Renz
An Army of One
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Excellent, mostly character-driven story set in 1936 Shanghai. Natasha Richardson plays a Russian countess who must work in nightclubs to support her daughter and the aristocratic family of her deceased husband. She meets a blind American ex-diplomat (Ralph Fiennes) and the two strike up a friendship/business partnership. Their relationship is eventually tested by the political and social strife surrounding the impending Japanese invasion of China.
The characters are very interesting and complex. The costumes and sets are simply amazing. Outstanding performances by Richardson and Vanessa & Lynn Redgrave. Fiennes should have been nominated for an Academy Award for his performance as the troubled Mr. Jackson.
The White Countess is really Hollywood at its best and a far cry from much of the usual schlock that is churned out. I wish more people would go to see films like The White Countess so that more films like it would be made.
