The Amati Girls

It is a rare occasion when I want to see a movie again. "The Amati Girls" is such a movie. In old time movie theaters I would have stayed put for more showings. Was this story autobiographical for the writer/director? It has the aura of reality.

The all star cast present their characters believably and with tenderness. Who would not want Mercedes Ruehl as an older sister? I have loved her work since "For Roseanna".

With most movies, one suspends belief because we know that it is the work of actors, producers, directors, sound technicians, etc. It was hard to suspend such belief in "The Amati Girls". One feels such a part of this family! How I wanted to come to the defense of Dolores when her family is stifling her emotional life. And wanted to cheer Lee Grant as she levels criticism at Cloris Leachman's hair color. The humor throughout is not belly laugh humor, but instead has a feel-good quality that satisfies far more than pratfalls and such.

The love that is portrayed in this cinema family is to be emulated and cherished.

It is no coincidence that the family name, Amati, translated from the Italian means 'the loved ones'.

This is actually a rather pleasant picture. Yes it is a major `Chick Flick', but it is well worth the time. I must say that Cloris Leachman as the matriarch of the clan is outstanding. She really shines and is a joy to watch. Mercedes Ruehl as the oldest of four daughters has her best part since Aunt Bella in Lost in Yonkers. She really looks great and has made the transition into playing the older woman part. Sean Young as the next oldest daughter is also outstanding. While she has gained a few pounds since her great days of `No Way Out' or `Fatal Instinct'. Still she is stunning on the screen and the camera seems to eats her up. There is a plot twist in the final 1/4th of the film that I found to be unexpected and it actually helps to tie up all the elements of this film. This is not a great film, but I found it to be quite enjoyable for what it is. As I went to this with low expectations I surprised to find a buried treasure. It is enjoyable and I recommend it to anyone if you are looking for a film with no car chases or gunfire. Take a hint, if you are looking for a "Fight Club"or you think you need an action film do not rent or go to this. Enjoy.

This is a very enjoyable film with excellent actors and actresses evoking a range of emotions. It contains some really excellent humour which the whole family can enjoy. You get to know the characters quickly and experience their ups and downs. And, it ends very upbeat

Can Scarcely Imagine a Better Movie Than This

Hey, before you all go "Chick Flick" on me. I am a very Large Strong & Masculine, Macho Man, who happens to think this was one of the better movies of the last 20 years.

The acting was Superb and the Story was Marvelous. This is wonderful medicine for the heart and soul. The Acting could not have been better nor the movie better cast.

I have known for a Good while that Mercedes Ruehl, along with Holly Hunter, Joan Plowright, Dame Edith Evans, Sissy Spacek, Judi Dench is among the greatest actresses ever to appear on film. And of course Cloris Leachman (also in this film) in my view may in fact exceed them all in the shear magnum of her talent and varied roles she has appeared in over the years.. At any rate this was an Amazing cast. This film was like a book that you cannot lay down, and when you have reached the last page wish for more...still more. I cannot for the life of me understand why this film here on the IMDb only rates a 3.9

That rating here is utterly Amazing to me. Or perhaps not. Perhaps in fact I do understand it ever so well and that is what makes me really sad. It makes me ever so sad that films like "American Beauty" "Leaving Las Vegas" "Sexy Beast" and "Fight Club" ratings skyrocket off the charts in popularity when they in fact at least in this viewers opinion should have received an "R" rating...R that is for "Rubbish". Hey o.k., I realize there are a lot of different stories in this world for a lot of different audiences, but it is a sad commentary when this lovely, powerful...extraordinarily, Directed, Acted, and written film seems to be over looked.

It obviously was at the Academy Awards as well....How Sad. And How predictable. My summation is that if you want to see a powerful, Happy, Sad, beautiful story? watch ......preferably own this film...

I went to Penn. My roommate was from an Italian family in South Philly and since I had a car, I accompanied him there often. The family dinner and kitchen scenes are totally authentic and filled me with nostalgia. I never would have picked Cloris Leachman as the Italian mother of the four title sisters, but she nailed it and becomes the glue that holds the movie together. Paul Sorvino is perfect (what else is new?) as the family patriarch. Lee Grant is a standout at Cloris' sister, stealing every scene she's in. Mercedes Ruehl as the glue that holds the family together (as opposed to the movie) is magnificent as usual. Dinah Manoff (Lee Grant's daughter) is perfectly cast as the artistic daughter who has remained single after being traumatized by the marriage she sees; Mark Harmon is sturdy in the thankless role of her boyfriend. The one who surprised me with being the most natural and least stereotyped of the entire crew was Sean Young. I feel like I knew the South Philly mother and estranged wife who handles her guilt with repression that she played. She was nothing short as brilliant. Jamey Sheridan was well- cast as her workaholic spouse from whom she is separated and the gal playing her daughter was good. The youngest sister, a special needs child who became that way via the clichéd fall by her mother while pregnant, is the one false note in this family drama. Her character and her performance both did not work for me.

But enough of it did work well that I enjoyed it throughout and recommend it - especially if you have any roots in Philadelphia.