The American Bride (1986)

The American Bride Poster
Original Title: La Sposa Americana

Edoardo meets and immediately falls in love for Edith. They soon decide to marry. During the wedding Edoardo knows Anna, Edith's best friend and wife of her brother. This last is a fake marriage since Sacha is homosexual. Incredibly Edoardo loses his mind for Anna, and they become soon lovers. The two couples spend time together in Venezia. Edoardo is continuously shared between Edith and Anna. But this won't take long.

Film Overview
"The American Bride" is an Italian-British comedy-drama movie from 1986, likewise known as "La Sposa Americana". The movie was directed by Giovanni Soldati, including: Stefania Sandrelli, Harvey Keitel, and Amanda Sandrelli in the main functions. Set amidst the expressive Italian landscapes, the film is a blend of easy going funny, melodrama, and coming-of-age dynamics.

Plot
The film's plot focuses on 18-year-old Catherine, an American girl played by Stefania Sandrelli's real-life child, Amanda Sandrelli. She travels to Italy to satisfy her pen-pal, played by Rosario Lisma, who lives in Modena with his family. Through correspondence, they had established a close bond, sharing dreams of life and love. Nevertheless, upon getting here in Italy, she finds Rosario different from the lovely lad described in the letters.

Character Development and Interactions
While getting familiar with her brand-new environments and handling her impressions' shattered truths, Catherine has several encounters with Rosario's single auntie, Anna (Stefania Sandrelli). They gradually construct a close connection regardless of their contrasting personalities. Catherine is a wide-eyed, innocent, and naive woman with dreams of finding love, whereas Anna is a middle-aged woman confined under the social norms, handling aging and isolation.

Effect of Cultural Diversity
The film also checks out cultural differences in between American and Italian perceptiveness, discreetly exposed through Catherine's exchanges with her host household, specifically Anna. As Catherine adjusts to the laid-back, standard Italian way of life, Anna sees a look into more liberated and modern western views through Catherine. This juxtaposition of old-world charm and modern-day self-reliance forms the story's essence.

Love and Heartbreak
All at once, the scenes between Catherine and Rosario develop from awkwardness to a profound romantic disposition, culminating in Rosario announcing his engagement with Catherine. Nevertheless, this vibrant love is cut short as Catherine finds that Rosario betrays to her. Heartbroken, she decides to return house.

Climax and Outcome
Toward the film's end, there is a poignant transition when Anna, influenced by Catherine's braveness despite her heartbreak, decides to break-free from her self-imposed restraints. Anna finally selects to take control of her life, live separately, and enjoy her staying years passionately and freely. The film ends with a sense of melancholy however also optimism for the liberation and self-discovery of both ladies.

Vital Reception & Achievement
"The American Bride" got moderate evaluations from critics, with impressive gratitude for Stefania Sandrelli's sensitive and authentic acting. The highlight of the film is its interesting story, laced with humor, romance, heartbreak, and self-acceptance. The movie, mixing funny and drama, is a tribute to the womanly spirit, showcasing females's ability to adapt, endure, and claim their area in a standard society. It likewise won the David di Donatello for Best Actress (Stefania Sandrelli) and was chosen for the very best Supporting Actor (Rosario Lisma) and Best Costumes.

Top Cast

  • Stefania Sandrelli (small)
    Stefania Sandrelli
    Anna
  • Thommy Berggren (small)
    Thommy Berggren
    Edoardo
  • Trudie Styler (small)
    Trudie Styler
    Edith
  • Harvey Keitel (small)
    Harvey Keitel
    Sacha
  • Richard Borg
    Kirk