Mostly Martha (Bella Martha)

Critics Consensus

Mostly Martha may have a predictable plot, but it still feels charming and fresh, and the food will make you hungry.

92%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 85

89%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 7,991
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Movie Info

Martha is the chef at a small gourmet restaurant in Hamburg who creates mini-masterpieces in every dish. She devotes every waking hour to her work and her shyness keeps her from breaking out of her monotonous routine or meeting new people. When her sister dies in an accident, however, she is compelled to adopt Lina, her 8-year-old niece. Martha's life changes in an instant: not only is she faced with adjusting to her new parental role, but she must also find inspired ways to deal with Lina's grief over the loss of her mother. Surprisingly, help comes from Mario, Martha's new Italian sous-chef, who begins to visit Martha and Lina, doing all that he can to cheer them up with jokes and elaborate meals. Just as the trio returns to a stage of normalcy in their lives, Lina's long missing father arrives, announcing that he wants to take Lina back to Italy with him. Having grown to love Lina and her own role as the girl's protector, Martha is faced with a difficult dilemma.

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Cast

Martina Gedeck
as Martha
Maxime Foerste
as Lina
Sergio Castellitto
as Mario
August Zirner
as Martha's Therapist
Sibylle Canonica
as Frida
Katja Studt
as Lea
Antonio Wannek
as Carlos
Idil Üner
as Bernadette
Oliver Broumis
as Jan
Ulrich Thomsen
as Sam
Gerhard Gerbers
as Herr Steinberg
Angela Schmidt
as Frau Steinberg
Diego Ribon
as Guiseppe Lorenzo
Jerome Ducournau
as Jean
Rocco Dressel
as Bartender
Leonhard Mazohl
as Kellner
Katrin Hansmeier
as Babysitter
W.G. Sprenger
as Noisy Customer
Victoria Trauttmansdorff
as Companion
Adrian Stein
as Kitchen Youth
Adam Dietrich
as Doctor
Michael Wittenborn
as Teacher
Alexandra Flogel
as Sam's Daughter
Oscar Helmi
as Sam's Son
Gunnar Titzmann
as Policeman
Jophi Ries
as Unsatisfied Customer
Regula Grauwiller
as Unsatisfied Customer's Friend
Maria Fuchs
as Friend
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Critic Reviews for Mostly Martha (Bella Martha)

All Critics (85) | Top Critics (29)

View All Critic Reviews (85)

Audience Reviews for Mostly Martha (Bella Martha)

  • Oct 17, 2010
    Yummy from beginning to end. Not only is Martha quirky to watch, but the food preparation alone is worth sitting through this movie. Sweet and stylish. Passionate. Heart warming.
    Cynthia S Super Reviewer
  • Aug 05, 2008
    This was a great film, The one I rented had English Subtitles and was in German. It started out slow, but really picked up and was very funny. If your into subtitle Movies get this one or rent it, you will not be sorry.
    Bruce B Super Reviewer
  • Feb 17, 2008
    An intriguing movie. Martha is a chef in a upscale restaurant when one day she gets several surprises. Her sister tragically dies in a car accident while on her way to see her, and now must raise her eight year old niece Lina. Her boss hires an Italian sous-chef, and now must share the kitchen and all other responsibilities. On the suggestion of her boss, she sees a therapist weekly in hopes that she can curb and manage her anger. Martha must now accept the changes in her life. Great cast- Martina Gedeck, Sergio Castellitto, Maxime Foerste, August Zirner, Sibylle Canonica, Katja Studt, and Ulrich Thomsen. Worthy!
    Leo L Super Reviewer
  • Oct 22, 2007
    Charming film with a delightful Martina Gedeck.
    Ina S Super Reviewer
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