Uma Thurman did a stellar job of acting in this film, and she is a uniquely beautiful woman on and off the screen.
That said, I always feel an actor is doing a great job of acting when I am moved to feel strongly (whether good or bad) about the character they're playing after watching the film, rather than the actor him/herself.
"Charlotte" (Thurman's character) is the true standout character of this film, yet as a result of Thurman's acting, the character of Charlotte became less and less attractive both inwardly and outwardly to me as the movie progressed. I feel this is a compliment to Thurman, as this feeling was due to the rich character Thurman portrayed-- one rich in selfishness in all its forms.
If I had remained focused on her personal beauty throughout the entire film despite her acting, the entire point of the story would have been lost on me. I hazard a guess that Thurman's motivation for taking the part would have been lost for her as well, but I could be wrong. But for myself, it would have required me to ignore the film's plot and her acting altogether to have felt differently.
As this film is rated "R," it seems reasonable to assume it was not intended for young children by the powers that be. I believe that is largely due to the scene at the Inn where Thurman and Northam stay as mentioned above. Although the "in flagrante delicto" scene is extraordinarily chaste by today's standards (as I recall they are indeed fully clothed), there are many who do not accept "today" as a standard. For them, and for many children not of age or without adult supervision, it would be inappropriate. To be fair, that scene is not the only part of the film potentially inappropriate for children (depending on their maturity or their parents' values)...the entire movie is a story of how the many blatant and subtle instances of vice-- whether selfishness, deception, adultery or otherwise-- are not beautiful, endearing personality traits.
That said, I doubt younger children would follow the plot, appreciate the detailed period costumes and lush on-site locations, or stay awake through this film that is full of things not said. There are more engaging ways to entertain and/or educate the younger set.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Golden Bowl on many levels.
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