The Wings of the Dove (1997)

In 1998, the Modern Library ranked "The Wings of the Dove" 26th on its list of the 100 best English-language novels of the 20th century. Having such a strong literary background is always a double edged sword, since people will (by default) have high expectations. And the execution falls very far from this. The only redeeming quality of this movie is its beautiful cinematography, but everything else leaves you completely cold. The personalities of the characters, the essential part of every great movie ever made, fall flat from the beginning to the end. You will not feel sadness, anger, love or hate for the participants, you just won't care. At least this is how it worked for me. Maybe I should (like a lot of other people) simply adapt lower standards for Hollywood made movies. But that wouldn't be fair, would it?

Based on Henry James novel, Kate Croy (Helena Bonham Carter)'s mother was born to wealth, but she threw it all away to marry Kate's opium addicted father. After her mother's death, Kate is offered a return to privilege. Of course, she must abandon her father, and her fiancé, journalist Merton Densher (Linus Roache). When she becomes friend with sick wealthy orphan Millie Theale (Alison Elliott), Kate sees an opportunity to get back with Merton and keep her position.It's a real murky portrait of the London class system, and how money corrupts the characters in this movie. The scheming is heart breaking. It's moral ambiguity is delicious. Helena Bonham Carter puts in a multi-dimensional performance.

Kate (Helena Bonham Carter) is a young woman in love with a poor journalist, Merton (Linus Roache). Its Edwardian England and, having no money of her own, Kate lives with a wealthy aunt (Charlotte Rampling) who is avid to marry Kate well. Thus, the beautiful lady will not be free to wed Merton or any man of her choosing, if he doesn't have the goods. They meet secretly and passionately, even arranging a clandestine trip to Italy. Once there, the two cross paths with an extremely wealthy American, Millie (Alison Elliott) who casts her eye on Merton. Since neither Kate nor Merton have revealed that they are a couple, a difficult triangle is created, for Millie also chooses Kate as a friend. This becomes even more complex when the British duo learn that Millie, despite being young and beautiful, is incredibly ill with a respiratory ailment. Temptation arrives. What would happen, Kate asks Merton, if HE romances Millie, marries her and inherits her wealth upon her death? Why, the secret lovers would be set for life! Merton is appalled at the idea of making advances on a dying girl but, eventually, gives in. What neither Kate or Merton count on is the young gentleman's growing attraction to Millie, for she is sweet and funny as well as very lovely. Is tragedy in the future for this trio? Unfortunately, yes. This stunningly gorgeous film, based on the novel of Henry James, is a superior piece of movie making that cannot be denied. The three actors, Bonham Carter, Roache, and Elliott are extremely compelling in their difficult roles and all of the lesser cast members do fine work, too. Then, the setting in Italy, mostly, is lovely, with cinematography of the very finest. Costumes, too, are gorgeous, especially Elliott's garments and accessories. But, naturally, it is the powerful story of love and deception, with tragic results, that is the strongest asset of all. It should be stated that there are a couple of explicitly sexual scenes that might upset a few viewers. But, for the majority of film fans, they will be accepted as a necessary part of the story's elements. If you have never picked up this film, don't delay! Wings of the Dove is a soaring achievement that should be seen by everyone who loves great cinema.

This is a movie which might be overlooked for the romantic side of it because some people tend to judge a movie as trash if it is about romance. Well, I agree but not all romantic movies are the same. There are romantic movies that have messages which go beyond the emotion of love to the twin emotions jealousy, envy, sexual desires, respect, humanity, sacred love, pain and many others. All these feelings you can still experience in a romantic movie cooked well.Wings of dove is a movie with a plot and actually there is a part in the middle of the movie where if you pay attention carefully you might be able to understand what's going on before the story starts revealing its chapters. Actors are great; Helena Bonham Carter is indeed good in this role and Alison Elliotte is just as good and even better. Linus Roache also knows how to exhibit his transmitting emotions in a brilliant way. He knew how to play the difference which is a thin line between love and desire. You only have to guess whom he loved and whom he desired.