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Enchanted April
By S. Jhoanna Robledo,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Elegant period film explores deep emotions.
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What you will—and won't—find in this movie.
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What's the Story?
Four women decide to share a castle in the Italian countryside for the month of April in this period dramedy set in the 1920s. Each one nurses a broken heart of sorts: The oldest of them, Mrs. Fisher (Joan Plowright), is sad to have survived so many of her friends and lovers; Rose Arbuthnot (Miranda Richardson) doesn't feel important to her husband (Jim Broadbent), who's enamored of a much younger, glamorous woman, Caroline Dester (Polly Walker). She, in turn, is tired of coasting on her beauty and wants to be appreciated for who she is and not what she looks like. Meantime, Lottie Wilkins (Josie Lawrence) wants a substantial relationship with her husband (Alfred Molina), instead of the subservient one she has now.
Is It Any Good?
Quiet and unassuming, Academy Award-nominated ENCHANTED APRIL nevertheless enthralls without having to rely on cinematic pyrotechnics like other, lesser movies do. No heavy-handed soundtrack to steer emotions, no special effects, not even a hint of melodrama or over-comedy. Instead, it presents, as is, its fundamental suggestion: that a complete change in scenery can reframe one's thoughts and emotions, sometimes to monumental effect. It's a simple enough premise, perhaps too simple for some movie-watchers. But there's no denying its truth. Plot can only go so far, however, and this film is successful for yet another reason -- its cast. The four female leads are spot on -- enchanting, one and all.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the women: What do they all have in common? What made them all want to share the chateau?
How are the men characterized in this film? Are they one-dimensional? Is that fair?
How is this film different from others about marital discord and female friendships? How is it like them?
Movie Details
- In theaters: July 31, 1992
- On DVD or streaming: May 5, 2009
- Cast: Alfred Molina , Jim Broadbent , Joan Plowright , Miranda Richardson , Polly Walker
- Director: Mike Newell
- Inclusion Information: Female actors
- Studio: Miramax
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Book Characters
- Run time: 93 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- MPAA explanation: some mild language
- Last updated: October 8, 2022
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