Movie Review : Bread and Tulips (Pane e tulipani)

Rating : 8.5/10
Language : Italian
Year : 2000

As I’ve said before, owing to Netflix, I am now watching films I wouldn’t have ordinarily picked out in a retail movie store. I’m not looking to read subtitles, although do have the propensity to watch “good” films from other languages (as a kid, spent many afternoons watching regional Indian films on Doordarshan). Still, have never ever walked into a local movie store and walked out with a foreign film, have you ?

Anyway, looking through the “streaming” films the other day, came across two that I thought would be interesting, and one I watched – the Italian “Pane e tulipani” or “Bread and Tulips”. Not a very romantic title, but it is a romantic film, with nice, comforting doses of humor.

Rosalba Barletta, a put-upon late-30ish housewife is on a vacation with her family. When she is delayed in the rest-room at a particular tour-bus stop, her family and the bus leaves without her. Miffed at the fact that her family has not missed her at all, Rosalba nevertheless answers her husband’s (Antonio Catania) phone 2 hours later, and agrees to wait for them at the stop. However she decides to hitch-hike back home, with a friendly woman, and later with a driver who is on his way to Venice. On the spur of the moment Rosalba goes to Venice with him, and there, seeks out lodging and food. When the next day, Rosalba misses the train which is to take her back home, she is not too upset. She thinks she might stay a little while longer . . .

This was such a wonderful film – well-directed and beautifully acted. The major attraction in this film is its heroine, Rosalba. Luminously played by Licia Magilietti (who looks a like a mix of Annette Bening and Marissa Tomei). Rosalba has an endearing personality, a mostly positive outlook and a friendly, helpful demeanor. In her hurt and bewilderment at being so totally taken for granted by her family, you totally get her. And you sympathize with her and root for her as she acts out her indignation. The other characters are also wonderfully sketched; there is the morose yet dignified waiter of the Italianian eatery, Fernando (Bruno Ganz) with his flowery, round-a-bout way of saying things, the friendly bindi-clad masseuse Grazie (Marina Massironi), the grouchy florist Fermo (Felice Andreasi) and the plumber/detective Constantino (Giuseppe Battiston).

“Bread and tulips” succeeds because it has a kind way about it. It is story told with humor, quirkiness and hinges upon the hope and unbidden desires which you did not know you had. Silvio Soldini delivers a gentle crowd-pleaser.

Highly recommended.