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Poster for The White Countess

The White Countess

Seen it?

2005 | 135 min | Drama, Romance, War

Weeknight Watchearly rating

Why it’s a Weeknight Watch

With little lasting buzz, it's a mixed bag. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for romantics and history buffs. If you loved Shanghai Express or Mrs. Miniver, start here.
The mood
Intense, warm and romantic.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 15 min.
What might put you off
Rated PG-13: peril. Probably too much for younger kids.

In 1930s Shanghai, 'The White Countess' is both Sofia, a fallen member of the exiled Russian aristocracy, and a nightclub created by a blind American diplomat who asks Sofia to be the centerpiece of the world he wants to create.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsSolid

    49% on Rotten Tomatoes, 60 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesNot counted

    Not measured yet: not enough ratings

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Box office & staying powerSolid

    $30 million worldwide on a $16 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactBelow par

    About 37K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by James Ivory

  • Ralph FiennesTodd Jackson
  • Natasha RichardsonCountess Sofia Belinskya
  • Hiroyuki SanadaMatsuda
  • Lynn RedgraveOlga Belinskya
  • Vanessa RedgravePrincess Vera Belinskya
  • Madeleine PotterGrushenka
  • Madeleine DalyKatya
  • Allan CordunerSamuel Feinstein
  • John WoodPrince Peter Belinskya
  • Lee PaceCrane