SummaryBroke, and armed with only a glass of wine and a wry sense of humor, middle-aged Gianni resides with his 93-year-old mother in their ancient apartment. The condo debts are mounting, but if Gianni looks after the building manager’s mother during the Pranzo di Ferragosto (Italy’s biggest summer holiday, and the Feast of the Assumption), all will be... Read More
Directed By:Gianni Di Gregorio
Written By:Gianni Di Gregorio, Simone Riccardini
Mid-August Lunch
Metascore
Generally Favorable
75
User score
Generally Favorable
7.5
My Score
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Metascore
Generally Favorable
75
88% Positive
14 Reviews
14 Reviews
13% Mixed
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
90
A slender Chekhovian vignette about the joys and regrets of old age and the pleasures of sociability.
80
The film is a slice of life, and although nothing earthshaking happens, at only 75 minutes long, it never quite tries your patience either.
80
Thankfully, the actor-director prepares this potential recipe for hokeyness with all-natural ingredients, casting four of the feistiest biddies he could find, who are all the more endearing for being unadorned.
80
It may be difficult for the youth-obsessed American culture to appreciate the quiet joys rendered in this Italian charmer. But, given the increasing dominion of the Baby-Boomer Generation--hungry for life-affirming images of old age--Mid-August Lunch could prove a sleeper-in-the-making.
75
A pleasant taste of Roman life.
67
These women are marvelous, with ancient, creased faces and the kind of admirable f...-all attitude that comes with age. I couldn't take my eyes off them.
50
It's tasty enough, and probably good for you, but at 73 minutes, the film is hardly a very filling entree.
User score
Generally Favorable
7.5
100% Positive
4 Ratings
4 Ratings
0% Mixed
0 Ratings
0 Ratings
0% Negative
0 Ratings
0 Ratings
Jun 30, 2026
8
Mid August Lunch divides with its minimalist approach. While some viewers would dismiss the narrative as forgettable and pointless, arguing it lacks real emotional weight, others celebrate its undeniable charm. The movie avoids a caustic perspective on aging, choosing instead to present a gentle, leisurely look at a man managing a lively group of older women. It succeeds as a saddening slice of Italian life.A very modest production, yet truly engaging.
Production Company:
- Archimede
- Ministero per i Beni e le Attività Culturali (MiBAC)
- Fandango
- Rai Cinema
Release Date:Mar 17, 2010
Duration:1 h 15 m
Awards
Venice Film Festival
• 4 Wins & 4 Nominations
Golden Ciak Awards
• 1 Win & 3 Nominations
Bratislava International Film Festival
• 2 Wins & 2 Nominations
