Under the Tuscan Sun

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Under the Tuscan Sun

PG-13

2003

1h 53m

Romance

Comedy

Drama

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Popcornmeter

62%

Tomatometer

152 Reviews

78%

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50,000+ Ratings

When Frances Mayes (Diane Lane) learns her husband is cheating on her from a writer whom she gave a bad review, her life is turned upside down. In an attempt to bring her out of a deep depression, her best friend, Patti (Sandra Oh), encourages Frances to take a tour of Italy. During the trip, the new divorcée impulsively decides to purchase a rural Tuscan villa and struggles to start her life anew amid colorful local characters, including the handsome Marcello (Raoul Bova).

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Critics Consensus

Though formulaic and superficial, Under the Tuscan Sun is redeemed by Lane's vibrant performance.

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Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

Not much for teens in this book adaptation.

Rated: 4/5

Dec 29, 2010

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Sara Michelle Fetters

MovieFreak.com

And while the movie gets a bit too cute and cloying at times, especially when it dips into tired sentimentality, Lane carries it all marvelously, lighting up the screen with one of the year's best performances.

Rated: 3/4

Dec 15, 2005

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Rex Reed

Observer

The epitome of what a feel-good movie is supposed to be but rarely is, this one is beautiful to look at and life-affirming to think about, and it doesn't have a pretentious bone in its head.

Oct 16, 2003

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

A warm and luminous film.

Rated: 3/4

May 31, 2023

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Leigh Paatsch

Herald Sun (Australia)

See it only for the spectacular scenery provided by the gorgeous geography of provincial Italy, and the ever-radiant beauty of Diane Lane.

Rated: 2.5/5

Jul 31, 2020

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Debbie Lynn Elias

Behind The Lens

Despite its scripted flaws, Under the Tuscan Sun is the fairy tale that speaks to the hopeful romantic in us all.

Rated: 3.5/5

Nov 3, 2019

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Rob A

A well cast Diane Lane frolics around Italy - without a visa mind you - flirting with men clearly much younger than she in this breezy, albeit dated, adult drama. It's an easy watch for it's target audience.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

09/08/25

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Audience Member

This is actually one of my favorite movies, and it made me realize how much of a hopeless romantic i am! also love the scenery and the performance of the actress, it was perfect

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

08/08/25

Full Review

thiago s

Filme fraco, o roteiro é fraco, as cenas são fracas, a história é fraca, o elenco é fraco, e ninguém ajuda a melhorar o filme, os personagens são fracos, e o filme deveria ter cenas bem melhores e relevantes, para fazer o filme ser bom

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

06/19/25

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Audience Member

Not an out and out bad movie. But it is for a certain demographic. Seeing Italy and its great culture was a highlight. Diane Lane was also good and has a bright look about her that makes her work well in this movie. The problem with the movie is it is duller than I would like. Not terrible and probably even enjoyable if you like this type of movie, in the same vein as Eat, Pray, Love.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

06/07/25

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Ana G

I liked this movie. is My favorite Classic movie

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/17/25

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Lanfranco C

How the Americans imagine Italy.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

05/01/25

Full Review

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Audrey Wells

Director

Diane Lane

Frances Mayes

Sandra Oh

Patti

Lindsay Duncan

Katherine

Vincent Riotta

Martini

Raoul Bova

Marcello

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Synopsis

When Frances Mayes (Diane Lane) learns her husband is cheating on her from a writer whom she gave a bad review, her life is turned upside down. In an attempt to bring her out of a deep depression, her best friend, Patti (Sandra Oh), encourages Frances to take a tour of Italy. During the trip, the new divorcée impulsively decides to purchase a rural Tuscan villa and struggles to start her life anew amid colorful local characters, including the handsome Marcello (Raoul Bova).

Director: Audrey Wells
Producer: Audrey Wells, Tom Sternberg
Screenwriter: Audrey Wells, Audrey Wells, Frances Mayes
Distributor: Buena Vista Pictures
Production Co: Touchstone Pictures, Blue Gardenia Productions, Timnick Films
Rating: PG-13 (Sexual Content|Language)
Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 26, 2003, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 18, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $43.6M
Runtime: 1h 53m
Sound Mix: Dolby SR, DTS, Dolby Stereo, Surround, SDDS, Dolby A, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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