By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 2.75
Director: Silvio Soldini
Starring: Bruno Ganz | Licia Maglietta | Marina Massironi
Original language title: Pane e Tulipani
Country: italy, switzerland
Year: 2001
Running time: 114
IMDB: http://us.imdb.com/Details?0237539
Laura says: “As amusing as Costantino and his travails are, co-screenwriter (with Doriana Leondeff)/director Silvio Soldini spends way too much time following the hapless lug so that we almost forget about Rosalba. Fernando’s ‘mystery’ family (his daughter-in-law and grandson) are revealed for what they are so quickly one wonders why they were ever made mysterious. Rosalba’s fantastical dreams, where various characters appear in her bedroom, are too random and don’t work their way into the film’s texture. Fernando’s suicidal tendencies are treated as an aside, an important character distinction that could be missed by a trip to the concession stand..” 2 1/2 cats
“For Laura’s complete review: “http://www.reelingreviews.com/breadandtulips.htm”
Robin says: “The film that came to mind for comparison to BREAD AND TULIPS was the charming 1989 film, SHIRLEY VALENTINE, starring Pauline Collins in the title role. Both movies are about a middle-aged woman, under appreciated by her family, who has the chance to get away and rediscover her true self. For Rosalba, it means meeting people who accept her for who she is and caring for them out of desire, not responsibility. Maglietta doesn’t have the charismatic hold on the screen that Collins did, but is kind and likable in the role.” 3 cats
For Robin’s complete review: “http://www.reelingreviews.com/breadandtulips.htm”