I think the best thing about the film is that it is a really big old Hollywood film -- everyone throws themselves into it. But that is also its problem (if that is a problem). I thought that RZ's performance was way over the top (lots of cheap laughs), but it worked occasionally, she became charming. Jude Law was excellent. The real problem, as mentioned, is that they were so beautiful, you found it hard to believe any hardship had ever marked them, or ever really could. It is a change, of course, in sentiment: I can't imagine people in 1940 were troubled by how beautiful Clark Gable and Vivian Leigh were. That was how film stars and films were. If you don't mind that, then you will love the film.

I haven't underscored how much I enjoyed it, I would recommend it highly. There are many fine moments, things done with great care. It just isn't quite as "great" as it seems to want to be. I think if it were grittier, it would have caught my heart.

yours,

Peter T.