Enchanted April

PG

Released Jul 31, 1991

1 hr. 33 min.

Romance

Comedy

List

85%

33 Reviews

Tomatometer

84%

5,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

When married British women Rose Arbuthnot (Miranda Richardson) and Lottie Wilkins (Josie Lawrence) decide to take a break from their respective spouses, they stay at a castle in Italy for a quiet holiday. Joining the ladies is Caroline Dester (Polly Walker), a young socialite, and Mrs. Fisher (Joan Plowright), an older aristocrat. Liberated from their daily routines, the four women ease into life in rural Italy, and each finds herself transformed by the experience.

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Critics Consensus

Mike Newell's adaptation of Elizabeth von Arnim's moves at a more generous pace than the 1935 version, allowing excellent performances from Miranda Richardson and Joan Plowright to flourish.

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Alec B

The best thing here is how the movie completely understands the fantasy of renting an Italian villa to escape and reset one's life. The ending is a little silly but the cast sells the hell out of it.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/21/24

Full Review

Mary f

This movie is a delightful adaptation of the book. Great casting.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/23/23

Full Review

Caroline C

Between the World Wars, a handful of English women and men converge in Italy for the wisteria and sunshine there one April. The gentle beauty of this film and its characters' appeal have us, in our house, forever calling Alfred Molina "Mellersh", no matter how many bigger roles he might play.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/05/23

Full Review

StephenPaul C

LOL, the funniest 01 hour: and 33 minutes ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/07/23

Full Review

Maril C

All of the women who meet in Italy are oppressed, but by different things: Rose by her religion, Lottie by the role expectations of her husband, Caroline by the unwelcome sexual attention of men, Mrs. Fisher by history - mostly dead male literary figures. All of these types of oppression are created by male institutions of the dominant culture. Once out of their natural habitat, these women are free to unfold and discover who they are without these institutions. They also discover a kinship with the earth itself, which calls forth ancient spiritual Goddess ways. For instance, Rose becomes the rock - throws off her umbrella to embrace the sun. This is a layered, nuanced movie with much to say about and to women. Plus, of course, the beautiful natural settings, the witty dialogue, and period costumes. But my main point is that there's a lot more to this movie than would first appear.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

05/14/23

Full Review

Massoud H

I feel so happy and spiritually healthier each of the (many, *many*) times I have seen this movie.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/30/22

Full Review

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Mike Newell

Director

Miranda Richardson

Rose Arbuthnot

Joan Plowright

Mrs. Fisher

Alfred Molina

Mellersh Wilkins

Josie Lawrence

Lottie Wilkins

Polly Walker

Caroline Dester

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Straight Talk

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Mick LaSalle

San Francisco Chronicle

The film builds with ease and quiet confidence into something lovely.

Rated: 3/4

Jan 11, 2023

Full Review

Richard Corliss

TIME Magazine

In a raucous movie summer, this is a film for those who appreciate wisteria and sunshine, and a recollection of a time when women and movies could be purveyors of enchantment.

May 27, 2011

Full Review

Variety Staff

Variety

Strong cast's reliable playing is undercut by a script that dawdles over well-trod territory.

Jul 6, 2010

Full Review

Mark Jackson

Epoch Times

If you're considering marriage counseling, watch "Enchanted April." Instead of blaming your spouse, embrace the fact that your annoyance comes from you being reflected back to yourself. We can only change ourselves.

Rated: 3/5

Dec 30, 2019

Full Review

Owen McNally

Hartford Courant

What makes the magic work for the viewer is the exceptional individual performances as well as the fine ensemble efforts that director Mike Newell has orchestrated so beautifully.

Jan 28, 2019

Full Review

Eleanor Ringel Cater

Saporta Report (Atlanta)

A small sun-dappled pleasure of a film.

Jul 7, 2017

Full Review

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Synopsis

When married British women Rose Arbuthnot (Miranda Richardson) and Lottie Wilkins (Josie Lawrence) decide to take a break from their respective spouses, they stay at a castle in Italy for a quiet holiday. Joining the ladies is Caroline Dester (Polly Walker), a young socialite, and Mrs. Fisher (Joan Plowright), an older aristocrat. Liberated from their daily routines, the four women ease into life in rural Italy, and each finds herself transformed by the experience.

Director: Mike Newell
Executive Producer: Simon Relph, Mark Shivas
Screenwriter: Peter Barnes
Distributor: Miramax Films
Rating: PG
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 31, 1991, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 8, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $12.8M
Sound Mix: Surround, Stereo

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