When the heart aches for beauty, and the spirit wants something that reminds us of the benefits of the free-fall, of just going for broke in pursuit of the things you know you need to survive -love, a companion you can trust, a safe place, a hobby, a chance to sink into all that is natural, and good, and the opportunity to grab someone back from the brink, or be grabbed yourself- then there is no better film to watch than Mike Newell’s gorgeous 1992 film, Enchanted April.
“You shouldn’t be too independent, that people have no chance to be generous.”
That’s one of the many startling truths in a film that serves up truth on a platter of staggering loveliness. Some scenes remind me of exquisitely wrought Georges Seurat paintings.
I first saw the film during a Catholic women’s retreat; while watching I filled two pages with notes but still managed to gasp, over and over, at the sheer beauty of the landscape and the perfect camerawork that brings us the sienna-sepia tones of dreary, brown London, and then the shimmering hues that radiate under the Italian sun. And looking at my notes, later, I found a great deal to ponder, and some very sensible instruction, to boot.
Also, I came to find all of the women in the film beautiful (Joan Plowright’s coal-black eyes, particularly when they twinkle; there is nothing like them), and all of the men heroic, in their own ways. A very satisfying film.
For a while after the retreat, whenever my husband had a new admin or wanted to thank a woman at work for her help, I would make a basket, containing a bottle of wine, some bath salts, a nice candle, and this film. I called it a “Retreat in a Basket.” Everyone who received it would tell him (or me) that they’d fallen in love with the film.
My husband likes it, too. We both find it restful and pretty and true.
Happily, the thing is on You Tube, if you don’t mind watching it on your computer. This is scene 4 of 11, the breathtaking moment when two English women, stuck in dry marriages they have themselves helped to stagnate, divest themselves of everything familiar -that they know and rely on- and arrive in dark, stormy San Salvatore, where life opens up for them, renews and restores them (and their relationships).
Enjoy. I hope this will make you want to watch the whole thing, and make a little retreat for yourself.
Related: A six day Online Retreat
Ok, you pushed me over the edge… (smile), I just ordered it. I’ve had it on my wish list since it came out in DVD. When it was in the theaters I saw it four times. It’s a wonderful, wonderful little film filled with hope. Thank you!
This really is a great movie – I loved it! Made me want to go rent a castle in Italy with the girlfriends. Such different women in such different circumstances – yeah – great movie!
The retreat baskets are a very good idea.
The book is good too!
I LOVED this movie, and it was one even watched with my mom before she died. Thanks for reminding me of it; can’t wait to watch it again.
p.s. Are You Tube movies free?
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Oh my – this is one of my fave movies, and my husband as well. There is something so restorative and uplifting about watching it.
I love the scene where one of the ladies, Mrs. Arbuthnot, has as she lays on her back in the water – her voice over talks about “letting her thoughts slip sideways”.
The number of times I have sought escape from turmoil in that movie…it is breathtaking in every way possible.
We also had the privilege of seeing it on stage in Hartford, CT at the wonderful Hartford Stage Company. Eventually that production when to Broadway and won a Tony Award for set design.
They changed the set from the dreary London to the airy Italy during intermission. It’s the only time I’ve given the set change a standing ovation – as did the rest of the theater. I have heard they did the same thing on Broadway.
If you love the movie, you will love the book it’s adapted from! It’s in the public domain, so it’s on Gutenberg; it’s a public domain audiobook at Librivox; and of course a variety of publishers will sell it to you in all sorts of formats.
It’s like a little vacation, especially in the dead of winter.
Thanks Anchoress! I have loved Enchanted April since I stumbled upon it while channel surfing a couple of years ago. What a great surprise.
I also like the juxtaposition of stuffy England and lovely Florence in the film “A Room With a View.” The whole film is charming and funny.
What is it about Italy, anyway?
I was wonderfully fortunate in April 2007 to play the role of Lottie in a local production of “Enchanted April.” It remains my favorite role. The script was lovely and it was a privilege to be able to help bring it to life. I made two dear friends, fellow actresses in the play, Rose and Lady Caroline to be specific, and we remain close today. I’d highly recommend viewing the film to anyone who hasn’t seen it. It is restful and uplifting and showcases four wonderful actresses.
Just what I needed, on a surpassingly dreary wet day. Thanks for the lift!
A completely redemptive movie. A counselor of mine recommended it years ago. Glad to see others have discovered it as well. Thanks for the reminder.
Thanks for reminder. I have this on tape. Going to save it for an especially dreary weekend.
Thank you so much. I watched it this morning (after reading this post), curled up on my couch, recovering from a short illness. Made me want to buy flowers and writer letters and cook spaghetti. =) Enchanted April has been with me all day. All day. I might even watch it again this evening. This time to take notes.
I love this movie! The scene when Rose and Lottie first wake up in Italy and walk outside into the sunshine and flowers always reminds me of when Dorothy stepped from the drab world of Kansas into the colorful world of Oz. Just breathtaking.
Thank you, dear Anchoress. A treat indeed! I watched part of it this afternoon while the girls were napping and the baby was nursing. Swept away to Italy. Finished it just now as I was putting the baby to bed.
What a delightful way to watch a movie. It never required a commitment of more than ten minutes so I was able to just nibble a bit and then a bit more and before I knew it I was at the end. I’d never have sat down to watch the entire film because I know I don’t have time to watch a movie. Except evidently I really do.
I have a list of movies-to-see, and this is now on it; thanks for the recommendation. I also noticed that one of the actresses is Josie Lawrence – she’s great on the British improv comedy show Whose Line Is It Anyway (and I know she’s also performed Shakespeare and other theater too – a talented woman).
Thank you for this “retreat-in-a-YouTube”! I meant to just check it out last night, and ended up watching the whole thing just before bed. I felt *different* when I woke up this morning, as if I myself had woken up in Italy, or had just come back from some time spent there. Wonderful.
CV, you asked, “What is it about Italy, anyway?” This morning, I pondered the whole English-in-Italy phenomenon, what being in Italy seems to do for people. And here’s what I think: It’s not Italy that changes people; but Italy *allows* people to change, gives them permission to give themselves the freedom to experience change.
My favorite line (well, the one that jumped out and grabbed me by the shoulders): “I had this obsession with justice, you see. I wouldn’t love Mellersh unless he loved me back exactly as much. And as he didn’t, neither did I.” Much to think about….
Thank you for sharing this great movie with us! I’ve watched it twice in the past few days, and may watch it again tonight with my husband, who has been hearing about it all weekend.
Another good movie for reflecting, coping with life, and beautiful English scenery is “The Shellseekers” with Angela Landsbury.