The Wings of the Dove movie review

October 29, 2010 - #78/100
The Wings of the Dove (1997)

Based on the novel by Henry James, Kate Croy's mother was born to wealth and privilege, but she threw it all away to marry Kate's father (Michael Gambon), a penniless opium addict who admits to having stolen from his wife. After her mother's death, Kate (Helena Bonham Carter) is offered an opportunity to return to the life her mother gave up. However, there is a condition. Kate must sever all of her old ties, not only to her father, but also to her lover, the muck-raking journalist Merton Densher (Linus Roache), whom she has promised marriage. Kate reluctantly agrees to this, and in the meantime becomes friendly with "the world's richest orphan," Millie Theale (Alison Elliott), an American making the Grand Tour. Desperate to see Kate, Merton crashes a party that she and Millie are attending, and Millie is attracted to him. When Kate learns that Millie is dying, she comes up with a plan. She wants Merton to woo Millie so that when Millie dies, she will leave all of her money to Merton. Thus, making Merton rich, and able to marry Kate. As usual, Helena Bonham Carter's acting is amazing, and the rest of the cast was great, as well. I've never read the book, but after viewing this movie, it has intrigued me. Since books go into much more detail, I'd love to read the book and figure out more about the overall plot. It's definitely not a lighthearted plot, but it's very intense and interesting. I definitely wouldn't mind watching this movie again.

I gave this movie 9/10 stars on imdb.com.