First impressions can be wrong

Rating: 8/10 (19 August 2008)

When I heard the first few bars of guitar during the introduction to this film I thought; "oh no, an American teen movie disguised as a historical drama". However, I was wrong; it is both, and the teen aspects emphasise how young Marie Antoinette was. Often, with major historical figures, we forget, or just don't know. Henry the 8th's various wives. Queen Elizabeth the first. Even the Dambusters. They were all very young.
I find the sign of a good film is that I want to know more. Recently I watched a DVD of Charlie Wilson's War, and immediately afterwards got on to Wikipedia. It was the same here. I wanted to know more. A thoroughly enjoyable film. The acting is excellent and believable. Rip Torn asking about Marie Antoinette's "bosom". I could almost imagine the Duke of Edinburgh asking about Diana's tits.