 | Ron C. |
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful
It's a Merchant Ivory film, so lets just stipulate that it is beautifully filmed and slow to develop.
The plot finally heats up in the final 1/3 of the movie. Until then it's slow ... Read MoreIt's a Merchant Ivory film, so lets just stipulate that it is beautifully filmed and slow to develop.
The plot finally heats up in the final 1/3 of the movie. Until then it's slow going.
Hiroyuki Sanada gives a standout performance as Fiennes Japanese friend.
I thought there was "blindness as a metaphor" overusage. You'll "see" what I mean if you rent this film. Close this ReviewWAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes
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 | James V. |
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful
Ralph Fiennes gives another of his fine performances in Merchant/Ivory's final collaboration THE WHITE COUNTESS, and he is supported by a top-notch cast, including--among more than a dozen terrific ... Read MoreRalph Fiennes gives another of his fine performances in Merchant/Ivory's final collaboration THE WHITE COUNTESS, and he is supported by a top-notch cast, including--among more than a dozen terrific actors--Vanessa Redgrave, Madeline Potter, Hiroyuki Sanada and Lee Pace ("Soldier's Girl"). Never uninteresting, this story of the polyglot community of foreigners in Shanghai, including displaced Russian royalty, just prior to WWII is unusual and moving--though probably too slow-moving for many audiences. The screenplay by Kazuo Ishiguro manages to include a lot of characters, events and back story, along with rather too much unbelievable exposition (the first scene with the Russian émigrés is chock-a-block with it) and his organization sometimes veers close to soap opera. Still, the story and performances command enough attention to carry us forward, and as ever with Merchant/Ivory, the locations, sets and cinematography (here, by the great Christopher Doyle) are enticing. Close this ReviewWAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes
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 | Donald T. |
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful
Love story set in Shanghai during the late 1930's between a blind wealthy aristocrat and a poor Russian aristocrat. Both roles played beautifully by lovely Natasha Richardson and a believable blind ... Read MoreLove story set in Shanghai during the late 1930's between a blind wealthy aristocrat and a poor Russian aristocrat. Both roles played beautifully by lovely Natasha Richardson and a believable blind Ralph Fiennes who befriends a high-ranking Japanese officer as Japan invades China and they become partners in a speak-easy bar. Scenes of old Shanghai are very believable considering that so much has changed there. Close this ReviewWAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes
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| Pegah K. |
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful
I think I have seen all of ralph fiennes movies and he is my favorite actor. He is great once again in this movie. It is a touching movie and worth seeing. WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes
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| Rob D. |
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
The fact I visited Shanghai last year probably made this movie more interesting to me than it probably would have been otherwise. This movie illustrated the ever-real possibility of going from ... Read MoreThe fact I visited Shanghai last year probably made this movie more interesting to me than it probably would have been otherwise. This movie illustrated the ever-real possibility of going from "riches to rags". And, like others said, some of the shots were spectacular. I am going to go ahead and give this 2.5 stars for taking some artistic risks and succeeding on several fronts. Close this ReviewWAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes
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 | Thomas J. |
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful
1) Painfully slow
2) no chemistry between main characters
3) story line is interesting, but not enough to keep you interested in the entire movie
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes
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 | Suresh L. |
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
One of the best movies that I have watched in a while. WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes
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| Rich B. |
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
I cannot imagine what it was like waiting for the unmerciful Japanese onslaught. This historical movie had a slow pace, but was interesting, sad, and terrifying all at once. WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes
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| Cathryn B. |
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
The acting was well done, and the story was one that carried the viewer through to the end. I enjoyed it. WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes
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 | Susan C. |
2 out of 4 people found this review helpful
Above all it was boring... WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes
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