Xiao Yan has always been indifferent to romantic films, but I have always liked films about love - of course, the narrative should not be too brainless. But as far as this story is concerned, it can be turned into a simple idol film: two men fall in love with a woman at the same time, and the woman finally chooses her lover according to her own heart. Is it an idol movie? But it is a very good literary film. It does not have strong dramatic conflict to attract attention, but more to show the interest, beauty and authenticity of life itself.
The story takes place in the 19th century, when Lucy and her cousin "Old Lady" Charlotte went to Florence, Italy. Charlotte was Lucy's playmate and guardian. They were a little disappointed that the hotel room they booked had no view of the Arno River. However, the Emerson father and son who met at the banquet were willing to give up a room where they could see the scenery. This is how a pair of young people got to know each other. Lucy and George were educated differently. Lucy grew up in a wealthy English country family, received a formal lady education, played the piano well, and especially loved Beethoven. George's father, Mr. Emerson, was a journalist, an amiable and observant elder. When visiting the church, he pointed to the roof mural and said, look at that fat man, he must be about the same weight as me, but he can float in the sky like a balloon. These remarks aroused the dissatisfaction of Mr. Eagle, who led everyone to visit the church, and probably made Lucy feel frivolous. After learning that the elderly Miss Allen, who lives in the same hotel, likes cornflowers, he and George go and pick some blue cornflowers and send them to Allen's room to put on the head of the bed and in her hair. They are a well-meaning, unreserved father and son.
There was a fight in the Piazza in Florence. The tragic event movie took at least two minutes to show. The language of the film is slow and in no rush to direct the shot to the center of the story. Someone fell in front of Lucy in a pool of blood, and Lucy, who was frightened and fainted by the "impulsive" Italian, fell into the arms of George who happened to be wandering nearby. Very old bridge, isn't it? But Lucy wasn't tempted by George, at least on the surface. Her main concern was whether George could keep the whole affair a secret. You know how people, especially women, chew their tongues.
The next day, the Britons, who had met in Florence, went on an outing together. Among them are Father Bieber, Mr Eagle, the writer Miss Lai, Lucy and Charlotte. The Italian countryside has an enchanting landscape, with slender, calf-less plants on the slopes of the picnic spot, dotted with yellow and red flowers, and dark green woods in the distance. George climbed up a small tree and cried out for freedom and truth to the natural beauty before him, and it fell from the tree. Lucy was wearing a long white dress with a waist, a white top hat, and a small white umbrella to go to the men, because Miss Lai wanted to tell her good friend Charlotte a romantic little story that cannot be heard by young ladies. Lucy met George who was silent on the slope in the middle. After George found her standing behind him, he didn't say a word. He came over and kissed her. She fell into his strong arms... Unfortunately, Charlotte, who was unsightly, appeared. She decided to return to England tomorrow. This old lady, terrified of men and their passions, fears that her cousin will lose her most cherished chastity.
Back in the English countryside, Lucy accepts the marriage proposal of a gentleman from London, Sisso. Hisoka wears glasses, doesn't like sports, but loves reading. He admires Lucy's piano skills and innocence. Rich and decent, he was the ideal companion a country lady could find. But he doesn't understand women, and even kisses have to ask the female partner's consent in advance. He also carried some stereotypical pride, thinking that Lucy was lucky to marry him - which made Lucy's younger brother Freddie very dissatisfied. The warm-hearted Freddie is more suitable to be friends with George, and he has indeed become a friend of George - George's father just moved here at this time. The English countryside and the Italian countryside are different colors in the film. The Italian countryside is natural, intimate, romantic and light, while the British countryside has a strong classical flavor. Spire-topped brown cottages, neatly manicured lawns, deep lakes and lush woods... everything seems to be more orderly. George advised Lucy not to marry Hisoka because Hisoka wouldn't understand her heart. What choice will Lucy make?
The film tells an ordinary little story, but the slow pace and the beautiful scenery of the countryside make the whole film feel very comfortable, like a small walk in the fresh air and green fields.
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