A Good Woman

Starring: Helen Hunt, Scarlet Johansson, Tom Wilkinson
Director: Mike Barker
Genere: Drama
Rated: PG
Running Time: 94 mins

Blessed with scintillating dialogue, formidable characters and a phenomenal international cast, 'A Good Woman' is scandalously enjoyable. Channeling the delectably barbed comedic talents of the acclaimed Oscar Wilde, director Mike Barker (Lorna Doone) crafts an engrossing and elegant voyage into seduction, glamour and society.

Fleeing 1930's New York high society and leaving behind a chequered past and a trail of unpaid bills, the glitzy divorcee Mrs Stella Erlynne (Helen Hunt: As Good as it gets) travels to Italy's sun-dappled Amalfi coast. This destination is the picturesque playground of the rich and famous and the very place that the newlywed couple Robert and Meg Windermere (Scarlet Johansson: Lost in Transmission) are spending their summer season. Mrs Erlynne's appearance causes a stir amongst the visiting aristocracy and within hours of her arrival, seems to threaten the idyllic Windermere marriage.

Surrounded by wealthy, jaded romantic cynics who love nothing more than a tidbit of gossip, the Windermere's seem doomed to ruin in the arms of temptation. The portly Tuppy (Tom Wilkinson; Girl with a Pearl Earring), a cordial, self assured several times divorced millionaire is the only person who comes to Mrs Erlynne's defence - proper society be damned. Events boil to the surface at Meg's 21st birthday party as the truth is unveiled.

Combining the best of Oscar Wilde's acerbic wit and provocative drama with lush cinematography, sumptuous sets and splendid costumes, 'A Good Woman' transports us to ornate living rooms, sheltered boudoirs and the seductive Amalfi Coast for a tale of licentious betrayal; and as the dust settles, an ode to unexpected loyalty. Told with an effortless charm and intrigue 'A Good Woman' is joyful entertainment.