Enchanted April Movie Review
The movie “Enchanted April” is a charming, beautifully made period piece that’s perfect for anyone who loves a touch of magic and happy endings. Directed by Mike Newell, this award-winning 1991 film, which received three Academy Award nominations, details the journey of four women from 1920s England who, feeling worn out by their mundane London lives, escape to a picturesque seaside villa in Italy for the month of April.
Set in a quaint medieval Italian castle called San Salvatore, these women find themselves transformed by the beautiful landscape and their new surroundings. With a stellar cast including Josie Lawrence, Miranda Richardson, Joan Plowright, Polly Walker, Jim Broadbent, Alfred Molina, and Michael Kitchen, “Enchanted April” brings Elizabeth von Arnim’s novel to life with unforgettable charm. Praised for its gorgeous costumes and richly detailed settings, mostly filmed at Castello Brown, this film has rightfully earned its place as a modern classic.
THE STORY
“Enchanted April” revolves around four very different English women who, looking to escape dreary London and their dull daily routines, rent an Italian villa. Mrs. Lotty Wilkins (played by Josie Lawrence) and Mrs. Rose Arbuthnot (played by Miranda Richardson) are at the center of the story. Both women feel unfulfilled and trapped in uninspiring marriages. When Lotty sees an ad in the London Times for the Italian villa, she impulsively decides to rent it and persuades Rose to join her.
Longing for adventure and freedom, they challenge the expectations of post-WWI society and their inattentive husbands by taking this trip. To help with expenses, they share the villa with Mrs. Fisher (played by Joan Plowright), a lonely woman in her sixties, and Lady Caroline Dester (played by Polly Walker), a beautiful but bored socialite.
In Italy, the women spend their days exploring the serene countryside and rediscovering themselves. The villa, imbued with a special magic, heals their marriages, fosters new friendships, and allows romance to bloom. The movie is a delightful journey that is both funny and heartwarming, leaving viewers uplifted.
MEMORABLE CHARACTERS AND STELLAR PERFORMANCES
LOTTE WILKINS
Josie Lawrence shines as Lotte Wilkins, infusing the character with wit and intelligence. Trapped in a loveless marriage to a stingy lawyer (Alfred Molina), Lotte’s journey to Italy allows her to rediscover her innate joyfulness and radiant optimism, ultimately finding her true self.
ROSE ARBUTHNOT
Miranda Richardson masterfully portrays the conflicted and broken Rose Arbuthnot, who is deeply disappointed by her unfaithful husband (Jim Broadbent). In Italy, Rose slowly rejuvenates under the Italian sun, finding beauty around her and sparking a renewed sense of life. Richardson’s performance earned her a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical.
MRS. FISHER
Joan Plowright perfectly embodies the Victorian Mrs. Fisher, bringing humor, warmth, and gravitas to the role. Initially chilly and snobbish, Mrs. Fisher finds her heart melting as she bonds with the other women, especially Lotte. Plowright’s performance earned her a Golden Globe and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
LADY CAROLINE DESTER
Polly Walker breathes life into Lady Caroline Dester, the beautiful socialite seeking a break from her attention-grabbing suitors. Walker captures Caroline’s wit and humanity, making her a character to root for. In Italy, Lady Caroline finds clarity in an unexpected way.
THE MEN
Alfred Molina portrays Lotte’s initially cold husband who transforms in Italy, revealing unexpected warmth and love. Jim Broadbent plays the unlikable Mr. Arbuthnot, seemingly unchanged until the scenic Italian backdrop prompts a change in his affection towards his wife, Rose. Michael Kitchen plays Mr. Briggs, the villa’s kind and romantic owner who becomes infatuated with Rose, adding an authentic touch of romance to the story.
THE FILMMAKING
“Enchanted April” is a visually stunning film, reminiscent of Merchant-Ivory productions like “A Room With a View” and “Howards End.” The screenplay, adapted by Peter Barnes, received an Oscar nomination, as did Sheena Napier for Best Costume Design. The cinematography is breathtaking, the production design authentic, and the score beautifully complements the film’s aesthetic. Director Mike Newell’s expert storytelling brings everything together, making the film a true delight.
ENCHANTED APRIL: BOOK VS FILM
The film is a faithful adaptation of Elizabeth von Arnim’s novel, closely mirroring the book’s dialogue and settings. However, some changes were made: a plot twist about Mr. Arbuthnot is revealed early in the film rather than later, and Mr. Briggs’ character is more romantically appealing in the movie.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
“Enchanted April” is a beautiful film that transports the audience to another time and place. The locations, costumes, and top-notch acting create a magical, captivating experience. Period drama fans should not miss this film, and anyone in need of an enchanting escape will find it delightful. It’s a must-see for its breathtaking performances and timeless story.
Content Note: PG (mild)
Where to Watch: Stream on Prime Video or rent/buy on Digital and DVD.
