The Bread, My Sweet

First of all, make sure you eat before seeing this film. Preferably a loaf of homemade bread dipped in olive oil and a slice or two of brachiole. Follow with a desert of assorted biscotti and a slice of berry pie, and wash it all down with several glasses of homemade wine. Okay, now we can begin.

Like a fine meal joyfully prepared by hands that love you and shared with those whose company you most enjoy, this film will make you feel warm and connected -- to the earth, to humanity, to the one place in all the wide world that is yours and yours alone. Be prepared to laugh, be prepared to cry. Be prepared to leave the movie theater with a persistent urge to run to those you love and hug them for a long, long time. They may be imperfect, they may (occasionally or often) drive you crazy. But they are what keeps you from spinning off into the cold, dark, impersonal world. They are your reflection, your heart, your soul. Savor their company while you are together, and even when they are gone you will always have them with you.

And, whatever you do, follow your heart. It is so much wiser than your head. Or, better yet, follow your stomach. Let it lead you home.

This movie was so wonderful. My family was very close to Gemma, and she was indeed a wonderful person. She was an amazing woman, and we often made the comment "They don't make women like that anymore!" She was kind, considerate, and a true symbol for our Italian heritage. My family knows how important family and friends are and we try to carry on the traditions of the old world Italian's. The seven fish Christmas-Eve dinner is the most spectacular evening of the year. I'm sure one of our recipes came from Gemma. This movie is so warm and wonderful, I can't wait to buy it. Hats off to the producers, directors, and actors. Thank you, thank you, thank you.....

What a beautiful movie! It's fun, romantic, sexy, and heartbreaking. Like many women born in 1970, I liked Scott Baio before I saw this movie, now I LOVE him. He does a fantastic job in this film. All of the performances are good - Rosemary Prinz as Bella is superb. Melissa Martin's screenplay and direction are first rate. Even though you'll cry (and you will cry, unless you have a heart of stone), this is one of those genuine, life-affirming, feel-good movies that do not come along too often. Do yourself a favor and see this movie, then tell all of your friends to do the same.

Apparently some folks didn't care for this movie. Maybe it was because I caught it on pretty early in the morning, maybe it was my surprise at seeing Scott Baio play someone besides Chachi, but I liked it. I didn't catch the first part, so I'm only sketchy as to how his character became involved in the bakery. I came in when he'd taken Bella to the hospital, but the flick sort of sucked me in and I watched it. Maybe it's not Oscar worthy, maybe Scott Baio's no Pacino, but I found the movie to be likable, the characters to be fairly interesting, and the plot to be believable. I mean, I've seen worse. Lots worse. Like anything with Kevin Costner. At any rate, seeing Baio play ANYBODY besides Chachi (or Charles in Charge) was a good thing. And I loved the little Italian woman playing Bella. Makes me want to be Italian! So in short, if like me, you find yourself up way too early in the morning (or late at night) and you find this is on, there are worse ways to kill time. Just my two cents worth... :-)

Yeah, sure, you can say that this film is stereotypical. But being Italian myself, and coming from an Italian family, I have to say that this film was not stereotypical - atypical maybe. But if you want to bemoan this film for it's racial designations and characters, you might want to see "My Big fat Greek Wedding" first. You want stereotypical? That film will give it to you. It covered each and every cliche' possible, and everyone laughed. So what?

TBMS is a good film. It's lighting can be off at times, and the camera work is slightly jumpy, but I still believe it's better than a lot of boring hollywood productions I have seen as of late. The story is original, and if anyone wants to say that the acting was "wooden", you might want to take a look at the performance by Rosemary Prinz; it's impressive, and is not cliched like Greek Wedding; she actually seems like she's from Italy. Scott Baio is impressive in a role that only he could play, and at least he's Italian, dammit! How many more films do I have to see with someone playing an ethnicity they know nothing about? Baio thankfully jumped into this role, adding a touch of flavor to a role that probably would have been occupied by someone boring and overblown.

The rest of the supporting cast is well-played, with the exception of "Sister Grace", who was probably pulled off the street and thrown into a Nun's uniform. John Seitz plays Massimo beautifully; he reminds me of oh so many old Italians I have known.

And finally, this film does for me what many never accomplish; it made me feel like I was in the environment it took place in. If you want Italians to be "touchy-feely" all the time, go see something else. Italians are gruff, loud, and self-centered, but inside most all of us have big hearts and want to take care of those around us. This film portrays that characteristic well, and if you didn't cry, tough luck, I guess you really are wooden. I'm going to go eat some Biscotti.