Triumph of Love Review
by Steve Rhodes (Steve DOT Rhodes AT InternetReviews DOT com)May 8th, 2002
THE TRIUMPH OF LOVE
A film review by Steve Rhodes
Copyright 2002 Steve Rhodes
RATING (0 TO ****): ***
Clare Peploe's absolutely charming THE TRIUMPH OF LOVE opens with two giddy girls -- young women actually -- playing dress up. Set in France in the early 1700s, the two women are ensconced in a carriage, one of them being a princess and the other her lady-in-waiting. The deliciously complex comedy feels like it was written by Shakespeare but is instead based on a classic play by Pierre Marivaux.
The princess, played perfectly by Mira Sorvino, is engaging in a bit of cross-dressing with her lady-in-waiting (Rachael Stirling). As a guy, the princess hopes in a bit of trickery to win the heart of Agis (Jay Rodan), a prince in hiding. Protecting the prince are his life-long companions, Hermocrates (Ben Kingsley), a funny hat-wearing philosopher, and Hermocrates's sister, Leontine (Fiona Shaw), a scatterbrained scientist.
Although all of the casting works, none is better than Sorvino, Oscar winner for MIGHTY APHRODITE, who manages to look younger as she ages. Unlike Hilary Swank in BOY'S DON'T CRY, Sorvino isn't the least bit convincing as a male, but this turns out to be one of the film's chief delights since the comedy has everyone but Leontine figuring the secret out anyway. Sorvino's endearing masculine gestures of talking louder and making exaggerated hand movements bring a never ending series of smiles to the audience.
And speaking of the audience, the movie gives them little hints as to its roots as a play. Keep your eyes and your ears open, and you may catch these little, almost subliminal messages. The first time one flashes by, you'll probably wonder if you saw what you think you saw. The best of these little jokes, however, is only heard and not seen. Stay alert and don't miss them.
The movie becomes sexually charged by the simple act of violating people's spaces. The princess loves to get within inches of her prey causing them to get all weak-kneed. The story has no less than three characters falling in love with her at the same time.
"I'm losing track of my own plot, I'm afraid," the princess confesses to her lady-in-waiting toward the movie's end. The movie's plot, however, is inconsequential. The princess's sweet guile alone should suffice to win you over. Don't be surprised if the princess adds another heart to her treasure chest -- yours.
THE TRIUMPH OF LOVE runs 1:52. It is rated PG-13 for "some nudity and sensuality" and would be acceptable for kids around 9 and up.
The film opens nationwide in the United States on Friday, May 10, 2002. In the Silicon Valley, it will be showing at the Camera Cinemas.
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Originally posted in the rec.arts.movies.reviews newsgroup. Copyright belongs to original author unless otherwise stated. We take no responsibilities nor do we endorse the contents of this review.
