The White Countess/The Remains of The Day - Box Set [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.

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.

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.