Watch Especially on Sunday

Especially on Sunday is a heart-warming drama film directed by Francesco Maselli that was released in 1991. The movie hinges on the themes of love, relationships, duty, and the need to maintain healthy family dynamics. It boasts an impressive ensemble cast, featuring Philippe Noiret, Ornella Muti, and Bruno Ganz in lead roles. The movie begins with Vittorio (Noiret), a retired professor, and his long-time partner, Elena (Muti), living in their beautiful villa in Tuscany, with their family dispersed across different parts of the world. Vittorio is battling with his chronic illness, which has left him paralyzed, and he is dependent on Elena for almost everything. Her life orbits around taking care of him, and she also volunteers at the local rehabilitation center.

The story unfolds as their daughter Maria (Suzanne Von Borsody) visits them from Paris with her husband, Antonio (Ganz), and their two daughters. Though the family is scattered across different continents, they reunite on Sundays, all together in their Tuscan villa, to spend quality time with Vittorio and Elena. The family dynamics are quite intricate as each person comes with their own set of conflicts and issues.

Maria is struggling with the possibility of a divorce from Antonio due to his infidelity, and her father’s situation makes it even harder for her to stay focused. Antonio, on the other hand, is in a whirlpool of his personal and professional problems, and his relationship with his teenage daughters is strained.

The narrative starts to take shape as the family members start addressing their issues and finding solace in each other’s company. The scenic beauty of Tuscany and the vintage charm of the villa add to the overall majesty of the film. The director showcases the Tuscan countryside with immaculate detail, making the audience feel like they are there with the family, enjoying the sumptuous meals, picturesque settings, and love-filled moments.

The character arcs of Vittorio and Elena are particularly poignant, well-etched, and reflective of the abundance of experience that the seasoned actors bring to the screen. Noiret comfortably transitions from a snobbish academician to a vulnerable old man, who is coming to terms with his mortality and reminiscing about his life’s achievements. He manages to convey his emotions despite his daunting physical limitations, and his on-screen chemistry with Muti is endearing.

Muti, too, is brilliant in her role as Elena, the dutiful partner who is struggling with the weight of caregiving but continues to maintain her composure. Her calming presence and benevolent nature bring warmth to every scene, making her the anchor that holds the family together.

Ganz, although not the center of the narrative, plays his part deftly as a flawed yet genuine family man who is trying to make amends. His relationship with Maria is touchingly realistic, and the audience is rooting for them to overcome their challenges.

The movie is a nostalgic ode to family values set against the stillness of the Italian countryside. It gently nudges the audience to reflect on their own relationships and the importance of family. The pace is slow but not sluggish, allowing the audience to take in the beauty and serenity of the Tuscan hills, while the family members come to terms with their realities.

The music by Pino Donaggio is a soulful accompaniment to the stunning visuals, adding to the overall emotional tone of the film. The script is concise, and the dialogues are poignant and memorable, allowing the audience to connect with each character and their individual struggles.

To conclude, Especially on Sunday is a beautifully crafted film that offers a glimpse into the intimate lives and struggles of one family. It is a movie that stays with you long after you have watched it, stirring emotions of love, kindness, and familial bonds. The performances are top-notch, the cinematography is exquisite, and the settings are breathtaking. This film is a must-watch for anyone who cherishes family and the beauty of life.