LADIES IN LAVENDER

Director: Distributor: Odeon Films Cast: judi D ench, Mag gie Sm ith, Na tascha McE lhone , Dan iel Bruh l Distributor Estimates Availability As: Current Runtime: 103 minu tes Video: November 2005 Country: United Kingdom Ratings: ON PG / BC G / AB PG / SK G / MB NR / QC G / Maritimes PG Language: Eng lish, German and Polish w ith English subtitles

In an impressive directorial debut, writer and actor Charles Dance (SWIMMING POOL, GOSFORD PARK) brings to the screen William J. Locke's short story about the effects of a young Polish man's arrival at a seaside English village in the thirties.

After his attempt to reach America is thwarted, Andrea (Daniel Bruhl, GOODBYE, LENIN!) ends up in Cornwall, where he is taken in by two elderly sisters: Ursula (, THE SHIPPING NEWS, IRIS, CHOCOLAT) and Janet (, HARRY POTTER, GOSFORD PARK). At first, Andrea's presence arouses curiosity among the villagers, who are unable to find a plausible explanation for his arrival. Their concerns begin to mount, however, when they learn he is Polish and has befriended a visiting Russian woman (Natascha McElhone, THE TRUMAN SHOW, SURVIVING PICASSO).

Dance's acting background is keenly felt in the film's lush textures; he allows the characters to genuinely develop, artfully capturing the tension that arises between the sisters due to Andrea's presence. Smith's flawless portrayal of the elder, more practical sister is beautifully complemented by Dench's performance as a spinster who finds herself in unfamiliar territory, experiencing illogical yet powerful emotions for the much younger Andrea.

Tastefully and expertly crafted, provides a poignant and touching look at thirties coastal Britain - the ideal backdrop for an examination of pre- war opinions and xenophobic suspicions. The acting is top-notch across the board, with (BEING JULIA) standing out amid the strong supporting cast.

"The closing shot in which Ursula finally relinquishes her love for Andrea through the transcendent power of his music, is actually worth the admission price alone. LADIES IN LAVENDER holds you in a gentle but compelling grip till the finish." - Ali Catterall, .co.uk

"An unusually vivid star vehicle and a genuinely enriching experience." - William Arnold, Seattle Post- Intelligencer