The Golden Bowl 

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James Ivory, 2000 (129 mins, Cert.  12)

The masters of costume dramas, Merchant Ivory bring their third adaptation of a Henry James novel to the big screen.  When Italian Prince Amerigo rejects his true love, expatriate American Charlotte, to marry margaret, a billionaire's daughter and thus maintain his land and property, Charlotte biegins to scheme, and instead  turns her attentions to Margaret's father...
(Playhouse Publicity)

Sumptious to look at throughout, this film only gradually draws one into a feeling of involvement with the subtle characterisations.  As the hidden depth in some and unexpected shallowness of others are revealed the story becomes more engaging and, by the time the debatable resolution is achieved, one has been thoroughly caught up in the action.  Set in the early years of the 20th century, the impoverished Italian aristocrat and "America's first billionaire" compete for the affections of two women who begin the film as best friends: the former's lover the latter's daughter.  Alliances and sympathies shift several times and the wisdom of keeping secrets is examined from several angles.  By the end, much is revealed and the pairings of the characters seem settled but the question of who has truly found happiness remains open.
(Steve Fagg)

Seen: Tuesday, 20th March, 2001 (Harlow Playhouse)