Plot Details: This opinion reveals major details about the movie's plot.

Showing the foilbles of upper-crust British aristocracy, this film adapted from Oscar Wilde's 1895 play of the same name, is sexy, funny and smart. That's right, sexy and smart? You won't be getting fist fights, and the most threatening gestures are cutting glances over the tea tray. It's subtle, which can be even more fun sometimes.

Take the bored, rich and oh-so-eligible Lord Arthur Goring, (Rupert Everett) one of the most elegant bachelors in London, far too clever to be caught by the young (and older) misses in any marriage trap. Gleefully, he sidesteps his father's pleas to wed, and gets caught up in the entanglements of his friends, Sir Robert (Jeremy Northam) and his wife, Lady Gertrude Chiltern (Cate Blanchett). There's Sir Robert's younger sister as well, Mabel (Minnie Driver, in a very unusual casting). They're all marvelous friends, and live in a comfortable, pleasant existance together.

But upon the scene appears Mrs. Cheveley (Julianne Moore). Sly, impertient, and knowing exactly what she wants, she's not above a bit of blackmail to get what she needs. And the secret she holds is enough to not only wreck Sir Robert's political career in Parliment, but his happy marriage with Gertrude as well. So Lord Goring takes it upon himself to stop her treachery, and still remain a free man. How he does this is funny, entertaining, with just a touch of the wicked to make it worthwhile to pay attention to the dialogue as well.

All of the cast truly shines here. The ladies are beautiful and charming, especially Blanchett and Moore. Both Northam and Everett are interesting mixes of brains and good looks and just a touch of bewilderment at the actions of women, who can be anything but conventional or logical.

The only part for me that jarred was Minnie Driver in the part of Mabel. Her mood and actions were a touch too modern for the setting, and her diction seemed to be forced, but perhaps this was intentional as portraying her as a young Society miss.

The artistic direction deserves notice as well, the sets and costumes giving a terrific view of Britannia at her imperialistic best in a fin-de-sciele setting. The effect is at times, just on the edge of overdone (case in point being Mrs. Chiveley's gold dress), but stops just a hair from being vulgar.

Directed by Oliver Parker. DVD version contains a 'making of' featurette, which gives some nice details. Clocking in at less than a hundred minutes, it's a lovely way to while away a quiet evening.

Despite the racy dialogue and some induendo, it's suitable for older teenagers. One scene of a married couple in bed, some nudity at the start, but nothing to get upset over. No foul language, some letter fu, plenty of eavesdropping, arch looks, plenty of mistaken glances and other sorts of mayhem.


Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Better than Watching TV
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older