Tea with Mussolini
Uplifting WWII drama has some violence but positive themes.
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Tea with Mussolini
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Tea with Mussolini is a heartwarming wartime drama with strong role models, positive messages, and plenty of gentle humor, but also some mild threat and violence. The movie stars a number of high-profile actors -- including Cher, Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, and Joan Plowright -- as a group of friends who take care of a young boy in Italy during World War II. Friendship, loyalty, and bravery are key themes, and the overarching tone is optimistic. But the dangers of war and the fear of fascism are made clear throughout. Several scenes show soldiers being intimidating and aggressive, brandishing weapons, and tanks rolling through towns and countryside. One particularly tense and dramatic scene has characters against a wall as a solider fires his gun, hitting the wall and narrowly missing them. A pet dog experiences a few anxious moments, but survives and is much loved. As befits the time period, a number of the characters are seen smoking. There is also some depiction of drinking, but never to excess. In one scene, a teen is seen drinking Champagne and smoking. Dramatic tension, violence, and language -- including "bastard" and "son of a bitch" -- make this movie best suited to teens and above, but mature younger viewers might appreciate the beautifully told historical story and positive characters.
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What's the Story?
TEA WITH MUSSOLINI follows a group of British and American ladies living in Florence between 1935 and 1944, and their relationship with a local boy called Luca (Charlie Lucas, and later Baird Wallace). Disowned by his father, Luca goes to live with kindly Mary Wallace (Joan Plowright) and is taken under the wing of her eclectic set of friends, known as the "Scorpioni." As the political situation in Italy deteriorates, Lady Hester (Maggie Smith) -- one of the Scorpioni and the widow of the former British Ambassador -- takes tea with "Il Duce" Mussolini (Claudio Spadaro), convincing herself that she and her friends are now under his personal protection. But when the war progresses, the ladies are arrested and held in custody, putting their American Jewish friend Elsa (Cher) in terrible danger. Now a teen, Luca must risk everything to help the Scorpioni -- the only real family he has.
Is It Any Good?
A semi-autobiographical story inspired by the childhood of director Franco Zeffirelli, this touching drama gives a small but nonetheless moving insight into life in Italy during World War II. Seen from the perspective of English and American expats -- several in their senior years -- Tea with Mussolini is an original take on the familiar story of political upheaval, discrimination, and fear. As you might expect from a movie about a group of elderly ladies, the pace -- at least to begin with -- is unhurried. But that doesn't mean it's not engaging. These dowagers and spinsters are full of life, enjoying a spirited banter and not taking any nonsense -- even from "Il Duce" himself. Eccentric, artistic Arabella (Judi Dench); uptight, sharp-tongued Lady Hester (Smith); and kind, selfless Mary (Plowright) may be free and easy with their English upper-class privilege, but it's nicely balanced by their American counterparts: straight-talking Georgie (Lily Tomlin) and fun, feisty Elsa (Cher). Cultural stereotypes abound, but this doesn't make their droll chemistry and quick wits any less charming.
With Florence as its backdrop and numerous scenes set in elegant tea rooms, art galleries, or cathedrals, the movie is visually beautiful and historically compelling. And as the war progresses, so too does the pace of this deceptively gentle story. As the tension rises, our characters muster all their courage to unite against injustice, and we're rewarded with an uplifting -- if largely implausible -- ending.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the different ways people were affected by World War II in Tea with Mussolini. Did you think this movie gave an accurate insight into wartime? Did it inspire you to find out more about this period in history? How to talk to kids about violence, crime, and war.
With a cast almost entirely led by female actors, this movie has lots of positive role models. Which of the main characters stand out for you? Who displays traits like courage, empathy, or teamwork?
Talk about the concept of cultural stereotypes. Aristocratic Lady Hester is uptight, judgmental, and obsessed with good manners. She looks down on fun-loving, glamorous Elsa, dismissing her as a vulgar American. Do you think these stereotypes reflect the era of this movie, or do they still exist?
Movie Details
- In theaters: May 14, 1999
- On DVD or streaming: November 23, 1999
- Cast: Maggie Smith, Judi Dench, Cher
- Director: Franco Zeffirelli
- Studios: G2 Films, MGM Home Entertainment
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Friendship, Great Girl Role Models, History
- Character Strengths: Courage, Empathy, Teamwork
- Run time: 117 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- MPAA explanation: thematic elements, language, brief nudity and some mild violence
- Last updated: April 29, 2022
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