This film takes place at a girls’ boarding school in Virginia during the Civil War. When they give refuge to a wounded Union soldier (handsome, seductive Colin Farrell), his presence has a provocative effect on the women (including Nicole Kidman, Kirsten Dunst & Elle Fanning). Although the performances are captivating and the interactions enthralling, it’s director Sofia Coppola’s delicate direction and cinematographer Phillipe Le Sourd gorgeous images that stand out. The pacing may be too genteel for people without patience and the drama never realizes it’s emotional fervor. Still, it’s restrained world and the drama that develops is quietly compelling. (There was a lot of moss on those Central Virginia trees, something I’ve never seen.)

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