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TRIUMPH OF LOVE Send This Review to a Friend
Mira Sorvino triumphs in her delightful role in the sprightly "Triumph of Love" a summery entertainment bonbon based on the Marivaux play that dates back to 1732. Director Clare Peploe in a production headed by Bernardo Bertolucci has infused the adaptation, which they wrote with Marilyn Goldin, with romantic lightness and playful comedy. Also credited as the source is Martin Crimp's version of Marivaux's work as first produced by the Almeida Theatre Company of London.
Unlike the disaster for Hilary Swank when she attempted a period piece, in this case Sorvino displays the charm and frothy acting style that befits her role as a princess who commands her country, although a young prince, played by good-looking Jay Rodan, is the real heir to the throne. During a trip to the countryside, the princess spies him and is romantically smitten. Love and honor become mixed, and the princess has to figure out a way to follow her romantic instinct and arrange for the proper political solution.
Matters are complicated because Ben Kingsley as a noted philosopher is the protector of the prince, and there is also the philosopher's spinster sister (Fiona Shaw) to be reckoned with. The princess assumes disguises that can only be deceptive enough in a fairy-tale type movie of this nature. But she must pretend to be a man to seduce the sister, and also work her wiles on the philosopher. All of this makes for some of the best moments, with Kingsley and Shaw being exceptionally funny in these rather outrageous roles, although the plot does tend to get overworked.
Sorvino, who has played an assortment of characters, is a versatile actress, but needs the right vehicles to show off her talent at its best. Here she is thoroughly enjoyable and attractive to watch as she handles the film's farcical elements as well as she does its romantic aspects. A Paramount Classics release.
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