I loved this movie. It starred Hepburn as a single middle- aged secretary from Ohio who takes the trip of a lifetime and travels to Venice. Hepburn's character seems happily single and enjoys her solitude and independence. Most of the action in the film takes place at Hepburn's hotel and in and around Venice. Director David Lean shot the film on location and the scenery is gorgeous. We see Hepburn taking in the sights of town, the canals, the gondolas, local restaurants, etc. While sight seeing, she meets Rossano Brazzi, a local proprietor of an antique shop. Brazzi is super cute and Hepburn finds herself attracted to him. While purchasing a red glass antique goblet, she has a bit of a flirtatious conversation with Brazzi as he tries to school her on the art of haggling.
Brazzi also takes an immediate liking to Hepburn and is soon itching for a date. Hepburn's character, who is so used to being on her own, is hesitant at first, but Brazzi wins her over and soon they're in a red hot romance. Brazzi and Hepburn wine and dine at the finest restaurants, go dancing and even travel together to a neighboring island. Their relationship gets pretty hot and heavy and Hepburn finds herself conflicted--does she take the relationship to the next level, even though it may not be anything more than a summer fling? Or does she cherish what she had in Venice but return to her single life in Ohio?
Hepburn and Brazzi's relationship evolved organically. It didn't seem forced. Hepburn had a great wardrobe in this film and even wears a strapless gown! I don't think I've ever seen Hepburn's shoulders before. There is a scene where she falls into one of the Venice canals. Apparently, she got an eye infection from this stunt (I'm sure the waters of Venice are not clean) and it never cleared up. The little boy Hepburn's character befriends in this film is seemingly homeless and an orphan, and manages to score treats and cigarettes from Hepburn.
If you're in the mood for a legitimate romantic film, this is the film to watch. It'd make a great double feature with Brief Encounter.
Brazzi also takes an immediate liking to Hepburn and is soon itching for a date. Hepburn's character, who is so used to being on her own, is hesitant at first, but Brazzi wins her over and soon they're in a red hot romance. Brazzi and Hepburn wine and dine at the finest restaurants, go dancing and even travel together to a neighboring island. Their relationship gets pretty hot and heavy and Hepburn finds herself conflicted--does she take the relationship to the next level, even though it may not be anything more than a summer fling? Or does she cherish what she had in Venice but return to her single life in Ohio?
Hepburn and Brazzi's relationship evolved organically. It didn't seem forced. Hepburn had a great wardrobe in this film and even wears a strapless gown! I don't think I've ever seen Hepburn's shoulders before. There is a scene where she falls into one of the Venice canals. Apparently, she got an eye infection from this stunt (I'm sure the waters of Venice are not clean) and it never cleared up. The little boy Hepburn's character befriends in this film is seemingly homeless and an orphan, and manages to score treats and cigarettes from Hepburn.
If you're in the mood for a legitimate romantic film, this is the film to watch. It'd make a great double feature with Brief Encounter.