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Under the Tuscan Sun

Play trailer Poster for Under the Tuscan Sun PG-13 2003 1h 53m Romance Comedy Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
62% Tomatometer 152 Reviews 78% Popcornmeter 50,000+ Ratings
When Frances Mayes (Diane Lane) learns her husband is cheating on her from a writer whom she gave a bad review, her life is turned upside down. In an attempt to bring her out of a deep depression, her best friend, Patti (Sandra Oh), encourages Frances to take a tour of Italy. During the trip, the new divorcée impulsively decides to purchase a rural Tuscan villa and struggles to start her life anew amid colorful local characters, including the handsome Marcello (Raoul Bova).

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Under the Tuscan Sun

Under the Tuscan Sun

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Critics Consensus

Though formulaic and superficial, Under the Tuscan Sun is redeemed by Lane's vibrant performance.

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Critics Reviews

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Nell Minow Common Sense Media 12/29/2010
4/5
Not much for teens in this book adaptation. Go to Full Review Sara Michelle Fetters MovieFreak.com 12/15/2005
3/4
And while the movie gets a bit too cute and cloying at times, especially when it dips into tired sentimentality, Lane carries it all marvelously, lighting up the screen with one of the year's best performances. Go to Full Review Rex Reed Observer 10/16/2003
The epitome of what a feel-good movie is supposed to be but rarely is, this one is beautiful to look at and life-affirming to think about, and it doesn't have a pretentious bone in its head. Go to Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy 05/31/2023
3/4
A warm and luminous film. Go to Full Review Leigh Paatsch Herald Sun (Australia) 07/31/2020
2.5/5
See it only for the spectacular scenery provided by the gorgeous geography of provincial Italy, and the ever-radiant beauty of Diane Lane. Go to Full Review Debbie Lynn Elias Behind The Lens 11/03/2019
3.5/5
Despite its scripted flaws, Under the Tuscan Sun is the fairy tale that speaks to the hopeful romantic in us all. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Jack G @Gump.jack Feb 3 Real life isn't as smooth and safe as it is in the movie, but I really like the countryside of Tuscany, Italy, under the sunshine See more Rob A @RT76386004 Sep 8 A well cast Diane Lane frolics around Italy - without a visa mind you - flirting with men clearly much younger than she in this breezy, albeit dated, adult drama. It's an easy watch for it's target audience. See more Salma Buitrago T @RT98856187 Aug 8 This is actually one of my favorite movies, and it made me realize how much of a hopeless romantic i am! also love the scenery and the performance of the actress, it was perfect See more thiago s @Thiagostone Jun 19 Filme fraco, o roteiro é fraco, as cenas são fracas, a história é fraca, o elenco é fraco, e ninguém ajuda a melhorar o filme, os personagens são fracos, e o filme deveria ter cenas bem melhores e relevantes, para fazer o filme ser bom See more J T @UtahRondo Jun 7 Not an out and out bad movie. But it is for a certain demographic. Seeing Italy and its great culture was a highlight. Diane Lane was also good and has a bright look about her that makes her work well in this movie. The problem with the movie is it is duller than I would like. Not terrible and probably even enjoyable if you like this type of movie, in the same vein as Eat, Pray, Love. See more Ana G @RT59070333 05/17/2025 I liked this movie. is My favorite Classic movie See more Read all reviews
Under the Tuscan Sun

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Cast & Crew

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Audrey Wells

Director

Diane Lane

Frances Mayes

Sandra Oh

Patti

Lindsay Duncan

Katherine

Vincent Riotta

Martini

Raoul Bova

Marcello

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Under the Tuscan Sun

Under the Tuscan Sun (2003) Frances (Diane Lane, pictured) impulsively buys a run-down Tuscan villa named "Bramasole" and in so doing, plunges herself into a brand new life. Indomitable pleasure-seeker Katherine (Lindsay Duncan, left) urges Frances (Diane Lane, right) to "live spherically" to grab life while it is passing within reach. Frances (Diane Lane, right) gets a lift from a Positano policeman (Emiliano Novelli, center) on her way to surprise Marcello. View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis When Frances Mayes (Diane Lane) learns her husband is cheating on her from a writer whom she gave a bad review, her life is turned upside down. In an attempt to bring her out of a deep depression, her best friend, Patti (Sandra Oh), encourages Frances to take a tour of Italy. During the trip, the new divorcée impulsively decides to purchase a rural Tuscan villa and struggles to start her life anew amid colorful local characters, including the handsome Marcello (Raoul Bova).
Director
Audrey Wells
Producer
Audrey Wells, Tom Sternberg
Screenwriter
Audrey Wells, Audrey Wells, Frances Mayes
Distributor
Buena Vista Pictures
Production Co
Touchstone Pictures, Blue Gardenia Productions, Timnick Films
Rating
PG-13 (Sexual Content|Language)
Genre
Romance, Comedy, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Sep 26, 2003, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Dec 18, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA)
$43.6M
Runtime
1h 53m
Sound Mix
Dolby SR, DTS, Dolby Stereo, Surround, SDDS, Dolby A, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.85:1)