A Little Romance

This overlooked gem simply sparkles. Diane Lane plays a 13-year old American girl living in Paris with her mother and stepfather. She falls in love with Thelonius Bernard, a 13-year old French boy obsessed with American movies. When it is revealed that Lane's family will be moving back to the U.S., the two hatch a plot to flee to Italy to kiss under the Bridge of Sighs in Venice, feeling this act will seal their love forever. Assisted by Sir Lawrence Olivier, the two bright teens fulfil their mission.

The great part about this film is that the love between Lane and Bernard is treated sensitively and without sentimentality or condescension. Lane and Bernard are in love and know they are meant for each other. Their intelligence about their love is in sharp contrast to the indifference or foolishness of most of the adult characters in the film who dictate their daily lives. The film's score is truly beautiful, utilizing Handel's Largo as it's main theme. There's a sweet vibe running throughout this film that makes it very special indeed. A great movie for a Sunday afternoon. Highly recommended.