Amati Girls, The MPAA Rating: PG Entertainment: +2 Content: +2

When the storms of life come crashing in, we most often turn to those closest to us for support and comfort. In the case of the four Amati sisters, that means each other. Although each of them is clearly different, the deep bond of sisterhood remains. Grace (Mercedes Ruehl), the eldest, seems stuck in a dead end marriage with Joe (Paul Sorvino). But despite plenty of argument from her less tolerant sisters, she remains deeply committed to him and her family. On the other hand, Christine (Sean Young) has lost much of her will to continue her marriage to workaholic Paul (Jamey Sheridan), but struggles with the idea of divorce. And Denise (Dinah Manoff), the third sister, rejects the idea of marriage altogether, much to the chagrin of her newest boyfriend, Lawrence (Mark Harmon). Even though Lawrence is ready to settle down, Denise is afraid of the unhappy married life she sees with her sisters. And youngest sister Dolores (Lily Knight), left mentally challenged by an accident, wants, more than anything, a boyfriend. However, an incredible trial will challenge the family bonds and their religious faith like never before. Will they hold through the coming storm? The four sisters exhibit a commitment to their Catholic faith and family that is both admirable and encouraging. Although the dialogue seems a bit stilted at times, many will appreciate the message of this touching, heartwarming film.

The message comes through loud and clear: Trust God and look to family for encouragement in times of need. And the special place of fathers in a daughters life is also emphasized. In laying out these messages, THE AMATI GIRLS avoids the Hollywood tendency to include foul language, sexual content, and/or violence in the story. The PG rating comes from one mild and fairly comical sexual situation and a bit of crude language. Violence never makes its way into the story. The Roman Catholic faith and the Catholic Church are portrayed in an extremely positive light as the sisters attend mass and one character resorts to prayer at the slightest sight of trouble. In keeping with the practices of the Catholic Church, the saints are a big part of their prayer life. But one character also destroys the statues in a church building. For anyone trying to find a decent,enjoyable family drama, Preview recommends a visit with THE AMATI GIRLS.

Preview Reviewer: John Adair
Distributor: Providence Entertainment, 13801 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA 91423