Surprising, beautiful period piece, excellent acting

Rating: 10/10 (30 September 2006)

I don't know how much of this movie was historically accurate, but I loved it.
I was most worried about Jessica Biel, because honestly, I can only see her as Mary from 7th Heaven trying to break out into movies and not doing very well (with Summer Catch and Stealth). But Jessica Biel surprised me...she was actually really good and I think she has a bright future in movies if she continues in this direction.
Plus...Rufus Sewell? Edward Norton? Paul Giamatti? Excellent acting from everyone! Rufus Sewell is always amazing in the roles I've seen him in, and Edward Norton...wow, that man is awesome.
I loved the music and the swirling intro at the beginning and everything about the set was so lavish and so beautiful.
Great movie. :)