White Countess, The

As the last film from the legendary team of Ivory and producer Ismail Merchant, who died in May, The White Countess is a stirring tribute to Merchant, a true builder of dreams in an industry now sorely bereft of his unique spirit.
- Peter Travers, Rolling Stone
[Richardson's] complex performance as a woman balancing her dignity with her survival instincts is one of the year's very best.
- Jack Matthews, New York Daily News
The more I thought about it the more I appreciated the artistry and the intelligence behind this film.
- Richard Roeper, Ebert & Roper

Synopsis

Shanghai. 1936. Crossroads of the world and into this city of political intrigue comes Sofia, a Russian Countess who, with the remains of her family, has been left stateless by the Revolution. Forced by her reduced circumstances to support herself and her family as a bar-girl and taxi dancer, Sofia forms a relationship with Jackson, a blind former diplomat who opens an elegant bar; The White Countess. Their curious relationship matures but they are caught up in the fall of the city to the Japanese invaders.

Theatrical Release Date

Original Languages: English
Genre: Drama
Running Time: 135 min.
Year: 2005

Credits

CAST
Allan Corduner
Lynn Redgrave
Natasha Richardson
Vanessa Redgrave
DIRECTED BY
James Ivory

PHOTOS