Rhapsody in Bloom is a little treasure, an indie film about a family in transition, which doesn't use hysterical confrontations to tell it's message, but instead relies on character, and the fundamental 'goodness' of the protagonists, to move the story along to a very satisfying resolution.
Lilah Bloom (the always wonderful Penelope Ann Miller) was a struggling painter, when her sister-in-law died, leaving three young children in the care of her emotionally distraught brother, Mitch (Ron Silver, playing against his usual 'movie heavy' typecasting). Abandoning her dreams, Lilah moved in with the family, providing a foundation of stability and love, and becoming the 'mother' figure to the children.
The film begins after five years have passed. Lilah still sketches and paints for fun, but has settled into a happy family life, encouraging the children, keeping the large house running, and compassionately dealing with Mitch's aloofness. Mitch has a surprise for her, though; he's met a woman who has stirred his heart, and that he is considering marrying!
Debra Loomis (Caroline Goodall) is a high-strung organization freak who impresses neither Lilah or the children, but Mitch gives in to her every whim, the chief one being 'Lilah must leave'.
Facing an uncertain world and future, Lilah stumbles at first, but then connects with a charming trumpet-playing handyman (a shy and believable Craig Sheffer), and gets a job as an artist's assistant. A whole new life is opening up to her...if Mitch and the children will truly let her have her freedom!
The film doesn't offer easy answers to the problems the characters face, but attempts to honestly show the repercussions that choices can create! Special praise should be given to the Bloom 'children' (Miles Marsico, Michael Shulman, and Jamie Renée Smith), who are sincere and very likable!
The true 'star' of this film is, however, Ms. Miller's Lilah, and she is a marvel, radiating sweetness, compassion, and toughness, as the need arises! If for no other reason, this would be a film worth seeing just to observe how she copes with a world turned upside-down!
This is a WONDERFUL flick!
