⚪️
Tea with Mussolini (A story of civilized disobedience) In layman's terms, the film should be called "Scorpion? Gang" in World War II Italy. Because it was a British-Italian co-production, tea emphasized that the British expatriates have a leisure class life, and even moved out of the old-school Lady Hester as the leader of the group. (The director himself doesn't like this role, probably because of capital reasons, more representative scenes have been added) Mussolini focused on the background of the times, that is, the Italian collaboration with Hitler. From 1935 to 1944, from Florence to San Gimignano, the city of towers, the "Scorpion Gang" began to face the ups and downs of their lives due to the loss of identity and freedom due to political changes. Fortunately, they supported each other and passed the difficult years.
The director and screenwriter are both Franco Zeffirelli, and the film is inspired by his autobiography, so this is a semi-autobiographical film. Luca's growth is the main line of the story, but he is not the protagonist of the stage. The real protagonist is the "Scorpion Gang", several British women living in Florence, plus two American non-staff personnel. Together, they are the guardian and inspirer of his growth, and the person who gives him the strength in heart and spirit to make him a true English gentleman.
The opening shot is fixed in 1935.6, the British Cemetery in Florence, the wind is beautiful and sunny. In front of Elizabeth Browning’s grave (she also had a lot of contact with Shakespeare in her childhood), the gathering place of the "Scorpion Gang", reporter Connie visited the consul and asked what is the "Scorpion Gang", Mrs. Hester hosted the mourning ceremony, and Arabella was on the violin " Recite the poems with the accompaniment of "Fantasy", Mary is late with Luca...
The "Scorpion Gang" is composed of widows and lifelong unmarried old girls. Consuls play the role of politically sensitive women's friends. Locations are often located at Downey’s Cafe and Uffizi Gallery. The main members are: Lady Hester, widow of the former British ambassador to Italy, (Old Lady Downton face) arrogant and stubborn, her son died in World War I, bringing her grandson Weifei with her over-protection; artist Arabella, who loves the art of Florence , But always suffering from not being able to show her talent; her father and fiancé died in World War I and never married Mary who loves literature for life, Luca's father's secretary, her eyes are clear, bright and compassionate, and she belongs to the soul of moisturizing and silent; American gay archaeologist Georgie ; And the generous collector Elsa with sociable charm, she was once a star and then lost her husband and became a rich woman. Everyone's dressing style is just right to show their personality. The super snob Lady Hester can't understand the frivolous style of Elsa, the new American rich man, and the others, but she expects to be favored by Mussolini and is somewhat schizophrenic. Elsa silently sheltered them for many years after they were admitted to the concentration camp.
Florence's art warmed the restrained hearts of the British. They love life in this world and also evoke Luca's love for literature and art. The "Scorpion Gang" is a vibrant group, and they bring a rich experience to the lonely and helpless Luca. Elsa enthusiastically returns Clara and provides growth funds. Mary was entrusted as a guardian to teach Luca to be an English gentleman. She taught Luca to read Shakespearean literature, performed Shakespeare's stage plays with him with elaborate paper dolls, and often quoted lines in dialogue. Arabella teaches Luca to appreciate art and shows him the beauty of sculpture. There are also other non-staff personnel who cook for him. Later, Luca's businessman father sent him to an Austrian Nazi school out of political sensitivity. When the "Scorpion Gang" saw him off, he used the "Henry V" St. Crispian's Day speech to bid farewell at the train station. The influence of culture and art in life prevented him from absorbing the teachings of the Nazi school, distinguishing right from wrong, and maintaining a conscience. In 1940, after five years in Austria, he decided to become independent and returned to Florence to study art.
In 1935, when their tea time was disturbed by fascists, Lady Hester ignored the advice given to her by the consul and went to Rome to protest. Without political sensitivity, she is proud of having afternoon tea with Mussolini and receiving his protection promise. It is just a superficial blame, but she has always been regarded as the capital of showing off. (The biggest difference between aristocratic widows and professional politicians is that one supports Mussolini out of the worship and trust in power, and the other has already smelled the precarious future.)
193619371938, the world is constantly out of order.
In 1939, the consul suggested to evacuate the "Scorpion Gang" but was rejected. The storm is coming.
In 1940, Italy joined the Axis powers. British immigrants were detained as citizens of the enemy country to the concentration camp in San Gimignano. Life was downright and difficult, but because Lady Haster was more demanding, she taught fascists some daily etiquette and defended the last trace of dignity in daily life. Elsa gave them money to fake Mussolini's orders to let them stay in a hotel and apply for fake passports to help others escape. Lady Hester thought it was a privilege given by Mussolini, and seemed very yu (chun). Elsa has a special significance for Luca's growth.
On 12.7 in 1941, the United States declared war, and Elsa and Georgie were also imprisoned in concentration camps. More spearheads are directed at the Jews. She was deceived by the Italian lover's lawyer Vittorio, lost all of her paintings and property, and refused to believe the truth. Luca has been helping refugees pass news.
1943 Afternoon tea at Collegiate Church became an afternoon drink. The "Scorpion Gang" was dressed more casually. Lady Hester helped Elsa escape after learning that it was Elsa and not Mussolini who helped her, and realized that it would be foolish to entrust herself to someone who didn't intend to save her. And Luca also lost responsibility for realizing that he shouldn't be jealous of Elsa's boyfriend, and learned the basic principle of a gentleman: first people before yourself.
In 1944.7, the Germans wanted to blow up the tower. Arabella tied the fuse to her body in order to protect the ancient monument Collegiate Church, and several others joined the camp. Fortunately, because the British rescued the scene in time and survived. Luca started working as an interpreter for the British army, and unexpectedly reunited with Mary. The "Scorpion Gang" who devoted themselves to saving the art of the ancient city regained their freedom during the adversity, but refused to return to the UK and continued to live in Florence...
In 1999, 77-year-old Franco Zeffirelli set out to make this film, which also means gratitude to the "Scorpion Gang". The meaning between people is about illuminating a bit of the soul and shaking a bit of destiny. The meeting in the water in childhood became a moment of divine light in the heart, loved, needed by others, and carefully taught. These experiences gave him the courage to go further and explore the world.
View more about Tea with Mussolini reviews
