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Italy · 2008
1h 15m
Director Gianni Di Gregorio
Starring Gianni Di Gregorio, Valeria De Franciscis, Maria Calì, Marina Cacciotti
Genre Comedy
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Middle-aged man Gianni lives in Rome with his elderly mother. As their unpaid condo fees rise, Gianni’s landlord, Alfonso comes to him with an offer. If Gianni agrees to take care of Alfonso’s ailing mother, he will relieve him of some of his debt. As other members of the community discover this, they begin asking Gianni the same favor.
Watching this lauded but fatally slight comedy of manners about a middle-aged Italian who finds himself caring for four spunky old dames, it's hard to believe writer, director, and star Gianni Di Gregorio also co-wrote the bloody mafia hit "Gomorrah."
The semi-improvised performances and gently nostalgic tone makes this endearing and captivating.
It’s a trifle, but a trifle that sticks.
The Globe and Mail (Toronto) by Liam Lacey
Everything about Mid-August Lunch is simple and unpretentious, from the black-out scene transitions to the folk-dance score, as the four isolated, elderly women, over a couple of days and meals, become a circle of companions.
The New York Times by Stephen Holden
A slender Chekhovian vignette about the joys and regrets of old age and the pleasures of sociability.
The movie is a perfect blend of calm execution and uninflected farce.
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