From Scratch

Wrapped in life stories merged in love, tradition, hope and pain there are unforgettable characters within this series that move a soul with every line, every facial expression, and every heartfelt embrace. I consider Music to be the main character pressing all others into my heart and mind. Then, of course, there is Zoe and Eugenio, the obvious lovers that live out their days testing the strength of that love. They certainly made and impression on me. But, perhaps, the characters that grabbed my attention the most while viewing the series was Kellita Smith-an actress who, in my opinion, has finally found a platform worthy of her comedic timing, and then there is the ever versatile, undeniably talented Danielle Deadwyler--an actress who often transforms herself into drastically different roles, where she could easily be nearly any and every black woman or black man who's dead or alive. Without pause, I'm always anchored in the natural talent and brilliant line delivery of Keith David and Judith Scott, and in this series their performances did just what I expected; they kept me grounded in all that's good. Topped off with the talented Paride and Lucia, and directed by a Nzingha Stewart, this series is full of character that will never die.

This is a difficult review. Love Italy, know Florence and Sicily, as well as the US, love family dramas, good food and art and thought this would easily be a 10/10 for me. Yet I had to force myself through e1-4 (mid e4 got better) because it felt unreal, I couldn't connect with any character and I was bored to death. The only reason I didn't give up is because in THEORY, I should have loved it. Well, during Episodes 4/5-8 it all came together for me. Finally it seemed real, it made me smile, laugh, cry. Not going to spoil it, just saying that what happened was portrayed realistically and in the end love, in its many forms, is all that matters. I will watch this again and see how I feel about e1-4.

My first compliment is for the actors! Finally, a show that uses authentic foreign characters playing the foreign parts...perfect example are the couple that play Lino's parents. True Italians speaking southern Italian along with the with the mannerisms and sayings true to the region.... Having Italian parents myself, this so refreshing to see and hear this, so much better than using actors speaking with an exaggerated corny accent. On to the series itself, what a roller coaster of themes and emotions: laughs, tears, family and marriage drama, forgiveness, loss, reconnection, acceptance, romance, inter-racial relationships, heart break and devastation. It is a series I will recommend to others and think about for a long time to come.

First, all the negative reviews seemed to only watched one episode.

This is NOT a Hallmark movie, by any stretch of the imagination.

Complex, profound and with wonderful depth, this series is about the deeply moving love story between a man, a woman and their complex families.

And I have to say that I love the way the series handles culture, race, grief and spirituality.

It is a lovely series and not just because of the beautiful settings. It is a lovely story, full of heart.

The series is based on Tembi Locke's memoir by same name.

Zoe Saldaña shines. Eugenio Mastrandrea is more than charming, lending real emotional weight. The direction is solid. The cinematography is lush. All the performances ring true. And the music is perfection.

Reese Witherspoon is one of the Executive Producers, so you can be assured of its quality.

Highly recommend.

This movie, series, almost perfect! It had a beginning, a middle and an end. It actually makes you believe in true love. I loved Lino and Amy's "story". I love how their commitment and love for one another was able to solidify their families. I loved how they never wavered no matter what was thrown at them. Even when you were sitting up there watching, and maybe about to cry or crying or just feeling so devastated for the characters, because this movie made you feel everything, they found a way to lighten it up so you could breathe just a little. So you could smile and suck up some of those tears for just a little bit. Had the movie remembered all the pictures she took, and had some kind of homage to their story at the end, it would have been perfect. Nevertheless, a lovely story.