Bread and Tulips(Pane e tulipani)

Chicago Reader by

The first half of the film, in which Maglietta gradually discovers herself as something other than a servant, is genuinely engaging.

Philadelphia Inquirer by Carrie Rickey

Actresses such as Maglietta are why movies were invented: You never get tired of her mercurial personality or of her infinitely compelling face.

Baltimore Sun by Chris Kaltenbach

Soldini's consistently understated touch, and a poignant turn by Licia Maglietta as the confused and bemused main character, turns Bread and Tulips into a character study worth studying.

The New York Times by Dana Stevens

Soldini's amiable new comedy suggests that an older, better Italy of imagination, rationality and civility survives on the fringes of a modern nation obsessed, like most others, with consumerism, empty prosperity and easy pleasure.

Washington Post by Desson Thomson

A little too shopworn and pokey to be more than a respectable European diversion.

TV Guide Magazine by Frank Lovece

Characters' eccentricities feel contrived and the wackiness seems forced, though the film's amiable ambling does keep the viewer intrigued, if not charmed.

Los Angeles Times by Kevin Thomas

Too lethargic and strung-out for its own good. Thankfully, it casts a pleasant, amusing and touching spell anyway, but more energy and a markedly shorter running time might have turned a sunny diversion into something more special.

Boston Globe by Loren King

Manages the right balance of fairy tale and joyous self-discovery. And the Venice locations don't hurt.

San Francisco Chronicle by Mick LaSalle

A movie about serendipity and spontaneity.

Seattle Post-Intelligencer by William Arnold

A sweet-spirited, extremely well-cast little comedy.