X
  • 2005
  • PG-13
  • Sony Pictures Classics
  • 2 h 15 m
  • 2005
  • PG-13
  • Sony Pictures Classics
  • 2 h 15 m

Summary Shanghai, 1936 was a crossroads for political intrigue, refugees escaping turmoil, gathering military forces, international business and underworld culture. Two people caught in this maelstrom forge a bond on the brink of the Japanese invasion: a beautiful Russian countess (Richardson), reduced by circumstances to supporting her family a...

Directed By: James Ivory

Written By: Kazuo Ishiguro

  • 2005
  • PG-13
  • Sony Pictures Classics
  • 2 h 15 m
  • 2005
  • PG-13
  • Sony Pictures Classics
  • 2 h 15 m

The White Countess

Metascore Mixed or Average Based on 30 Critic Reviews
60
User Score Available after 4 ratings
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Summary Shanghai, 1936 was a crossroads for political intrigue, refugees escaping turmoil, gathering military forces, international business and underworld culture. Two people caught in this maelstrom forge a bond on the brink of the Japanese invasion: a beautiful Russian countess (Richardson), reduced by circumstances to supporting her family a...

Directed By: James Ivory

Written By: Kazuo Ishiguro

Where to Watch

Top Cast

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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
Mixed or Average Based on 30 Critic Reviews
60
57% Positive
17 Reviews
43% Mixed
13 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews

Critic Reviews

 View All
Metascore
Mixed or Average Based on 30 Critic Reviews
60
57% Positive
17 Reviews
43% Mixed
13 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
88
It's a very classy, finely made film, and, as one watches it -- particularly those last sweeping scenes of political turbulence and escape -- one feels both pain at their (Merchant-Ivory) parting and grateful for what, together, they achieved.
By Michael Wilmington FULL REVIEW
75
It offers top actors in Fiennes and Richardson, plus a rare joint appearance by the sisters Redgrave.
By Chris Kaltenbach FULL REVIEW
75
Following his triumphs in "The Constant Gardener" and "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire," Fiennes is superb as Todd.
By Lou Lumenick FULL REVIEW
70
The director has staged the elaborate production in his usual stately but impressive manner, and the production values boast the usual Merchant/Ivory stamp of quality.
By Frank Scheck FULL REVIEW
60
With its tentative pace, fussy, pieced-together structure and stuffy emotional climate, The White Countess never develops any narrative stamina.
By Stephen Holden FULL REVIEW
50
A watchable disappointment. Sumptuous to look at, tastefully dull, and ultimately rather silly.
By Ty Burr FULL REVIEW
40
Alas, The White Countess, the final Merchant Ivory film, is something of a lacquered dud.
By Ed Park FULL REVIEW

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Details

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Production Company Merchant Ivory Productions, Sony Pictures Classics, Shanghai Film Group, VIP 3 Medienfonds, Global Cinema Group, Rising Star, China Film Co-Production Corporation
Release Date Dec 21, 2005
Duration 2 h 15 m
Rating PG-13
Genres
Website http://www.merchantivory.com/film/thewhitecountess
View All Details

Awards

Satellite Awards
• 2 Nominations

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