Under the Tuscan Sun: Reviewed

by Michelle Hausman

Diane Lane finds love "Under the Tuscan Sun"

Recent divorcee Frances (Diane Lane, Unfaithful) has just been given a plane ticket to beautiful Tuscany, Italy, by her best friend Patti (Sandra Oh, The Princess Diaries). Taking the chance of starting a new life, Frances buys a house in her newly adopted country. Though she faces "buyer's remorse," Frances quickly picks herself up. She hires contractors to renovate the antiquated house and makes friends to fill in the lonely hours. Frances hopes to find a lover, a family to cook for, and a white wedding, in Tuscany.

The sarcasm and language in the film is a little risqué, but the exgreneatly incorporated into the film and help provide for a delightful movie. Under the Tuscan Sun is an extremely enjoyable movie with very few slow parts. It is based on the Frances Mayes book by the same name.

In some ways, this movie can be seen as the Italian version of My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Much of Italy's tradition and history abounds throughout the movie. There are numerous picturesque scenes on the streets, coasts, and fields of Italy. The rolling fields filled with sunflowers make even the most unenthusiastic viewers gasp.

This is much more than the typical romantic comedy. Producer Tom Sternberg said, "Under the Tuscan Sun is a movie about a woman who takes a leap, changes her life, and finds that when you stop looking for love, love will find you." For those who remain uninterested, the fact that the owner refuses to sell Frances the house in Italy until he sees her get "crapped" on by a bird, might lure you to the theater.