Sometimes it is good not to know much about a movie before watching it, so you won't have any prejudices. And it is sometimes even good to have wrong idea about what you're going to see, because you can be pleasantly surprised.My House in Umbria sounded as it was happening on the beginning of 20th century, either in castle full of aristocrats (like Age of Innocence) or in deserted house with poor artists having no money to leave (Stealing Beauty; Sirens). Room with a View or Under Tuscan Sun came in mind too.The train in first few minutes was obviously not a century old one. Characters were more likely to fit in Miss Marple story. And that was just a beginning of surprises.A warm story about so different people that can successfully create a small community (instant family) is so hard to find. Unusual communities are usually shown as unstable group and intense interpersonal relations build the dynamic of group which develops the plot. (Tillsammans, Black Moon, Hair as an example.) But it is developing harmony that we see in House in Umbria, people who learn to lean on each other and help each other in the same time. Almost like an ideal early Christian community. Though religion isn't a topic of the movie, there are more Christian feelings here than in many religious movies. From loving and helping to forgiving. When one of the main characters appears to be the one guilty for all the tragedies that happened to the group, he isn't shown as a villain but rather a seduced man, a poor victim of circumstances.The only person who is rather odd and doesn't fit is the only one that enters the movie after first five minutes (when we meet all other characters): another surprise - in an American (HBO!) movie the only person we dislike is the only (adult) American character in the movie (played incredible effectively by Chris Cooper as a superb contrast in cast). The interaction between him and the group is the only real conflict we see, and during that time our feelings towards him change. Finally we learn to accept him the way he is (as we should accept all people, says another message of the movie), because he is just that kind of man. He is not evil, he is just different. And, maybe as the only influence he was able to let himself implement, he makes an unexpected choice at the end, realizing that though this community is strange and odious to him, it's not necessary worthless, and it might be wrong forcing someone to replace this warmth and caring love with his scientifically precise but cold, emotionless world.Something, however, didn't change from the beginning: Maggie Smith is still so Ms Marpleish that I was expecting at least one small murder which she could solve. And all people living in House in Umbria might have been imagined by Agatha Christie, actors (Barker, Spall, Dazzy, Cooper) ideal for Poirot's suspects and even Giannini as inspector could pass well as inspector Japp.But at the end I didn't mind lack of murder. It was one of those rare TV movies that can be recommended to anyone who prefers emotions and peace instead of action and violence. It is not a soap opera, it is not cheesy; and don't let my words make you understand it is a religious movie: it is humanity in the first place that House in Umbria promotes.

A tale of caring and understanding involving an elderly authoress, an elderly general, a child and a young man brought together by the tragedy of a bomb attack on a train. The authoress takes them to her home whilst the investigation by the local police continues. Each character presents inward battles and longings. The uncle of the young child, an eminent professor and her only remaining relative, arrives to take her back to America. The uncle, well-meaning but childless, is beleaguered by thoughts of doubt and uncertainty - how will he and his wife, also an academic cope with his niece? Estranged from the child's mother, his sister, the child is a stranger to him, thus creating tension and uncertainty. The young man, a German who had been travelling with a new girlfriend, is enigmatic. The elderly general's daughter died in the crash. He and the young man strive to create a garden for their hostess; an obvious metaphor for renewal and hope for the future. Excellent Excllent Excellent.

Emily (Maggie Smith) writes romance novels, fairly successfully. Although British by birth, she lives in Umbria, Italy in a big and beautiful house/mansion. When traveling one day on a train, she finds herself in a compartment with some nice folks, among them, a lovely little girl. All of a sudden, a bomb explodes. Emily survives, as does Amy, the young girl, an older retired officer, and a young German man. After their stays in the hospital, Emily welcomes all of these survivors to continue their recovery at her house. Amy, very traumatized by the events, does not speak, yet she clings to Emily. Everything is going along quite nicely when, out of the blue, they learn Amy has an uncle in America. Will he come to get her? This is a most unusual story but a very fine one. Smith is superb as the aging writer and the rest of the cast is wonderful, too. The scenery in Italy is loveliness indeed and makes for a very beautiful movie. The script is elegant but not stuffy. All in all, if you loved Under the Tuscan Sun or Enchanted April, you will enjoy this film, yes. But, even if you have never taken a videotrip to Italy, you will be happy you carried this film home from the video store or library. It is enchanting fare with an extraordinary tale of human relationships.

I certainly enjoyed this quality movie. The entire cast looked as if they had lived where they were for years. Maggie Smith has played some monumental parts in her career, but this was surely her best. Totally convincing as the alcoholic looking for something to enhance her life and give it meaning, she acted gently and convincingly throughout. The late Ronnie Barker played a part which might have been made for him. A soft,undemanding role, but played brilliantly by one of the United Kingdom's most underrated actors. Aimee was the orphaned child supplying a deep felt need by her temporary guardian (Maggie Smith)and the part was well played by this young actress. Timothy Spall, as an Irishman, for once, was entirely convincing in this supporting, but important role. I felt this was a film which showed his acting talents off very well. The one part in the cast which I felt was not quite believable was the Italian detective. Having said this, the part was well played, but it was not what I would have expected from a policeman in any country. Real policeman intrude and I thought the part was written more like a fond uncle. Overall I was glad to have seen this movie because it was memorable and of excellent quality