ENCHANTED APRIL

CAPSULE REVIEW –– A simple, honest tale that will enthrall some and bore others. Richardson and Lawrence star as two unhappily married women desperate for a little pleasure in their lives. Their chance meeting lends itself to instant friendship when they bond over a small newspaper ad praising the merits of an Italian villa for rent. Showing unusual gumption, they secure their dream holiday, though they must invite two other ladies to help defray the costs. The unlikely quartet seeks refuge from their troubles and finds rejuvenation in the beauty of the surroundings and the opportunity to indulge their true selves, which being with strangers allows. Inner peace unlocks their hearts, reawakens buried feelings and inspires new outlooks on love and romance, which the men in their lives appreciate greatly. APRIL is a quiet, slow-moving film that concentrates on character more than plot. Once they reach the villa, nothing much happens – except self-discovery – yet the subtle performances of these four ladies draws you into their quest for personal happiness. The beauty of the location makes you wish for escape from the demands of your own life. The film plays out like a daydream. It certainly doesn't tax the mind, yet it touches the spirit, leaving behind a conscious desire for more romance and joy in one's life.