The White Countess

Name: The White Countess
Genre: Drama, History, Romance, War
Released: December 21, 2005
Duration: 135 min
Rating: 60
Cast: Natasha Richardson, Ralph Fiennes, Vanessa Redgrave

2005

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Mixed or average reviews based on 30 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 12 Ratings

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7.3

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7.3	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 12 Ratings

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The White Countess

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Movie Details & Credits

Sony Pictures Classics | Release Date: December 21, 2005 | PG-13

Starring: Natasha Richardson, Ralph Fiennes, Vanessa Redgrave

Summary: Shanghai, 1936 was a crossroads for political intrigue, refugees escaping turmoil, gathering military forces, international business and underworld culture. Two people caught in this maelstrom forge a bond on the brink of the Japanese invasion: a beautiful Russian countess (Richardson), reduced by circumstances to supporting her family as aShanghai, 1936 was a crossroads for political intrigue, refugees escaping turmoil, gathering military forces, international business and underworld culture. Two people caught in this maelstrom forge a bond on the brink of the Japanese invasion: a beautiful Russian countess (Richardson), reduced by circumstances to supporting her family as a bar girl and taxi dancer, and a blind former diplomat (Fiennes), devastated by the loss of his family in political violence and disillusioned by the world's inability to make peace. The story revolves around "The White Countess," the elegant nightclub created by the diplomat to shut out the chaos and tragedy that surround him. (Sony Pictures Classics)… Expand

Director: James Ivory

Genre(s): Drama, History, Romance, War

Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 135 min

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Critic Reviews

Michael Wilmington

It's a very classy, finely made film, and, as one watches it -- particularly those last sweeping scenes of political turbulence and escape -- one feels both pain at their (Merchant-Ivory) parting and grateful for what, together, they achieved. Read full review

Peter Rainer

Fiennes's performance, tricky and impassioned, is the showpiece. Read full review

Claudia Puig

The film takes a long time to unfold, and some scenes feel inert. But ultimately, the conclusion is moving and satisfying. Read full review

Tasha Robinson

As with so many Merchant-Ivory films, The White Countess glides along on restrained, skillful performances and tapestry-rich cinematography, but its beating heart lies deep below the surface, where only determined viewers will find it. Read full review

Carina Chocano

The White Countess takes place in a fascinating time and place, rife with conflict and turmoil. But to watch Fiennes float (and Richardson trudge) through it all, absorbed in themselves and their own private misery, is to wish they'd started falling earlier, if only to knock some sense into them. Read full review

TV Guide Magazine Ken Fox

Ivory's last minute decision to render his hero sightless may make certain symbolic sense, but creates an even greater distance between Jackson and the woman he must inevitably come to love; their dull self-restraint makes "The Remains of the Day" look like soft-core porn. Read full review

Stephen Hunter

Despite its brilliant evocation of this great city at this most provocative time in history, the movie just gets sillier and sillier. Read full review

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User Reviews

[Anonymous]

Dec 30, 2005

Beautiful atmosphere, great acting. Fiennes and Richardson never overact, and it's wonderful to watch.