Barnes & Noble

The names Ismail Merchant (producer) and James Ivory (director) pretty much assure a literate, thought-provoking film, and The Golden Bowl is no exception. The latest of their beautifully produced adaptations of Henry James novels, it opens in 1903, as American tycoon Adam Verver (Nick Nolte) whips through Europe buying everything in sight. He collects statues, houses, paintings, and even a husband --impoverished Italian nobleman Amerigo (Jeremy Northam) -- for his daughter Maggie (Kate Beckinsale). Unbeknownst to the bride, however, the groom has carried on a torrid affair with her best friend (Uma Thurman), who still loves the dashing rake and takes up with Maggie's father to maintain proximity to Amerigo. Typically for a Merchant-Ivory production, The Golden Bowl can be counted on for sumptuous production values, intelligent storytelling and excellent performances from a stellar cast. The James novel, which relies for much if its effectiveness on things left unsaid, provides a real challenge for screenwriter Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, who rises to the occasion splendidly. Long, dramatically meaty, occasionally ponderous but always absorbing, The Golden Bowl is certain to validate any viewer's confidence in the Merchant-Ivory pedigree. Ivory contributes a full-length commentary to the DVD release. Ed Hulse

All Movie Guide

The distinguished director/producer/writer team of James Ivory, Ismail Merchant, and Ruth Prawer Jhabvala returns to the works of 19th century novelist Henry James in this adaptation of his tale of love and treachery. Wealthy American art collector Adam Verver (Nick Nolte) is traveling Europe with his daughter Maggie (Kate Beckinsale) following the death of his wife. In their travels, Adam and Maggie encounter Mrs. Assingham (Anjelica Huston), an American socialite who enjoys playing matchmaker, whether or not her subjects are interested. She introduces Maggie to Prince Amerigo (Jeremy Northam), a handsome but penniless member of Italian royalty, and after a bit of prodding, they announce their intention to marry. Mrs. Assingham also pushes Adam into a relationship with Charlotte (Uma Thurman), a close friend of Maggie, and they too decide to wed. However, no one else knows that Amerigo and Charlotte were once lovers, who broke off their relationship because he couldn't marry a commoner with no money. Their passion is eventually too strong to resist, and they embark on an adulterous affair, which becomes even more dangerous when Mrs. Assingham learns of it. The Golden Bowl was Merchant/Ivory/Jhabvala's third film based on a James novel, following The Europeans (1979) and The Bostonians (1984). Mark Deming

New York Times

Handsome, faithful, intelligent screen adaptation. Stephen Holden

Los Angeles Times

Yet another Merchant Ivory triumph, with impeccable performances and equally flawless, grand period settings. Kevin Thomas

Product Details

• UPC: 031398783428
• Source: LIONS GATE
• Region Code: 1
• Presentation: Wide Screen
• Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround
• Language: English, Français
• Subtitles: English, Español
• Time: 2:11:00
• Sales Rank: 9,094

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