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Amazon.co.uk Review
A stellar cast and an intricate script enhance this last film from the elegant producing/directing team of Merchant/Ivory (creators of A Room with a View, Howards End, and more). Set in 1930s Shanghai, "The White Countess" is both Sofia (Natasha Richardson, Patty Hearst), a fallen member of the Russian aristocracy, and a nightclub created by a blind American diplomat named Jackson (Ralph Fiennes, The English Patient), who asks Sofia to be the centrepiece of the world he wants to create. Sofia accepts to escape a life of prostitution, but Jackson's world proves both fragile and volatile--as does Shanghai itself, on the verge of an invasion from Japan. The script, by novelist Kazuo Ishiguro (The Remains of the Day), is fundamentally about culture--what it is, how it's formed, how it shapes and is shaped by human desires--but to describe it thus makes the movie sound academic. Instead, it's lush and subtle, fluid in how it weaves together two people deeply wounded by past losses, who gradually come to embrace what the immediate moment has to offer. Fiennes and Richardson are the movie's core, but surrounding them is a stunning supporting cast that includes Vanessa Redgrave (Mrs. Dalloway, Julia), Lynn Redgrave (Shine), Allan Corduner (Topsy-Turvy), and Hiroyuki Sanada (Ringu).--Bret Fetzer
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
37 of 37 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Natasha Richardson held this film together, a difficult task as the viewer is presented with a wide range of historical events and a complex plot. With a great sense of timing Natasha takes us through the film and helps explain the relationships with her family, who to only add to the complexity include her real mother [Vanessa Redgrave} and her sister Lynn Redgrave who both gave stunning performances. Ralph Fiennes is at hand as a totally believable blind entrepreneur who attempts to create a night club which is a refuge from the ensuing madness of the Sino-Japanese War and precursor to the Second World War. His relationship with his clients acts as an insight into the wider issues taking place outside of the night club. The role of Hiroyuki Sanada and the friendship which develops between him and Ralph Fiennes is a fascinating study of how personal relationships can become totally messed up by world events.
The convincing portrayal of how a very wealthy family try to cope in extreme poverty is played out by the real Redgrave family and the intimate knowledge they have of one another is captured on screen. It is worth watching just for these vignettes , the three actors offer a performance of family life rarely captured on film.
The convincing portrayal of how a very wealthy family try to cope in extreme poverty is played out by the real Redgrave family and the intimate knowledge they have of one another is captured on screen. It is worth watching just for these vignettes , the three actors offer a performance of family life rarely captured on film.
23 of 23 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
This film will probably always be remembered for being Merchant Ivory's last film, rather than for any artistic merit. It has all the correct ingredients for another of their classics - It is lavishly shot, full of terrific actors, written by well respected screenwriter and is a period piece with great production values. Alas, the ingredients have failed to rise to the occasion here.
The story revolves around a blind American diplomat in 30's Shanghai, who aspires to build his own bar amidst the chaotic, bohemian and corrupt atmosphere of the times. He has a singular vision in his head how the bar should be and it needs it's centrepiece - the White Countess, played by Natasha Richardson. She is a Countess from Russia, in exile since the revolution, and with her family living in poverty. When he meets her, she is working as a dancing girl in a bar - he employs her and names his bar after her. However, he remains aloof, as if knowing her more deeply will bring the illusion of stability and grandeur to an end. Events start to (or should I say eventually) overtake them though as the Japanese invasion looms ever closer.
However grand the production values and immaculate the design of the movie, somehow there is little heart. The story has real potential for aching tragedy and romance, and yet despite a fine performance from Natasha Richardson in particular, it is difficult to find an emotional core which resonates on any personal level. Fiennes is normally a dead cert in a movie like this, and yet perhaps because playing an American, never quite finds the tone of his character. In short, the canvas is large, but the romance written on it feels small scale.
Having said that, the movie has its moments, and does not drag as much as some people would have you believe. There are a few memorable moments, such as the blind diplomat wandering unknowing into a line of Japanese soldiers with bayonets ready, asking to get past. It is the expectations you have coming to a Merchant Ivory movie that make this a disappointment. By other standards, it is certainly no classic, but worthy of a watch.
The story revolves around a blind American diplomat in 30's Shanghai, who aspires to build his own bar amidst the chaotic, bohemian and corrupt atmosphere of the times. He has a singular vision in his head how the bar should be and it needs it's centrepiece - the White Countess, played by Natasha Richardson. She is a Countess from Russia, in exile since the revolution, and with her family living in poverty. When he meets her, she is working as a dancing girl in a bar - he employs her and names his bar after her. However, he remains aloof, as if knowing her more deeply will bring the illusion of stability and grandeur to an end. Events start to (or should I say eventually) overtake them though as the Japanese invasion looms ever closer.
However grand the production values and immaculate the design of the movie, somehow there is little heart. The story has real potential for aching tragedy and romance, and yet despite a fine performance from Natasha Richardson in particular, it is difficult to find an emotional core which resonates on any personal level. Fiennes is normally a dead cert in a movie like this, and yet perhaps because playing an American, never quite finds the tone of his character. In short, the canvas is large, but the romance written on it feels small scale.
Having said that, the movie has its moments, and does not drag as much as some people would have you believe. There are a few memorable moments, such as the blind diplomat wandering unknowing into a line of Japanese soldiers with bayonets ready, asking to get past. It is the expectations you have coming to a Merchant Ivory movie that make this a disappointment. By other standards, it is certainly no classic, but worthy of a watch.
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
There is not much I can say to add to Andrew N. Vargo's fine and accurate review, except to say what wonderful direction by James Ivory. He encouraged the best performances from this talented group of actors in what must have been very unusual circumstances as he had three members of the same family working together, without one trying to out-do the others!
Also without the amazing cinematography by Christopher Doyle, the film would not have so much impact.
I hope you treat yourself to watching this romantic drama.
Also without the amazing cinematography by Christopher Doyle, the film would not have so much impact.
I hope you treat yourself to watching this romantic drama.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Drama
This is a drawn out film with a very good cast of exceptional actors, who play their characters well. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Jazz
The White Countess
I really did not enjoy the film. I am a great fan of Ralph Fiennes and the Redgrave family of actors and thought they did as well as they could with a weak story and dialogue. Read more
Published 11 months ago by Loaghaire
What a let down!
As this was a period drama, plus a James Ivory film to boot I thought it couldn't fail to impress - how wrong I was! Read more
Published 22 months ago by Jennifer Peters
surprising
It is surprising that a movie involving so many outstanding names in its cast and crew can be so desperately dull. Read more
Published 22 months ago by jmk
Flawed and flaccid
This could have been a compelling drama; but somehow lets itself down at every turn. There is so much in it to irritate. Read more
Published on 7 May 2010 by Four Violets
Disappointing film
I have always been a great follower of Merchant Ivory films but found this one totally diappointing. Read more
Published on 20 Sep 2009 by C. Crahart
The White Countess
A wonderful film about life in 1930's Shanghai. In particular, Natasha Richardson plays the part of Sophia, a Russian Countess, exiled with her in-laws which include Vanessa and... Read more
Published on 28 May 2009 by K. G. Knox
Shanghaied
The film is made with care and everything in it (camerawork, locations, acting etc)is of the quality usually associated with Merchant Ivory films. An American, blinded a few (? Read more
Published on 6 May 2008 by Ian Millard
Love Emerges Victorious as Broken Hearts Unite ...
This film appeals on many levels - there is the exotic historical location of Shanghai in the mid-1930s. The scenery, the setting, the costumes, all of it is authentic. Read more
Published on 30 Mar 2007 by Erika Borsos
Grieving Hearts
3.5 stars
"The White Countess" is a film about a man who dreams of owning the perfect little bar, a place of elegance that finds the delicate balance, as he thinks a... Read more
"The White Countess" is a film about a man who dreams of owning the perfect little bar, a place of elegance that finds the delicate balance, as he thinks a... Read more
Published on 19 Feb 2007 by prisrob
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