Pane e tulipani (Bread and Tulips) is an Italian romantic comedy directed by Silvio Soldini. I was surprized at the numerous Nastro d'Argento and David di Donatello awards it has won and the rave reviews; I will probably like it more when I'm older, but I found it somewhat tedious and the elements of fantasy rather odd. However, the views of Venice were beautiful and the piano accordion soundtrack delightful.
'Life's little turning points often come in the plainest forms. A casual encounter, a little oversight, a strange coincidence, a twist of fate. When a tour bus leaves without bored housewife and dutiful mother, Rosalba (Licia Maglietta), during a family holiday and not even her husband or children notice until it is too late, she sees an irresistible opportunity for freedom.
Virtually penniless, Rosalba heads for Venice - Venice, the fabulous city of her dreams. Revelling in her new independence, her one-day adventure extends to a few days, then weeks. As her husband hires an amateur detective to track her down, the beauty of Venice, together with her newfound freedom, lead her to romance and self-discovery.
Pane e tulipani isn't so much about the difficult decisions we make in life, but the ones we make almost out of instinct... the wonderful, crazy sponteneity that makes us human.'
