What makes it different from others?

Terrible acting, screenplay and direction.

Expected more

It is an exhilarating, distressing, funny and profound film, with one of the more memorable film scores in years,

This is the type of movie that can only be made 50 years ago where innocence, romance and charm can go together to open-minded movie- goers. To be clear and set the record straight, I disagree with the reviews posted here calling this young woman "retarded." Clara is NOT retarded. She had a head injury, but it does not make her retarded. It is a minor limitation. However, as you move into the story you find that Clara is actually more aware and smarter than her parents or doctors initially believed or give her credit. Clara was able to learn a new language (Italian) and assimilate with the country's people, culture and language. That in itself shows immense intelligence. Perhaps, it was the fault of the parents for smothering her too much and not allowing her to grow. Kids will believe what their parents believe of them. Once Clara was allowed to be herself, she was able to grow. People, please don't confuse "innocence" with retardation. It is an inaccurate depiction of this young woman. Just because Clara did not fit in with the judgmental and prejudice Americans back home and her mom decided to travel out of the country, it does not mean Clara was retarded. Having said all this, I find Light in the Piazza to be a GEM for those who still have a heart, compassion and can enjoy a bit of innocence in today's desensitized times.

In this film, Yvette Mimieux plays a beautiful young lady who, as a child, was kicked in the head by a horse, and whose mental development has been slowed to the level of a 10 year old...except when she is rapidly picking up a new language and in certain other social settings. (Interestingly, just one year later, Mimieux played the socially slow and naive wife of Dean Martin in "Toys In The Attic"). That's the first problem with this film -- an inconsistency with Mimieux's character.She is in Florence, Italy with her protective mother (the grand and gracious Olivia de Havilland). While there, they are stalked...well in 1962 it wouldn't be considered that...by an Italian suitor -- George Hamilton. Hamilton's limited ability as a serious actor was beginning to show by the time he made this -- his ninth credited film...but he gets by here. Is Hamilton on the level? Apparently so, since his family is relatively wealthy. His father is played by Rossano Brazzi. Barzzi is his normally suave self here, and rather enjoyable, although this film is not one of the highlights to his career.And then along comes Daddy...a very worn-out looking Barry Sullivan, long past his prime in film (if there ever was one). Apparently he was gotten on the cheap here, and they didn't even want to spend money for a little makeup. Daddy, by the way, wants to put daughter in a "country-club" institution.As a result of Daddy's plans, with a couple of stumbles along the way, Mama does everything she can to make the wedding happen, and when it does she says, "I know I did the right thing!" It's a bit distracting in places to watch this film due to what may be a deterioration in the film, or as shown on TCM, a bad print. Nevertheless, despite its flaws, this is an interesting film worth a couple of hours of your viewing time.

This is an almost perfect movie. The glorious setting in Florence, romantic musical score and perfect actors make this a classic. It is not dated at all.The story is a fascinating study of the differences between American and Italian cultures and values. It is a very finely observed showing the subtle differences between the societies. And the best is it has a happy ending. Everyone got what they wanted.Olivia de Havilland is perfect as the worried mother trying to find happiness for her emotionally backward but very pretty daughter played with just the right charm and innocence by Yvette Mimieux. Brazzi is perfect as the suave Italian in law. Even George Hamilton does a surprisingly good job as an Italian beau.This is enjoyable and involving from start to finish. By the way, I saw the musical on Broadway - it didn't quite capture the nuances of this movie. A play on stage would have been better than the musical.

Excellent supporting performances are given in this 1962 film by Yvette Mimieux, as a mentally impaired young lady and by George Hamilton as her Italian suitor.The subject nature of the film is most interesting. A woman, whose own marriage is faltering, takes her daughter to Italy where the latter unexpectedly finds romance. What is difficult to take is that the young Fabrizio(Hamilton) and his family fail to realize that Clara (Mimieux) is mentally impaired. The dialogue reveals this in about 10 minutes into the film.Barry Sullivan has the under-stated role of Olivia De Havilland's husband, a tobacco executive, who briefly appears when he is summoned to Rome. What is also hard to embrace is the very sudden turn around by the mother (De Havilland) who at first does everything possible to break up the romance only to wholeheartedly endorse it.Some major social problems are dealt with here, especially what to do with mentally impaired children when the parents are no longer here.I found the ending to be more of a cop-out.