1/5 Warning, very offensive language
  by Bbllvr
I, for one, don't understand why Hollywood insists on inserting truly foul language (it doesn't offend me if they leave it out, and it adds NOTHING to the story line if they put it in). I am sure this movie would have been interesting had it not been for the language. I watched a few minutes, but could not get past Cher's cursing, cursing and more cursing (not just bywards but God's name). Maybe most aren't offended, but I am sorry I paid money to hear God cursed. Rated PG (must mean put down God), I take it personally and wish this language had been revealed in reviews I had read. I would NEVER have purchased it.

4/5 Tea with Mussolini
  by John William Banchero (Berkeley, CA USA)
This is a movie for a rainy night at home (with tons of popcorn), it's nothing deep, just an amusing period piece. All great actors.

5/5 Tea with Mussolini
  by English Literature Lover (Northern, Michigan)
This star cast movie is based on a true story. A very entertaining way to learn history. Suspenseful yet not a nail biter, very beautiful story.

1/5 Tea with Mussolini is just plain awful
  by Brenda L. Pizzo (Boston, MA United States)
Tea with Mussolini is just plain awful. What a waste of talent with
a deplorable script that will make you cringe. It's painful to watch. What really is gaulling is that this film is available on DVD and another Maggie Smith film "The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne" is not available on DVD. Now that's a tragedy. I wish I could be more complimentary but "Tea" is such a disappointment.

5/5 -----Well done and interesting film-----
  by Judith Miller (Bluemont, VA USA)
Tea with Mussolini is loosely based on a biography of film maker Franco Zeffrelli. It's the story of several English women, referred to as the Scorpioni who live in Florence, Italy. They are all in love with Italy and happily take advantage of the great art and beauty of Florence. It's home to them!

The ladies have a small close community and a few of them become involved with Luca, who is the illegitimate son of a local man. After his mother dies, he's placed in an orphanage. The ladies are Mary (Joan Plowright), Arabella (Judi Dench) and Hester ( Maggie Smith), and all help to care for the boy in some way. Because Hester is the widow of an English statesman, she tries to dominate the other ladies, but they can usually ignore her snobbish ways. The English ladies are also assisted by two American friends. Elsa (Cher), plays the part of a wealthy art lover from America and quietly fiances Luca's education. Georgie (Lily Tomlin), a visiting archaeologist is also involved in helping Luca.

When World War II breaks out the women are more than overwhelmed with the events. In their naiveté, they are hopeful that Mussolini himself will grant them some type of protection.

This very enjoyable film has everything. A talented and competent cast, some humor, and an interesting story which adds some historical significance.