Mostly Martha (Bella Martha) (2001)
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92% of critics liked it
(84 reviews) -
87% of users liked it
(7,734 ratings)
Sandra Nettelbeck spins this gentle drama about how a child's presence can change the lives of the most shy and career-minded of adults. Martha (Martina Gedeck) is the chef of a popular Hamburg eatery who fusses and obsesses over each dish before it leaves the kitchen. The demands of her job and… More Sandra Nettelbeck spins this gentle drama about how a child's presence can change the lives of the most shy and career-minded of adults. Martha (Martina Gedeck) is the chef of a popular Hamburg eatery who fusses and obsesses over each dish before it leaves the kitchen. The demands of her job and her natural shyness keep her from breaking out of her routine to meet new people. When her sister suddenly dies in a car accident, Martha adopts Lina, her eight-year-old niece. Martha's life soon completely changes -- not only must she adjust herself to new parental role, but she must help Lina deal with her grief over the loss of her mother. Martha gets unexpected help from Mario, Martha's hunky new sous chef, who is not only a whiz on the chopping block but knows sundry magic tricks and jokes to keep Lina's spirits afloat. Just as Martha starts to grow attached to the girl, however, the possibility of Lina returning to the custody of her father arises. This film was screened at the 2001 Toronto Film Festival. ~ Jonathan Crow, Rovi
- Directed By
- Sandra Nettelbeck
- Written By
- Sandra Nettelbeck
- Genres
- Drama, Art House & International, Comedy
PG,
- In Theaters
- Aug 16, 2001 Wide
- Studio
- Paramount Classics
Critic Reviews
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Emanuel Levy, Variety
Though utterly predictable, this kitchen-set romantic comedy about a severe German woman and a fun-loving Italian cook, has a certain charm, and it's about food, which speaks well for commercial appeal.
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Peter Travers, Rolling Stone
Nettelbeck serves the tastiest film about food and sex since Big Night.
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Joe Baltake, Sacramento Bee
An irresistible concoction.
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Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel
Nettelbeck has given the viewer a genuine catharsis and a cinematic meal that isn't perfect -- but is all the better for it.
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Lisa Schwarzbaum, Entertainment Weekly
Nettelbeck has a particularly lovely sense of behind-the-scenes restaurant choreography.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Martina Gedeck
as Martha Klein
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Sergio Castellitto
as Mario
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Maxime Foerste
as Lina
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August Zirner
as Therapist
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Ulrich Thomsen
as Sam Thalberg
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Sibylle Canonica
as Frida
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Katja Studt
as Lea
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Idil Üner
as Bernadette
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Oliver Broumis
as Jan
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Antonio Wannek
as Carlos
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Diego Ribon
as Giuseppe Lorenzo
