Charlotte Gray MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +2 1/2 Content: -1 1/2

Based on a popular novel set during World War II, this historical drama follows the adventures of Charlotte Gray (Cate Blanchett). After falling in love with an RAF pilot whos suddenly called back to duty, Charlotte joins the British Armys Special Operations division. Since she speaks the French language fluently, they send her into France to deliver messages to members of the French Resistance. However, after she parachutes into the French countryside, her mission goes sour when French police working for the Germans apprehend her contact. Stuck in France for the foreseeable future, Charlotte connects with French nationals working for the underground resistance in her village. Their local leader, Julien (Billy Crudup), both helps her get settled and recruits her to help in some of their missions. The film nicely shows the need for hope, as both Charlotte and the French people must keep hope alive to survive their wartime situation. However, despite the talented cast, the movie lacks the necessary emotion to deliver the importance of the message. Although necessary for general audiences, the film also suffers from an age-old problem, setting a movie in France and making all the characters speak English even though Charlotte gets her job because she can speak fluent French. As consolation, some German characters are allowed to speak German. Not exactly Jane Bond, CHARLOTTE GRAY may initially attract curious crowds and Cate Blanchett fans.

The film especially takes on its message of hope in the last third, which really helps the movie survive total disinterest. Charlotte expresses many hopes. Not merely that she will get out of France someday, but also that the allies will win the war and that she can keep two orphaned Jewish boys safe. She also hopes to find her RAF pilot who has been reported shot down over the country. Her continuing hope takes her through the difficult circumstances encountered in France. The film also illustrates the importance of trust in any relationship, a fact that is only heightened in wartime. Its quite clear that Charlotte has to keep everyone at arms length for her own safety and theirs. No one in France even knows her real name. The emotional distancing is painful for Charlotte, but her hope that the situation will get better takes her through this as well. Charlotte takes part in some tense and explosive missions, and the film includes some moderate war violence. In some scenes, people are gunned down in cold blood but the wounds are not particularly graphic. One scene of an unmarried couple in bed, after spending the night together, implies a sexual relationship. Six obscenities are spoken, along with a few regular profanities and moderate crudities. Foul language leaves CHARLOTTE GRAY short of Previews recommendation.

Preview Reviewer: John Adair
Distributor: Warner Brothers, 4000 Warner Blvd., Burbank, CA 91522