"Drinking Tea with Mussolini": Some temperaments need to be persistent

On the eve of the Second World War, a group of women from various social backgrounds often went to the British Embassy in Italy to have tea and chat with the ambassador’s wife, and comment on culture and art. The petty bourgeoisie life can be regarded as an enjoyable trip. At the beginning of the war, amidst rumors, the wife of the British ambassador went to Mussolini's office angrily to ask whether the personal safety of everyone would be guaranteed. Mussolini has a gentlemanly demeanor, and he pats his chest as a guarantee, so that the ambassador's wife can be assured that he will guarantee his personality at any time and place, and everyone will be safe. Before the words were over, the war broke out. Italy instantly stood in a group with the evil Axis and began to clean up all dissidents. The ambassador’s wife firmly believed in Mussolini’s personality guarantee and tried her best to reassure her companions even if she was already. There is no wavering in the large open houses in the style of concentration camps. During this time, not only did the British and American people join hands with each other in adversity, but also dedicated their efforts to the preservation of cultural relics. It can be said to be touching and lyrical, coming out without reservation.

The film was written and directed by the Italian director Franco Zeffirelli, who has won two Oscars, the British veteran evergreen actresses Maggie Smith and Judy Dench, and the American veteran actress and Singer Cher co-starred. At first, Maggie Smith looked down on Cher, an unqualified woman from the United States, with the temperament of a British literary girl. Later, when everyone was in trouble, the lavish Cher went to rescue and arranged food and lodging for everyone, which moved Maggie. However, Cher is deceived by the handsome boy into ruining her family, and Maggie reaches out to help, and the two become irresistible acquaintances. Judy Dench reverses the domineering role of a strong woman in the past, playing the role of an intellectual woman who loves pets and protects precious paintings. The film won the Best Costume Design Award at the Silver Ribbon Award from the ancient Italian Film Journalists Association in Europe, and Maggie Smith won the Best Supporting Actress Award from the British Film Academy for this film.

If there are two actors who inherit and carry forward the British aristocratic temperament, they are undoubtedly Maggie Smith and Bill Nye. Most of the roles played by these two actors are those who are superior and domineering. The big names, coupled with the historic castle buildings and luxurious environment scenes, when the two raised their arrogant chins and stared at each other in contempt, it was definitely a glorious arrogance. Of course, if you want to see the predicament and alternative treatment of the nobles when they are in trouble, they are uncompromising on everything and people, then this film is definitely not to be ignored, it will be eye-opening.

View more about Tea with Mussolini reviews