FemaleFirst.co.uk: DVD: The White Countess [DVD] [2005]

The White Countess [DVD] [2005]
enlarge	Director: James Ivory Actors: Ralph Fiennes, Natasha Richardson, Vanessa Redgrave, Lynn Redgrave, Hiroyuki Sanada Studio: Uca Category: DVD List Price: ~~£9.99~~ Buy New: £1.34 as of 21/11/2009 23:47 GMT details You Save: £8.65 (87%) New (14) Used (3) from £1.33 Seller: selectcheaper Rating: 4 reviews Sales Rank: 6361 Format: PAL Rating: Suitable for 12 years and over Region: 2 Number Of Discs: 1 Running Time: 130 Minutes Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2 Dimensions (in): 7.1 x 5.4 x 0.6 EAN: 5050582580945 ASIN: B001CMV1LC Theatrical Release Date: 2005 Release Date: November 3, 2008 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days


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Customer Reviews: The White Countess March 24, 2009 Andrew N. Vargo (Norfolk England) 4 out of 4 found this review helpful 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. br /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 White Countess May 28, 2009 K. G. Knox (Somerset, England) 1 out of 1 found this review helpful 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 Lynn Redgrave, after having to flee the Russian Revolution. Destitute, Sophia has to take a job as a taxi dancer in a night club in order to support her daughter and in-laws. Ralph Fiennes plays the part of an American Diplomat who has been blinded, but determined to set up a club of his own providing he can get Sophia to join him. Ultimately, the Japanese occupy Shanghai, and there is a mass exodus and Sophia is separated from her daughter in the melee ----- br /You must watch the film yourself to find out the ending! br / br /Also, watch the Special Features, which describe how the film was made. Well worth seeing and owning to be seen again. May 26, 2009 Douglas Cameron (Drysdale, Victoria Australia) 2 out of 2 found this review helpful 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! br / br /Also without the amazing cinematography by Christopher Doyle, the film would not have so much impact. br / br /I hope you treat yourself to watching this romantic drama. Disappointing film September 20, 2009 C. Crahart 1 out of 1 found this review helpful I have always been a great follower of Merchant Ivory films but found this one totally diappointing. br /It was badly edited and would seem that perhaps it had many directors as it was so oddly put together. br /Ralph Fiennes is wooden and Amanda Richardsonn miscast. The only thing in it's favour is the locations and wonderful colours br /which I think has always been Merchant and Ivory style.

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