Movie Review: Under the Tuscan Sun

Studio: Positano, Salerno, Campania, Italy.

Montepulciano, Siena, Tuscany, Italy (leaving Cortona/wedding)

Piazza Grande, Montepulciano, Arezzo, Tuscany, Italy (Flag-Waving show)

Director: Audrey Wells 

Actors: Diane Lane, Sandra Oh, Raoul Boca, Kate Walsh and Lindsey Duncan. 

Run Time: 1h 53m

Rating: 6.8/10

Under the Tuscan Sun is a romantic comedy set in Italy that reflects a newly divorced woman’s life as she gracefully introduces herself to her new life in the Tuscan countryside. Raised in New York, Lane made her debut at the age of 13 in “A Little Romance.” Well worth it for the spice new single or the young couple looking to enjoy a little Tuscan romance. Recommended for those looking for a little bit more of a lustful love than you can find on the streets of Hollywood. Unlike other romantic movies taken place in a foreign country, Under the Tuscan Sun offers a love story greater than one between to people as it offers one woman who is learning to love herself. 

Director, Audrey Wells, is well known for her movies the Game Plan, George of the Jungle and a Dogs Purpose. In my opinion, Under the Tuscan Sun is Well’s greatest work. The movie follows parallel to the book written by Frances Mayes and paints Maye’s book beautifully throughout the Tuscan countryside. Although the cast portrayed the story wonderfully, it was hard to get past both Sandra Oh and Kate Walsh being casted as new mothers in the same movie was giving me a very Grey’s Anatomy vibe. Not sure if that was the right move- although I am a huge fan of both Oh and Walsh, the pairing together outside of Greys was felt as if I was stumbled across my parents at a swinger’s party- uncomfortable, wrong and distracting. 

The film kept a warm appearance, embraced both the humbling and the terrifying moments in life. For example, sharing a space with a lonesome owl during a lightning storm, searching her home for a garden snake or taking a trip to the countryside to enjoy a lover she found in the city. Frances walks through the troubles of being separated, finding herself and celebrating other forms of love from people around her. Of course, Mayer’s and Wells end the movie with a tie that leaves those who are watching satisfied with Frances’s independence while also foreshadowing a new, possible love interest. What makes the plot so charming is watching as Frances lets go of her previous life, releasing herself form her ball and chain, as she finds joy within herself.