Film review: The Best Offer

Genre: Drama/Mystery/Romantic

Year: 2013

Who to watch out for: Geoffrey Rush and Donald Sutherland

Music by Ennio Morricone

The Best Offer (La migliore offerta) is a film about love, deception and mystery. The story revolves around an elderly auctioneer, Virgil Oldman who is hired by a reclusive young heiress, Claire Ibbetson to handle the auctioning of her inherited antiques and collection of paintings. Oldman however does not seem to live up to his prestige and poise when we discover that he has been ongoingly acquiring through an elaborate scam, a secret private collection of master paintings with the help of his friend Billy Whistler (Donald Sutherland).

Giuseppe Tornatore, the writer and director of the film engages the viewer with intrigues and mysteries throughout the film. In the beginning you are left wondering who is this Ms. Ibbetson who appeared elusively out of nowhere and managed to pull in Oldman who is notoriously difficult to track down. Then the plot thickens when we discover that she is an agoraphobic hermit who does not leave her house and wishes not to be seen. As time goes on we get to spy on Oldman and Ibbetson's warming relations and discover where it leads to. The best offer is a multi-layered journey into the unknown and this story of love and deceit is in my opinion one of the best written mystery stories in contemporary time.

Delightful Interruption Star Rating:  

✩✩✩✩✩

Through the lens: Florence, Italy

Firenze

This is one city that should be on everyone's bucket list. Florence is as authentic as Italian culture gets! Whether you would like to travel back into Italian renaissance in the Uffizi gallery or simply people watch in the Piazza della Signoria, I recommend at least 3 or 4 days in this beautiful city. There is so much to see, especially as the Florentines are especially proud of their heritage, they have worked hard to preserve the gifts their elder generations have left them in the form of architecture, art and glorious food! 

Imitation of the famous David

If you would like to see the masterpieces of Michelangelo, Botticelli and Da Vinci be sure to buy tickets in advance as it gets awfully busy (we queued for over an hour in the freezing cold- although it was worth it). My favourite in the Uffizi gallery was Michelangelo's Doni Tondo, which must be seen for its intricate details in person. 

Also another one of my favourite highlights from Florence was the visit to Piazzale Michelangelo. This is a famous square with a phenomenal view of the city - photographs don't do it justice!

Floating Umbrellas on the way to the Boboli gardens

Authentic Florentine architecture

Enjoying the best Cappucino I've ever tasted!

Panorama from the Piazzale Michelangelo

Happy New Year!

Ponte Vecchio - the oldest bridge in Florence with in built shops still operating

If you missed out on Venice, catch up here.

Series: Monday Musings

1. If you are having savoury cravings why not make some Skinny green popcorn. I made some this weekend, and it was devoured in minutes! (Courtesy of the Londoner)

2. In a technology led world, one father reminds us how the simple things make the big differences. He made his kids the coolest packed lunches.

3. Building up on the thrill of Girls season 3 back on our screens - 10 reasons why we love Lena Dunham

4. Explore the magic of genuine and beautiful moments captured on a great new photo blog - Unposed Scenes

5. Get excited, the Wolf of Wall street is coming soon!

Film Review: About Time

Genre: Romantic/Drama

Year: 2013

Who to watch out for: Rachel McAdams (The Notebook!) 

This is a wonderfully warm, adorable yet also heart wrenching film about a 21 year old Tim who discovers he has the ability to time travel. The film takes you through his life where he meets the girl of his dreams, Mary (McAdams) and wanders through life getting second chances to fix little moments for the better (or worse!). Tim is a rather likeable character in his brilliantly awkward yet charming way, he's also blessed with a quintessential British attitude, has a lovely family and lives in good old London. What's not to like? If you enjoyed Love Actually and Notting Hill, this will definitely be right up your alley.

Delightful Interruption Star Rating:  

✩✩✩✩

Through the lens: Venice, Italy

Venezia

Venice was an absolutely magical place that firmly captured my heart. Not only was it beautiful in its own way, but it also had some of the most delicious food I've ever tasted, the most stylishly dressed people I've seen, as well as the friendliest people I met. That is a lot of superlatives for one little city yo!

Also, be sure not to miss Harry's bar. This is the original Cipriani's restaurant and where the carpaccio and bellini were born. Although you can find branches of Harry's across the globe which all serve delicious food, trust me when I say nothing beats the original. Hands down the best meal I've ever had! Evidently there are no photos, as we were incredibly hungry bunnies - so I didn't get to capture it by camera.

An introductory shot of the well known Venetian gondolas

A delightful berry and chocolate gelato from the iconic Florian Cafe

A gratuitous shot of the real Venice!

Did you know there are only 405 licensed gondoliers in Venice?

Sumptuous warm Bruschetta at a local favourite - Capavitti

Fried in extra light batter - calamari and vegetables

Best Tiramisu you'll ever taste!

Views from the Rialto

Stay tuned for my next post where I will whisk you away to Florence!