Feminism betrayed (Beware of Spoilers)

Rating: 8/10 (7 January 2003)

Jane Campion offers perhaps the most effective portrayal of female agency ever seen in the cinema. The protagonist Ada lives by her own standards and refuses to be subjugated under the the Victorian patriarchy that must control and dominate everything. This tension is evident through the entire film and eventually Ada's will defeats the desires of her husband who purchased her as a mail-order bride. Then after her victory, she inexplicably gives up her agency for stereotypical romantic love. Beautifully shot and edited with great performances especially by Anna Paquin, everything is here for a great movie apart from the deeply unsatisfying ending.