Review of The White Countess (2005) by Katie S — 22 Feb 2008

With Merchant Ivory, you're pretty much guaranteed a good movie. While this isn't their best or most compelling, it's certainly enjoyable, if you're a fan of historical drama.

This reminds me, in many ways, of a classic... well, I hesitate to say melodrama, because this is never pushed over the top -- but it is in that vein. The way in which flashbacks are used especially reminds me of classic melodrama. The flashbacks are sometimes effective but other times, they feel very weak. For me, the way/pace in which Jackson's history is revealed is one of the weakest links in this film. The other was Jackson's relationship with Matsuda, which is complex and compelling , but doesn't completely live up to its dramatic potential.