Bread and Tulips 2001
Directed by
Silvio Soldini
Made by
First Look International
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Bread and Tulips (2001). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Rosalba Barletta, a housewife hailing from Pescara, Italy, finds herself unexpectedly stranded during a family vacation. Rather than waiting for her controlling and unfaithful husband, she decides to hitchhike her way back home. However, she makes an impulsive detour to the enchanting city of Venice. As she arrives in this beautiful lagoon city, she quickly realizes her money is running low and seeks accommodation with the charming restaurant maître d’hôtel, Fernando Girasole, an elderly Icelander who speaks Italian in an elegant, literary manner.
Once settled, Rosalba starts to embrace her new life, forging a warm friendship with Grazia, a holistic masseuse who lives next door. Additionally, she secures a job at a small flower shop owned by Fermo, a grumpy yet endearing anarchist who eventually warms to her polite demeanor. This newfound independence brings Rosalba a sense of joy she hadn’t experienced before.
Meanwhile, her husband has dispatched Costantino, a clumsy plumber, to track her down. Despite his bumbling nature, Costantino stumbles upon Grazia and is smitten with her charm. He ultimately contacts Rosalba’s husband, revealing his intention to quit the search for her.
As Rosalba navigates her growing feelings for Fernando Girasole, a tender relationship blossoms between the two amidst small daily gestures filled with subtle romance. However, her temporary bliss is disrupted when her husband’s lover, a family friend, convinces her to return home under the pretense that her son has fallen into drug trouble due to her absence. Heartbroken yet dutiful, Rosalba leaves her newfound life in Venice behind, only to discover upon her return that all is well at home and her son is in no danger.
Now left alone in Venice, Fernando Girasole, filled with longing, borrows Fermo’s van to travel to Pescara, where he finally confesses his love for Rosalba. Moved by his declaration, she decides to return to Venice for good, accompanied by her youngest son, ready to embrace this new chapter of love and life.
Timeline
Track the key events of Bread and Tulips (2001) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Unexpected Stranding
Rosalba Barletta, a housewife from Pescara, Italy, becomes stranded during a family vacation. Instead of waiting for her controlling husband, she bravely decides to hitchhike her way back home.
Impulsive Detour to Venice
Rather than heading straight home, Rosalba makes an impulsive decision to visit the enchanting city of Venice. Drawn in by its beauty, she quickly immerses herself in the city's charm despite her dwindling funds.
Seeking Accommodation
Upon arrival in Venice, Rosalba realizes she needs a place to stay. She finds temporary accommodation with the elegant restaurant maître d'hôtel, Fernando Girasole, who speaks Italian in a notably literary manner.
Newfound Friendships
As Rosalba settles into her new life, she forms a genuine friendship with Grazia, a holistic masseuse who lives next door. This friendship becomes a source of support and comfort during her transition.
Finding Employment
Rosalba secures a job at a small flower shop owned by Fermo, a grumpy yet kind anarchist. Over time, her charming personality wins him over, leading to a warm and endearing working relationship.
A Sense of Joy
With her newfound independence and friendships, Rosalba experiences a sense of joy and freedom she hadn’t felt before. She begins to embrace her life in Venice, finding happiness in the small things.
The Search Begins
Meanwhile, Rosalba's husband sends Costantino, a bumbling plumber, to search for her. Despite his clumsy demeanor, he inadvertently ruins a situation while also becoming enchanted by Grazia's charm.
Costantino's Decision
After stumbling upon Grazia, Costantino decides to contact Rosalba's husband. He reveals that he intends to quit the search for Rosalba, showcasing a bizarre blend of loyalty and infatuation.
Blossoming Romance
As Rosalba adapts to her new surroundings, she finds herself developing romantic feelings for Fernando Girasole. Their relationship starts to bloom through shared moments and quiet gestures filled with underlying affection.
Heartbreaking Manipulation
Just when Rosalba begins to find happiness, she is manipulated by her husband's lover, a family friend. They convince her to return home by claiming her son is in trouble due to her absence, which weighs heavily on Rosalba's heart.
Return to Pescara
Heartbroken, Rosalba reluctantly leaves her newfound life in Venice, returning to Pescara with a heavy heart. On her arrival, she finds that her son is perfectly fine and there was never any danger, deepening her sorrow.
Fernando's Longing
Back in Venice, Fernando Girasole feels an overwhelming sense of longing for Rosalba. He decides to take Fermo's van and travel to Pescara to express his feelings for her directly.
Love Confession
When Fernando arrives in Pescara, he finally confesses his love for Rosalba, making his true feelings known. This heartfelt declaration stirs something deep within her, reigniting her hopes.
A Decision to Return
Moved by Fernando's confession, Rosalba decides to return to Venice for good. She embarks on this new chapter, once again choosing happiness and love over her prior responsibilities.
Embracing a New Life
Accompanied by her youngest son, Rosalba steps back into Venice, ready to embrace both love and life. This signifies a fresh start for her, filled with hope and possibilities in the beloved city.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Bread and Tulips (2001) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Rosalba Barletta
Rosalba is a housewife who undergoes significant transformation throughout the film. Initially constrained by her controlling marriage, her journey to Venice allows her to explore her own desires and independence. She is kind-hearted and open-minded, forming deep connections and ultimately embracing love in her new life.
Fernando Girasole
Fernando is an elderly Icelander and restaurant maître d'hôtel who becomes Rosalba's romantic interest. He is characterized by his elegance and literary manner of speaking. As a nurturing figure, he provides a safe haven for Rosalba, and their subtle romantic gestures reveal his deep affection for her.
Fermo
Fermo is a grumpy yet endearing anarchist and owner of the flower shop where Rosalba finds employment. Initially cantankerous, he eventually warms up to Rosalba and becomes an important ally in her journey of self-discovery and independence, showcasing the softer side of his personality.
Grazia
Grazia is a holistic masseuse living next door to Rosalba, who becomes a close friend and confidante. Her kindness and spirituality provide emotional support for Rosalba as she navigates her new life. Grazia's presence helps Rosalba gain confidence and insight into her true self.
Costantino
Costantino is a bumbling plumber sent by Rosalba's husband to find her. Despite his clumsiness, he develops feelings for Grazia, adding a touch of comedy to the story. His character adds a layer of complexity to the narrative as he reflects the consequences of Rosalba's husband's actions.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Bread and Tulips (2001), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The story unfolds in contemporary times as evidenced by the modern-day scenarios of marriage struggles and emotional relationships. It reflects the challenges faced by women seeking independence and self-discovery in a rapidly changing society.
Location
Pescara, Venice
Pescara is a coastal city in Italy, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture. It serves as Rosalba's home and represents her old life filled with constraints. Venice, on the other hand, is a picturesque lagoon city famous for its stunning canals and romantic atmosphere. The enchanting beauty of Venice contrasts with Rosalba's previous mundane life, allowing her to explore new possibilities.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Bread and Tulips (2001). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Self-Discovery
The movie highlights Rosalba's journey towards self-discovery as she breaks free from her controlling husband. Through her experiences in Venice, she learns to embrace joy, independence, and personal growth, transforming her identity away from a mere housewife. This theme is evident as she builds new relationships and finds happiness in unexpected places.
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Love and Longing
The theme of love is central to the narrative, particularly in the developing relationship between Rosalba and Fernando. It captures the beauty and complexity of romance, showcasing how genuine connections can form in unexpected circumstances. The longing felt by both characters emphasizes their emotional struggles amid life's challenges.
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