Watch Enchanted April

Enchanted April is a heartwarming, romantic drama released in 1991, directed by Mike Newell and starring Joan Plowright, Alfred Molina, and Miranda Richardson. The movie is based on the novel with the same title written by Elizabeth von Arnim. Set in the 1920s, the story follows the lives of four different women from England, all of whom are dissatisfied with their everyday lives and decide to embark on an adventure to Italy. The film was praised for its stunning visuals and delightful performances, which accentuated the charming atmosphere created by von Arnim's novel.

Lottie Wilkins (Josie Lawrence) is a newlywed who is growing increasingly frustrated with her life in London. She yearns for adventure and romance in her life. One day, she stumbles upon an advert entitled "To Those Who Appreciate Wisteria and Sunshine," which describes a castle in Italy available for rent in the month of April. Lottie shares her discovery with Rose Arbuthnot (Plowright), an older woman whom she meets at a club. Rose, who feels neglected by her husband and family, is intrigued by the ad and agrees to embark on the trip with Lottie.

To afford the rent, they take on two other women as roommates: Lady Caroline Dester (Richardson), a famous beauty who is bored with her life and looking for an escape, and Mrs. Graves (Molina), a straight-laced widow who is outraged by the other women's behaviors. The four women travel to the castle in Italy, and as they begin to settle into their new surroundings, they all begin to discover new aspects of themselves and each other.

At first, the women bicker and argue with each other, but as they spend more time together, they become friends and learn to appreciate each other's company. They explore their new surroundings, taking moonlit walks on the beach and examining the castle's enchanted surroundings. Each woman is impacted in their way by the trip, learning more about themselves and their true desires.

Lottie, who was originally the most energetic of the women, finds that life starts to slow down and become more enjoyable after spending time in Italy. Rose, who has always put the needs of others before her own, learns to value her own desires and wants. Caroline, who at first was standoffish and aloof, finds love and becomes more open to others around her. And finally, Mrs. Graves, who was the most traditional and conservative of the group, becomes more tolerant and opens up to new experiences.

The film's visuals are stunning. The budget was $6 million, and it's clear that the production team made the most of every penny. The colors are vibrant and the landscapes are breathtaking, perfectly capturing the beauty of Italy in the springtime. Adding to this was the wonderful score composed by Richard Rodney Bennett, which added an extra layer of magic to the film.

The performances of the cast are nothing short of brilliant. The chemistry between the four main women is palpable, with each of them bringing something unique to the table. Josie Lawrence's portrayal of Lottie perfectly captures the bubbly and effervescent nature of her character, while Joan Plowright brilliantly portrays the more reserved and contemplative Rose. Miranda Richardson is astonishing as Caroline, exuding elegance and grace despite starting off as the most intractable of the women. Alfred Molina's portrayal of Mrs. Graves was similarly excellent, delivering a powerful performance as a woman of her time who is exposed to new ways of living.

Enchanted April is a wonderful movie with plenty of heart and charm. It's a story about the transformative power of travel, and how leaving behind the day-to-day routine can help us grow as individuals. While the film is a little slow-paced in its middle section, its themes and messages are timeless, and its delightful characters and stunning visuals make it a true joy to watch. It's a timeless film that rings just as true today as it did in the 1990s when it was first released, with something that everyone can relate to or appreciate. Overall, Enchanted April is a must-watch for anyone who loves a great romance or a great character piece.

Enchanted April is a 1992 romance movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 78.