Guinevere MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +2 1/2 Content: -3

In this moving, coming of age story, the young and innocent Harper Sloane (Sarah Polley) falls in love with the older and more experienced Connie Fitzgerald (Stephen Rea). At first glance, this may seem to be a story that explores the issues behind older man/younger woman relationships. This is partially true, but the film offers much more. Connie is a seasoned photographer who has relationships with younger women. In doing this, Connie helps these younger, sometimes frustrated, and often misguided women to find their niche in life. With him, Harper gets to explore her creative side and see what she really can be. She also has the opportunity to break out of the mold her rich, over-achieving family has made for her. Over the course of the film, she matures from a young, confused college student to a wiser, self-confident woman. Sarah Polley turns in a superb performance as Harper, while all of the characters are rich, deep, and thought provoking. This film will find its widest appeal with a more reflective audience.

The movie contains quite a few elements worth discussing. The audience constantly questions the motives of Connie. Is he a selfish, lust-filled old man, or does he really want to help these women to find their place in the world? Another scene includes a discussion about uncertainty at the end of life. It asks questions like does one go to heaven or hell? Several objectionable sexual elements occur in the film. One sex scene is shown, but it is only about three seconds long with no nudity in a very dark, shadowy setting. Another sex scene is implied, and both of these are between an unmarried couple. Full and side breast nudity occurs several times, but it is limited to still photos and paintings in an artistic setting. Foul language is spoken regularly with 19 f-words, 4 s-words, and 6 regular profanities. So, while the film has a good story and characters, Guinevere ends up being a royal disappointment.

Preview Reviewer: John Adair
Distributor: Miramax Films, 375 Greenwich, NY, NY 10106