After getting over my initial reluctance to see Hilary Swank as a beautiful female (I think of her as the ultimate tomboy), I started really enjoying this movie. Its foundation in real events and use of historical characters heightens the pleasure. It's a fun caper flick in historical drag.
Hilary Swank won me over as the countess trying to regain her family estate. Joely Richardson as Marie-Antoinette is haughty and camp, just the way one wants Marie-Antoinette to be. I cannot tell from the credits who played the faux Queen Marie, but she was wonderful in a small part in an attempt to fool the Cardinal, played by Jonathan Pryce. Adrien Brody is always magnificent--here in a small role as the errant husband of Hilary Swank.
You can get totally wrapped up in beautiful scenery (filmed in Prague and France), the intricate plot, the fine performances, the unspooling of history. I highly recommend this film.
Hilary Swank won me over as the countess trying to regain her family estate. Joely Richardson as Marie-Antoinette is haughty and camp, just the way one wants Marie-Antoinette to be. I cannot tell from the credits who played the faux Queen Marie, but she was wonderful in a small part in an attempt to fool the Cardinal, played by Jonathan Pryce. Adrien Brody is always magnificent--here in a small role as the errant husband of Hilary Swank.
You can get totally wrapped up in beautiful scenery (filmed in Prague and France), the intricate plot, the fine performances, the unspooling of history. I highly recommend this film.