a lesson we all expect to face some day.

sweety_pi Don't miss this cozy film about life with ordinary adults but guess what, they show us that we can be extraordinary and beautiful.I wanted to be part of the lives portrayed - - if not a full-time member of this little society at least part-time.I loved the late, great Jerry Orbach and Gianni Di Gregorio is the Italian Jerry Orbach. Wonderful portrayal of a human living to be his best.Enough edge and anticipation to make the movie realistic. A wonderful story of people who want to live and know how to live right.Beautiful light, great direction and cinematography.Go on! Brave the sub-titles. It's worth every second.

paul2001sw-1 This gentle movie, about a middle-aged man left caring for some elderly relatives (and non-relatives) during a public holiday, is notable for some fine performances from a truly aged cast; at least one member was 94 when the film was made. It's quite perceptive about the way that old people interact; and it's younger male lead (played by the writer and director) is also shrewdly drawn. What there isn't is any real plot beyond the set-up: there's almost unlimited potential for disaster here, but none of it ultimately happens. The result is mild, in places amusing, but something short of riveting: rather like visiting an elderly aunt's for tea.

gradyharp Writer/director Gianni Di Gregorio is also the star of this delightful little film about loneliness, tolerance, and seeing the silver lining. The film glows with a richness of spirit that is very satisfying and humorous and uplifting. Apparently Pranzo di Ferragosto (or Feast of Assumption) is that holiday in mid august when all Italians head for the shore so get away from the heat. Gianni lives in Rome with his very elderly and demanding mother (Valeria De Franciscis), broke, with mounting tabs at the grocers and the winery, but he prides himself in his culinary skills with which he keeps his mother satisfied. He spends his days whopping and sipping wine with his old friend Viking (Luigi Marchetti). When his friend and condo manager Alfonso (Alfonso Santagata) pays a visit to remind Gianni how he is behind in his rent and obligations for the condo, Gianni is depressed but Alfonso has a plan: take care of his mother (Marina Cacciotti) during the weekend of Pranzo di Ferragosto and Gianni's debts will be forgiven. Gianni agrees as does his mother, but when Alfonso arrives with his mother in tow he also brings his aunt (Maria Cali) who also needs a place to stay in Alfonso's absence. The local doctor (Marcello Ottolenghi) pays a house call to check on Gianni and his mother and in passing asks Gianni to look after HIS mother (Grazia Cesarini Sforza), too. This leaves Gianni with a full house, a shared television, minimal beds, but they all make do and with the help of his old friend Viking the two to entertain the three old ladies. They cook a fine mid-August meal and the old lades dress up and dance, having more fun than they have had since their youth. It is a slight story but one told with a warmth and compassion that is endearing to experience. For light but tender entertainment this film is a major winner! Grady Harp