Mona Lisa Smile

Name: Mona Lisa Smile
Director: Mike Newell
Genre: Drama, History, Romance
Released: 2003-01-01
Duration: 117 min
Rating: 6.9
Cast: Julia Roberts, Kirsten Dunst, Julia Stiles, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Ginnifer Goodwin

2003Dir. Mike Newell1h 57m

Track this movie free Wishlist

Check price on Amazon Browse eBay listings

Amazon and eBay links may be affiliate links.

Watch the trailer

via YouTube

Runtime1h 57m

Released2003

Budget$72.3M

Box office$141.3M

DirectorMike Newell

About This Movie

Mona Lisa Smile is an interesting exploration of women's roles in the 1950s, with a strong central performance by Julia Roberts as Katherine Watson. The film has this quiet yet persistent tone, capturing the tension between tradition and change. The atmosphere is richly infused with vintage aesthetics, making you feel the period while also highlighting the stark contrast of Katherine's modern views. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the characters to develop and for the weight of their choices to settle in. The film digs into themes of feminism, self-discovery, and societal expectations. The supporting cast, including Kirsten Dunst and Julia Stiles, brings depth to their roles, adding layers to the narrative. It’s not just about art history, but a deeper commentary on the choices women faced.

Focus on character dynamicsStrong period cinematographyEngaging discussions on feminism