I have absolutely never seen anything like this movie before. You have to see this movie.

It's an amazing and heartbreaking story.

If you're interested in the topic at hand, you should just watch it and judge yourself because the reviews have gone very biased by people that didn't even watch it and just hate (or love) the creator. I liked it, it was well written, narrated, and directed and it was about a topic that interests me.

Story: It's very simple but honestly that is fine.

Warning: Spoilers of sorts.Beautiful, lush sets and scenery.Characterizations of oddball characters bounce all over the map.Uneven direction from a director whose right hand doesn't seem to know what his left hand is doing. Or care. Script is nothing to shout about either.Strangely non-affecting. Not especially amusing, not especially romantic, not even a little bit sexy. It's a bit of a mystery why the two main characters are attracted to one another or why they end up together.Odd, off-hand treatment of impending war.A collection of truly bizarre performances. Normally reliable actors run amok. No doubt the director's and screenwriter's faults.A film that tries hard, very hard, too hard and doesn't succeed. Can't really recommend, but on the other hand, it's not a complete waste of time. It apparently has its audience.

A touching and innocent romance story. I have watched this movie many times and compare it to Under the Tuscan Sun and My House in Umbria. Lovely Uma Thurman is very enjoyable as Miss Beaumont who is immature, flirty and completely self absorbed. Her youth and beauty catches the eye of the charming and lovable Edward Fox's lonely Major Wilshaw who is clearly feeling his oats and intent on pleasing this young flower. His endearing qualities and gentlemanly manner are clear and very appealing to Vanessa Redgrave as Miss Bentley and she is completely smitten as she sets out to win the Majors attention and affection. Fox and Redgrave are absolutely compelling in this film. Vanessa is delightful and gives her character a wondrous and youthful anticipation of romance. The setting, the lake, the music and background life at the villa enhance this trio. A rare and excellent movie, very recommendable.

This film was slow but tedious and the acting often drifted into the land of ham. Redgrave's character was unappealing as the 60 something woman trying to compete with Thurman's 20 something for the love of Fox's character (why is beyond me). The title of the movie should have been "Shallow people on the lake". The actors played like they were in a rehearsal. A dreadfully predictable ending to boot. I can't believe this is on this website as a comedy!

"A Month by the Lake" has strong parallels with "Up at the Villa" as both films are about the idle rich who spend time at a villa in the North of Italy in the days prior to WWII. "A Month..." is a sublime story about a very starched Brit (Fox) and a somewhat capricious lady (Redgrave). Both mature, in late middle age, the principals stumble along on a collision course with love in this sweet, airy, picture postcard perfect little tale. An enjoyable watch for more mature audiences. A must see for Redgrave fans.