Once upon a time ago, I probably watched Under the Tuscan Sun. The movie is 17 years old already, and I am a sucker for a good romantic comedy. Then I met my wife, who adores this movie. For Christmas one year, I bought her the book the movie is based upon.
As I’ve mentioned in a handful of previous reviews, I love to watch Diane Lane in any kind of story. This time around, we find her suffering through a messy divorce (something she’s quite familiar with playing on the big screen). On a whim, she agrees to buy a house in Tuscany as a means to coup and rebuild her life.
Her charming personality is the best part of the movie. In a small town where she is a complete stranger, she can forge relationships and get her rebuilt. You feel bad for her as she struggles to adapt to her new surroundings, where if you sneeze loud enough, the roof beams may collapse.
Of course, there’s a new love interest, but to keep the drama compelling, she has to suffer another heartbreak. These moments only allow her characters to grow and become even stronger by the end. These moments lead to a happy ending when she finally meets someone she has a natural chemistry with.
One of the fun aspects of the film is the best friend character played by Sandra Oh. She is the kind of friend you wish you had by your side as you struggle to start a new life. That character’s pregnancy and delivery is a fun moment that isn’t all about heartbreak.
Based on a true story, Under the Tuscan Sun would be a great movie to watch if you ever find yourself stuck in a rut or afraid to start a rebuild in your personal life. It may never be easy, yet it doesn’t have to be that hard either. 6/10
Ten Stars or Less 