Popular reviews

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  Review by Darren Carver-Balsiger ★★★½

  Mid-August Lunch is a comedy of frustrations, told in a deadpan manner. It is very small in scale but utterly charming because of that. It's just quietly without pretension. All of which allows Mid-August Lunch to be delightful, pleasant, and wholesome, even if it's rarely exceptional.

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  Review by James 🇺🇦 ★★★½

  Gianni Di Gregorio's directorial debut is exceedingly modest, in both runtime and aspirations yet demonstrates a refined subtlety and nuance in every aspect. It totally lacks any kind of pretension and finds warmth and humanity in its characters who are treated with respect in showcasing them as more than just elderly women. The comedy isn't laugh out loud but it made me chuckle at the most unexpected aspects.

  The almost non-existent plot and apparent aimlessness of the insignificant narrative won't win over everyone but Gregorio isn't attempting to make any bold statements or revelations, instead he creates an adorable and kind hearted mood piece of realism, set in one small Roman flat in high summer over a few days leading up to the titular Ferragosto lunch.

  Mid-August Lunch won't change your life but it will charm your socks off and probably make you hungry.

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  Review by Neal Miller ★★★½

  This was a simple story with a sit-com style premise, but the performances were all quite natural and there was a surprising tenderness to the characters. There were some genuine laughs, too.

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  Review by Omar ★★½

  Yeah these 2 minutes outside the tavern summarize my conversations

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  Review by Lorenzo Pedrazzi ★★★½ 1

  The relationship that Italian men have with their mothers is the reason why Italy is the way it is. Interpret this the way you want.

  
  Ho fatto centinaia di pranzi nella provincia di Roma e Frosinone, per me sto film è un documentario. Donna Valeria parla esattamente come mia nonna, mi fa impressione.
  P.S.: Ma quanto è bello il nostro paese? Possiamo dirlo con franchezza? Anche Roma, città così poco vista nel nostro audiovisivo.

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  Review by Chloe ★★★½

  Feather-light, funny and charming. Made with palpable affection for its older cast. I liked this very much.

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  Review by hiruko ★★★★

  Poor Gianni. His full time job is taking care of his elderly mother. Unfortunately that doesn’t pay. With mounting bills, things aren’t looking too rosy. On the eve of a national holiday his landlord stops by to discuss his growing debt. Maybe he can let things slip if Gianni were willing to take care of his aging mother for a couple of days. Reluctantly he agrees. Next thing you know the landlord’s aunt is part of the package deal too. And when Gianni’s doctor stops by during a house call? Yep, if Gianni could look after his mother while he works the night shift at the hospital during this holiday weekend. Before you know it, Gianni the eternally gracious host…

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  Review by Jay D 's Watching ★★★½

  you can choose your creditors, but you can't choose your family.

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  Review by russman ★★½

  That's an interesting way to make tea

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  Review by SergioEavesDropping ★★★½

  Una rondine non fa primavera 

  Los italianos toman el cappuccino solo para el desayuno. Después de comer, el café debe ser espresso. Jamás de los jamases pedir un cappucino para el aperitivo. Absolutamente no. Es cierto que “le polpete” son italianas. Pero el sabor, por supuesto, depende de la región. Sin hacer nada por las terrazas italianas uno aprende el significado de la “procraispirazione”. Y es que con tanto “dolce far niente” uno acaba por estar inspirado. El romano no paga el autobús. En realidad se paga, pero nadie lo hace.

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  Review by Karina ★★★★½

  Oh to be an elderly Italian woman living the rest of her days bossing around her son

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  Review by rachelswanson ★★★★

  Incredible film. Peaceful. Light. A happy place film. Why am I not in italy right now wandering around with a wine glass