Bella giornata per un matrimonio

I'm not sure it's essential, but a love of all things English is surely an asset when approaching this movie. Peopled by a menagerie of eccentric, frustrating, and ultimately endearing characters, the movie's appeal lies in the brilliance of its script and the interest it ultimately engenders in its many protagonists.

Set in a stately country home in perhaps the 1930s, the movie covers the events of one morning and afternoon. Dolly is about to wed Owen, yet Joseph turns up the morning of the wedding. We find that there had been a whirlwind romance between Joseph and Dolly the previous summer, that Dolly's mother was against the match, and now Joseph returns at the 11th hour to perhaps intervene?

There are far too many supporting characters to mention, and they are essential to the movie's success, but the emotional focus is entirely on Dolly and Joseph. The story of their past romance is artfully narrated in a series of flashbacks (the colour palette changes each time we flash back) which interweave nicely with the events of the wedding day. The emotion between them is portrayed with sensitivity and realism; their interactions with those around them (who are mostly oblivious to what is going on) are often funny but also laced with pathos. The various zany antics that set the backdrop for this drama are hilarious in themselves, and there is a nice blend of humour and gravity to keep one attentive. The house, the gardens, the fashions are all splendid.

What the movie lacks is some greater theme or message; it's about a particular love story between a particular man and woman, but beyond that, one doesn't leave with anything more substantial. Nonetheless, it's a pleasure to watch.

If you like English culture, if you enjoy scintillating, witty repartee, then "Cheerful Weather" is sure to please. If you find the English upper crust snobby and boring, well, you might be better off staying away.

Because of the presence of Elizabeth McGovern and other similar traits of an early 20th century English estate family, this movie felt like a failed script for the TV program Downton Abbey. There was no particular compelling reason for this story to be greenlit in the manner it was produced except to take advantage of this similarity.

It's nice to see the subtle anti-romance character traits of the two leads play out over the narrative, but it's more curiously interesting than it is intensely interesting. The sophomoric foreshadowing and symbolism feel extremely contrived and almost insulting. The scenes that should be amusing are not amusing. The cleverish storytelling isn't clever enough to make you want to care about anyone or what happens to them. And the big reveal isn't at all revelatory, but serves more as a device to unlock the grand mystery of why these people behave the way they do. Sad to say, the mystery isn't all that grand and the viewer is left with the bad taste of being inexpertly manipulated.

If you're looking for a nice romantic period drama, this isn't it. It's a great cast and could have been a 6 or 7/10, if the ending was more satisfying. Also, Felicity Jones was great, but as the character often appears sociopathic, odd and cold, it made it difficult to care about her.

We see very little of her fiancé, James Norton character, and nothing of their relationship. The only 'happiness' and romance was shown in flashbacks with Joseph, which made the ending even harder to like or understand. Joseph was compelling and held up the film, he was excellent. Shame about the story & sociopath lead character.

Inside a storm is brewing!

Director Donald Rice and writer Mary Henely-Magill have created a wonderful story about a collection of maybe stereotypical British characters gathered together at a grand country side estate for a wedding.

The bride, Dolly, realizes she's making a mistake to marry Luke because she still loves Joseph. Joseph shows up to hopefully rescue her from this mistake. But circumstance and the lack of courage in both leave both brokenhearted.

The house fills with silly and forceful characters that create a day of confusion and anger. This is a fun and thoughtful film for those who can tune into subdued British humor.

Just before I sat down to watch this movie I had painted a floor. Watching that dry would have been more interesting. I continued to watch as an exercise in masochism.

Maybe because I find the lead actress very unpleasant. She drank way to much and pretty much continuously. Never did really get who all the other people were, yes, a sister and a mother. Was the vicar the father? An annoying missionary guest. Assorted friends? Relatives?

My two stars go to the person(s) responsible for the selection of the house, the costumer, the overall period look which is achieved very nicely, including hairdos.

The viewer certainly understands the main points of the story. They don't have to be re-told over and over again, in flashbacks and from different characters. If these were real people I would not wish any of them well.