Love, war, France... sound familiar? Anyone who has read Sebastian Faulks's novels would recognise this pattern, and Charlotte Gray is no exception. However, unlike a lot of books, Charlotte Gray does translate well onto the big screen. Charlotte (Blanchett) is a Scottish lass who has fallen in love with a British pilot who is sent to France in the course of WW2. Following her heart, and her duty, Charlotte becomes a British courier and is sent to France where she is exposed to the harsh realities of war. Involved with the French Resistance, sexual tension is high between Charlotte and her Resistance colleague, Julien (Crudup).
Charlotte devotes herself to finding British pilot, Peter, now missing in action, while also endangering her life for the French Resistance. Will Peter return or will Julien steal Charlotte's heart? All is revealed in this stylish interpretation.

A Russian peasant emigrates to America, with a promise to send for his mother and young daughter when he is settled. His daughter (Ricci) follows shortly after, but she ends up on a ship bound for England, where she is renamed Suzie and raised by a British family. Many years later, Suzie's talent for singing and dancing sees her accepted into a Paris dance troupe where she befriends: Lola (Blanchett), a fellow dancer from Moscow; Dante (Turturro), an egotistical tenor; and Cesar (Depp), a handsome, brooding gypsy. All is well until the Nazis march into Paris, and Suzie's Russian-Jewish background places her in danger. She must decide whether to leave Cesar and her friends and continue the search for her father in America.
The latest offering from Sally Potter (Orlando, The Tango Lesson), The Man Who Cried has been described by one reviewer as 'like an arthouse companion to Moulin Rouge!'. I had to watch Moulin Rouge! twice before I actually appreciated it so make of that quote what you will. The film features a fantastic cast and despite few actual lines, and a dubbed singing voice, Ricci does her best to make the most of what she's given. Johnny Depp more or less imports his soulful gypsy from Chocolat - sensitive, moody and damn sexy! Cate Blanchett is the true star (we'd expect nothing less) as she shines in her performance of Lola, a tart with a heart of gold.