La Jeune Fille à la perle

An illustration of the novel. What is usually a disadvantage is a great advantage here, thanks to the camerawork which has nothing to do with the works of the Old Masters. With regard to the novel, it is a shame they left out the description of the routine and customs of the everyday life of a burgher’s family, religious differences, as well as ignoring the storyline with Griet’s brother and parents. On the other hand, it was extremely pleasing that they suppressed the “feeling of arty soft porn" and ignoring the “several years later" epilog. (26/12/2010)

Colin Firth excels in vain and Scarlett Johansson is needlessly disgusted. As a result, the viewer is deceived by overrated deception with beautiful but insignificant images and a progression leading nowhere. The third star belongs to the emotions that the main duo is able to evoke from themselves even in minimal screenwriting space. (21/05/2006)

Maybe some people see the art, the beauty, the pretty story, but I just don't. For me it was a bore, where nothing of substance happened, where nothing caught my attention, made me watch the screen. Someone who loves the painter, someone who loves art will probably love this film, but I'm a total barbarian in this field and I don't mind staying that way. For me, an unnecessary film that I will quickly and soon forget. (04/08/2009)

An all-encompassing magnificent visual experience. It captivated me, sat me down, and slackened my jaw. I'm probably going to watch all the biopics about classic painters. :) Or I'll stay grounded, thank the ever-improving Colin Firth, move on to another overrated Scarlett Johansson performance, and enjoy one of the many child roles of the now-discovered Anna Popplewell. That's how I like it. Later, I’ll grab a Tracy Chevalier novel, which is written in the first person and is therefore a deeply visceral experience. (16/02/2009)

A decent and gentle film that for the most part feels empty, and that is the main stumbling block. The form, on the other hand, is absolutely stunning, with excellent contrasting lighting, brilliant and beautifully colored cinematography (unusually detailed), costumes, production design, and even the simple musical motif appealed to me quite a bit. (11/06/2005)

Un film au tempo lent, voire soporifique. Il ne se passe pas grand-chose pendant toute la durée, mais je ne peux pas dire pour autant qu’il ne me plaise pas. J’aimerais juste savoir dans quelle mesure l’intrigue se base sur la réalité et sur la fiction. (14/04/2007)