From Scratch - La forza di un amore

The acting was incredible - simply incredible - each and every actor in this show was amazing and brought so much depth to their characters. I binged the entire mini-series in a few nights, and by the last moment, I was ugly crying. I haven't cried this hard in a long time. This was a love story that shows you how to love, compromise, appreciate, respect, communicate. I loved the cultural nuances, the dreams that had to change, the realities of life, the complexities of families and choices. This is the best love story I have seen since 'The Notebook.' My husband isn't a fan of romantic movies; however, he was glued to the story as much as I was and appreciated it. It's a must watch.

I didn't have high expectations when I started watching this series, I was prepared to watch something light and carefree when the second episode hit me right in the heart. I completely fell in love with the characters, the story, the scenery, with everything. I found myself in tears while I don't ever cry at cinema or series anymore. The characters are very realistic and concerning the family relationships it's hard for someone not to find similarities with his own family. I haven't felt deeply moved by a story for a long long time and I am thankful of discovering this little precious diamond. Maybe Netflix has a lot more to give eventually.

The first couple of episodes and also the trailer might make it seem like a basic movie with the same old story much like Netflix's recent "Love in the Villa" but it was nothing sort of that!

It is a truly amazing piece of art. Don't let the first couple of episodes turn you off; it just keeps getting better and the story gets more real as we go past episode 2. I specially loved to see more of Lino's family. None of those characters spoke one word of English but their acting and emotions encapsulated my heart forever and ever. I've never cried before watching any other movie in my life but after watching their acting, I just couldn't help myself. It is simply phenomenal.

Everyone should watch this with their families and loved ones (also kinda appropriate for kids) and I'm sure everyone will love it. I'm definitely going to give a second chance to the first few episodes!!

This is one of the finest Netflix productions of the year.

MUST WATCH!

Heart wrenching. Not what I expected. I absolutely loved it. The acting and the style was maybe lacking a bit in the first episodes, but oh my God. OMG. It became more and more real life with each episode. It kinda eased its way from cheesy love story to real life and real problems.

I loved all the Italian that was spoken. And the complex family dynamics.

Honestly I watched it in one sitting. All eight episodes until 5 in the morning. I couldn't stop.

I have no personal history with the specific themes displayed but it managed to open me up to some deep layers of sorrow stored deep down. It was almost cathartic for me to watch. I cried my eyes out. Both personal tears and tears for the story. For me it had the right mix of sweet love and real life.

Only complaint is how dark the story actually was. My positive and romantic heart hoped for a more Disney-like ending.

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.