One of the Greatest Family Movies
Lisa Verson | Dayton, OH | 06/11/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This movie has heart. Pure and simple. The core of the movie has to do with four sisters, all having different troubles, yet they are always there for one another. This is truly a film that cannot be missed. It has humor, drama, and a general sweetness to it. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to see a good family movie."
Family Life with all the Strife
Ronald G. Decker | White City, Oregon, USA | 03/29/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What a delightful movie. The characters were not only lively but alive, mirroring real every day life and strife within a family. Each character brought a unique personality to the story that the audience could easily associate with someone they know within their own family or circle of close friends.
The story has a true-to-life flow that the viewer can assimilate into and be part of the drama, the laughter and tears as the plot of the movie develops. The script does a good job of capturing the common emotions, actions and reactions of the characters to conflict, opinion, and resolve.
Not an epic, but it is a very nice movie to watch with loved ones. Plenty of knowing head nods and `ahhh' moments to share and enjoy.
"
Not one of the best "family drama" movies...
LARRY | Capitol Heights, MD | 04/03/2007
(3 out of 5 stars)
"*The Amati Girls* was alright but not impressive. There were too many stars but little development for each of the characters.
4 sisters band together to help their mother. They've just buried their fathers/husband not long ago. Their mother is obsessed with her inevitable death. She wants everything planned with a casket picked out, a dress made and all that. The daughters want their mother to take it easy and just enjoy life.
Meanwhile, the sisters are dealing with issues on their own. 2 sisters are married and have their own marriage issues to deal with. 1 sister feels pressured to be married but doesn't see the excitement about marriage. At the same time, the single sister brings up uncomfortable issues that she sees in her 2 married sisters. The youngest is mentally challenged and wants a boyfriend. The sisters tell her that "sometimes a pot cannot have a lid".
Of course, while the mother is obsessed with her death that could happen anytime, something else unexpectantly happens. I guess for me, there could have been a build-up leading to this unexpectant turn of event. Symptoms could have been shown. There was a brief moment but that was like the frame just before the "surprise". It was just so out of the blue.
The impact of this surprise turn has changed the family. Marriage issues have been resolved. The single sister overcomes her fear. The youngest sister is given more freedom. The mother enjoys life a bit more. At least, the movie ended with a good feeling.
Like I said, there were just too many stars in the film. That is usually not a problem. The problem was trying to show all the stars with each of them having a few lines. You don't really get to know them on a deeper level. And Cloris Leachman as an Italiam mom...I'm sorry but I just could not buy that. She was that one thing that prevented me from suspending disbelief while watching the movie."