Following in the vein of Simon Curtis’ last feature My Week with Marilyn, Woman in Gold is a safe yet surprisingly moving film.

Mirren is on startling form, delivering one-liners and thoughtful introspection with a deft touch. The actress dominates the screen, and manages to convert mawkishness into moving spectacle.

That said, the actress does receive solid support from Reynolds, Brühl and an impressive turn from Tatiana Maslany.

However, despite the best efforts of the cast, the dependence upon schmaltz is overwhelming, with emotion forced in rather than evoked. The end product is therefore an enjoyable, if drama-free, feature.

Woman in Gold‘s balancing-act between sweet and saccharine is a fight to the end, with Mirren ensuring the former, and the film is (only just) the victor.

RATING: 3/5

INFORMATION

CAST: Helen Mirren, Ryan Reynolds, Daniel Brühl

DIRECTOR: Simon Curtis

WRITER: Alexi Kaye Campbell

SYNOPSIS: Maria Altmann, an octogenarian Jewish refugee, takes on the government to recover artwork she believes rightfully belongs to her family.