The acting in this film is superb. Natasha Richardson was convincing as a displaced Russian aristocrat, not totally comfortable in English. Her mannerisms were perfect, both for the character and the period. Ralph Fiennes's attempt at an American accent was a little off-putting until I got used to it. In any case, I can think of no one better to cast in this part. I also have to think the creators captured the essence of 1930s Shanghai as the international city headed into World War II. It wasn't until the credits rolled that I realized why the mood was so familiar; this comes from the pen of the author of "Remains of the Day," the wonderful Anthony Hopkins/Emma Thompson epic from the early 1990s.
Review of The White Countess
