MY HOUSE IN UMBRIA (DVD)

Writer Alan Bennett has been quoted as saying that we're "lucky to be living in her time." He was talking about Maggie Smith.Bennett's observation seems a tad bittersweet. Yes, we're lucky to be living in her time because she's fabulous, but also because, unless we happen to catch her live on the West End stage, we aren't likely to see her in much of a leading part, ever. In fact, the noteworthy films in which this two-time Oscar winner has played the principal role basically consist of this made-for-HBO endeavor and *The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie* (1969).The upshot is that *My House in Umbria* has a tremendous weight to bear--that of a legendary actress's best screen vehicle in thirty-five years. It seems a little unfair to judge it based on whether it's worthy of such a distinction, and I can't help wondering whether this accounts for some of this rather plotless film's, shall we say, generous critical reviews.Still, the more times I see it--and it speaks volumes when I'm able to watch a movie more than once--the more I appreciate its leisurely, picturesque style, and the more uplifted I feel by its timely and refreshing theme: that of injured survivors being "set free" by their enjoyment of nature and each other.And, ultimately, I begin to think of this movie as a vehicle worthy of its star, and as one in the recent string of high-quality HBO films that have been so good I've almost wanted to send the company a fan letter. Go, HBO.

Maggie Smith pulls this whole movie together. I have loved this movie for years and finally purchased it at Amazon. Maggie plays an older woman who lives in a beautiful old villa in Umbria, Italy. The story begins as she travels to Milan for her monthly shopping trip. She sits in a compartment with around 9 other people until a bomb explodes and kills everyone in the compartment except a little American girl, an old Englishman, a young German man, and her. While the police are investigating the bombing, the partially recovered travelers go to stay with Maggie's character, Mrs. De La Hanti. The little girl arrives mute, unable to speak because of the trauma of losing her parents in the attack. The German lost his girlfriend and the use of his right hand and the Englishman is grieving for his daughter who died. As the film progresses, you see that Giancarlo Gianini is the investigating policeman and Mrs. De La Hanti is an ex-patriot English romance writer who has been abused in her past. This group of strangers becomes a family of sorts in a matter of weeks and their secrets are uncovered as they begin to understand each other.I love Maggie Smith's character: vulnerable, flamboyant, abused, and yet able to see the beauty in other people. She has an innocence and imagination that is almost child-like. She is the author of many romance novels and sees stories in the human interactions she observes, interpreting them with an amazing understanding of human nature. The photography is simply beautiful and Italy, of course, is magnificent.

As always Maggie Smith plays her role perfectly in this little gem of a movie. She is a somewhat retired author who wrote quasi romance novels and now lives comfortably in a lovely villa somewhere in Italy. The story of life unfolds when she heads off in a train to an Italian city. While she sits in the car several pessangers also come in to sit. Maggie in her old occupational way trys to figure who they are and where they come from. With that the trip is ended when a bomb explodes. When she come to in hospital she finds out that of the other passengers in her car a couple were killed. the remaining are hospitalized and need help to recoperate.Thats when she volunteers her large villa to the passangers in her car. The one that attracts her the most is a young girl -about 9/10 who still is tramutized by the loss of her parents. The others appreciate her thouoghtfulness. The rest of movie you most see as it slowly comes into a mystery. Won't give it alll away but there is a somewhat happy ending.

I watched this by chance as I have a friend who is just not into computers, unusual I know! I place orders for movies she wants on Amazon. I'm more of a bookworm but she suggested I watch this and I'm so glad I did.It is set in Italy and the scenary is just gorgeous! Maggie Smith plays a romance novelist who takes a shopping trip to Milan once a month. While on the train their small compartment explodes. She along with three others survive the bomb blast which is believed to be a terrorist attack. After being discharged from the hospital she invites her fellow travellers to come and stay with her to rest and recoop. As they are not allowed to leave Italy until the investigation is completed they agree. One is a little girl whose parents were killed in the blast. Do not be put off by this! It is a wonderful tale of how even in the darkest of times love and friendship can grow between strangers from different parts of the world.There is a dark twist at the end as in who is responsible for the bomb but I would spoil it to mention that. It ends on a good note with the Latin phrase "Carpe diem" Seize the moment, forgive the past, tomorrow is uncertain but be happy in the now. I totally loved this movie and highly recommend it.

After a terrorist bombing on a train along an Italian countryside, Emily Delahunty (Maggie Smith), an English novelist invites her carriage's other four survivors (the General, an elderly gentleman, a young German and an 8 year old girl now orphaned) to her home (a villa) in Umbria. While the inspector investigates and tries to piece together the story behind the bombing, Emily continues to extends her hospitality to her guests who have now bonded. Maggie Smith is superb in her portrayal of an aging, English novelist with a colorful past who although perceived by some to drink and talk too much, cleverly deploys it as a means to her end.

Mi gozo en un pozo.No la puedo ver porque la región no es compatibles y eso NO lo avisan en las características del disco de forma clara.No lo tuve en cuenta porque suponía que venía de Reino Unido y, además tenía audio en español.

it does not play in any of my dvd players or on my pc. waited a long time to end up disappointed

great

Ho acquistato questo dvd leggendo che era presente l'audio italiano; questo non è vero, la traccia audio in italiano non esiste e neppure i sottotitoli!Invito ad essere più precisi nell'indicare le caratteristiche dei prodotti!