Huge performance by Natalie Portman

Rating: 8/10 (18 April 2008)

The historical context depicted in the film is really to put under doubt, because many of the events naturally presented as facts are more than dubious.
Still the story line is great, the plot is really well turned and as a fiction movie based on true events, this film is very moving, a strong achievement.
What is truly exceptional in this film are the actors performances, truly amazing cast.
The men are, like in the plot, the most powerful in terms of action and decision but the most fade too. That is voluntary, I believe, as they always step back in front of the king. For the king himself, Eric Bana does a perfect job to show this spoiled child becoming obsessed by the only one who resists him.
But where it gets really amazing, it's with the female cast. I would hugely recommend this film if you love the cinema for great actresses achieving great performances.
Kristin Scott-Thomas is fabulous, playing this torn woman, torn between her subtle perceptive mind, the love of her children and the social role in which she is completely discharged of guidance, although she sees more than anyone the disaster coming. She is a HUGE actress, one must be certain about that.
Scarlett Johansson does a very good job, playing her part with delicate manner, concern and fading behind her sister more than often.
And, having the best part, Natalie Portman is simply astonishing in her performance, putting herself in an another level of achievement from film to film. After her tremendous Ines in Goya's Ghost, her tricky Leslie in Blueberry night or Evey in V for Vendetta, she is still going further in powerful, moving, realistic performance, all at once. She has an emotional palette which is really huge, and she drives all the emotion, she tears you apart between disgust and a natural, emotional empathy. The end of the movie is simply one of the best achievement I feel I have seen in years from an actress. She is beautiful, and she is clever in her choices. Dazzling, stunning, an award-winning performance if there be some justice.
A must see, in my opinion, for this artistic stunning achievement.