If we compare movies to art genres, then this movie would be a quick virtuoso sketch. We (at least the foreign viewers) never get the full picture or the depth a painting would provide, never get to know the characters in depth, we don't know their stories (the ladies tell bits of their stories, but can we fully believe them?), we never find out anything about the main character or what led him to his current situation, but this is not a social study, this is rather a study of the particular ambiance of a steamy summer day (and night, and another day), an anecdote, a situation comedy and ultimately a declaration of love for the 70+ ladies who despite all their quirkiness probably epitomize the very heart of Italy.
Review of Mid-August Lunch
