Search - A Wedding for Bella (aka The Bread, My Sweet) on DVD

Jerry S. from OCEANSIDE, CA
Reviewed on 12/3/2013...

If it isn't it will be a Family Classic. You'll probably need a Tissue :-)

Jessica S. (cornsilk) from CROMWELL, MN
Reviewed on 5/6/2011...

This movie was a sweet surprise!

JC B. (peditex) from MT PLEASANT, TX
Reviewed on 4/5/2011...

I obtained this DVD for my elderly mother, since she so enjoyed the "My Big Fat Greek Wedding";however, I am glad that I previewed it before taking it to her. This movie, while rated PG-13 does have a bit more coarse language than my mother would have been comfortable with. Nonetheless, for most people this language is not any worse than most adult rated movies shown nowadays.
While slow in the beginning, the movie does develop a certain charm as is progresses into the heart of the story. Think Italian, think food, think family. All of these play large in this production. Obviously not a big budget film; however, the overall effort is commendable--in fact, this may indeed be Scott Baio's finest 105 minutes of performance.
Rosemary Prinz as Bella will win your heart, but then so will Scott Baio as these two play well off each other in their many shared scenes. Yet, it is a bitter-sweet movie, but far more palatable than the title and initial few minutes suggest. So, while not exactly "family rated fare" for viewing due to brief sexually expressive moments and the previously mentioned "street language", nonetheless this a movie which delves deeply into the true meaning of family and family support that is touchingly done with special respect, honor, and sensitivity to the elderly as well as to the "mentally challenged" older brother whom plays a key role in the development of Bella's character.
Give this relatively unknown movie a chance. While not a "Big Fat Greek Wedding" you'll be amazed at the similar feelings it stirs within you, leaving you with a satisfied if not unpredictable smile when it's over. Not bad for a 105 minute movie.

Alice H. (singlegalkansas) from TOPEKA, KS
Reviewed on 2/2/2009...

A very good performance all around. I liked the story and felt the drama of death but also the love that would bloom out of it. I was really shocked by the performance that Scott Baio did. It was amazingly good.

2 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.

"Wedding" worth going to

E. A Solinas | MD USA | 12/30/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Call it "My Big Fat Italian Wedding," but with more love, bittersweetness, family feeling, and pastry. "A Wedding for Bella" or "The Bread, My Sweet" has a big heart, narrowly avoiding the oversweetness of such movies. It's a romantic comedy, a tragedy, and a warm tale about family.

Domi (Scott Baio) is a corporate bigwig by day, but owns a bakery that he runs with his two brothers. He has also "adopted" an elderly Italian couple, the grumpy Massimo (John Seitz) and loving Bella (Rosemary Prinz). But one day Bella takes Domi to the hospital, revealing that she has terminal cancer. But she orders him not to tell anyone -- because "I no gonna start dying until I'm ready." But she obviously wishes she could see her wayward daughter Lucca (Kristin Minter) be married.

So Domi quietly tries to contact Lucca, only to have her turn up at Christmas dinner. Within a day, he proposes to her -- just so Bella can see her daughter be married, even if he expects Lucca to go her own way once her mother is dead. Lucca and Domi start awkwardly getting to know one another, all the time hoping that Bella will live to see them wed.

A lot of movies would have lapsed into silly cliches. But as someone of Italian ancestry, I can say honestly that a lot of Italians are like the people of this film: they "got a scream," argue and insult, and yet they're generous and loving to everybody. And love food. Even the broken English Bella and Massimo speak never crosses the line into parody.

But what makes "A Wedding for Bella" so enchanting is that it's not just about a wedding or romance. It's also about love and family, and about living your life to the fullest. It's impossible not to be moved as Bella states that she's going to keep living -- not just surviving -- for as long as possible, and tries to do that. And somehow, this movie manages to do it without sinking into sticky-sweetness.

The story mainly focuses on the very weird courtship between Lucca and Domi, and again it manages not to be soppy or cliched -- one scene has them exchanging questionnaires and information. It's awkward, and it's supposed to be. But even with terminal illnesses and faux weddings, "Wedding" has comedy too, such as the three brothers and Massimo goofing around at the tux fitting.

The star performance of this is undoubtedly Prinz as the dying Bella. She exudes warmth, kindness and a quiet strength. It's easy to see why everyone loves her. There are also stellar performances from Baio and Minter, who make the transition from self-arranged fiancees to lovers believable, and Seitz, who gives the crabby Massimo plenty of heart. And "Van Helsing's" Shuley Hensley gives the most underrated performance of the film as Domi's retarded brother, who loves Bella dearly.

"A Wedding for Bella" ("The Bread, My Sweet") a story about celebrating life, and about love -- between lovers, spouses, and brothers. This tiny film is like bread -- good in every way."

And Speaking of Romance...

Kindle Johnson | Columbia, SC United States | 06/15/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Okay, so I stumbled across this video in the store, and it looked relatively interesting. However, the reviews on the box were so good, that I had to try it out. Well, the truth is, the reviews were right. I LOVED this movie. I mean, loved it. I only have a small number of DVD's in my collection, but this will certainly be one of them. The movie is sweet, with the connection of family being at the forefront of the story. The movie is romantic, with this strong hero taking care of those around him, almost to his detriment (and oh yes, Ladies, Scott Baio is excellent, I mean excellent in this film). The movie is sexy, the chemistry between the hero and heroine is amazing, and I've decided to catalogue one of the lines in my little black book ("You're killing me..."). I'm a sucker for romance and love, and this definitely delivers. FYI: the DVD comes with very few bonus materials, it's pretty much just the movie. That kinda sucks because after you watch the movie, you want to learn more about it. Also, the movie does end a little abruptly, but that may just be a matter of personal taste. Still, all in all, this movie was a gem, and Scott Baio will definitely regain his heart throb status from his, almost exquisite, acting. I would love to hear if anyone agrees with me on this particular review."

LOOKING FOR CHARISMA? NOT JUST ROMANCE?

M. Hartmann | Milan, Michigan United States | 03/25/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Here is a hotshot exe. who really want to be a baker. Not fire people. It tickled me when he walked out.

Dom has two older brothers, one who loves to make pies and one who is always looking to get laid.
Yet they are family and have very close bonding.

Ah, the salty language between Massimo and Dom emphize the affection that exists between them. And then there is Bella, such a delightful lady that gives love unstintingly. Her greatest wish is to see every one happy.

Bella wants to see her daughter and have her happily married but she doesn't want to come home. Dom starts leaving messages all over after taking Bella to the hospital. He is ready to make a marriage for Bella.

Soon we get involved with the characters and their facing of Bella's demise. A wonderful blending of familial love and hurt - of powerful emotions - of meeting of life's trials.

This movie grabs you unexpectedly and leaves you knowing you have watch a story of people and not just entertainment.

Highly Recommended"