Charlotte Gray (2001)

32% of critics liked it
(88 reviews)
62% of users liked it
(7,317 ratings)

Based on the best-selling novel by Sebastian Faulks, this drama, set in Europe during World War II, stars Cate Blanchett as Charlotte, a Scottish woman living in London. Charlotte falls in love with Peter (Rupert Penry-Jones), a handsome RAF pilot, and the two are soon caught up in a torrid affair.… More Based on the best-selling novel by Sebastian Faulks, this drama, set in Europe during World War II, stars Cate Blanchett as Charlotte, a Scottish woman living in London. Charlotte falls in love with Peter (Rupert Penry-Jones), a handsome RAF pilot, and the two are soon caught up in a torrid affair. Before long, Peter is sent off on a mission over France, and Charlotte receives word that Peter has been reported missing in action. Fluent in French and desperate to find the man she loves, Charlotte volunteers for work with British intelligence and is soon smuggled into France where she is to work with French resistance forces, posing as a woman from Paris. As Charlotte goes about her duties and tries to find Peter, she finds herself drawn to Julien (Billy Crudup), a Communist working with resistance forces. Charlotte is assigned to pose as a domestic at the home of Julien's father, Levade (Michael Gambon), where he's hiding two Jewish boys whose parents have been captured by Nazi troops. In order to maintain her cover and protect Julien, Levade, and the boys, Charlotte finds herself drawn into a relationship with Renech (Anton Lesser), a busybody schoolteacher who is collaborationg with the occupation troops. Directed by Gillian Armstrong, Charlotte Gray also features James Fleet, Ron Cook, and Helen McCrory. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 2 hr. 1 min.
Directed By: Gillian Armstrong
Written By: Jeremy Brock
Genres: Drama, Romance

In Theaters: Jan 11, 2002 Limited
On DVD: Jul 9, 2002
Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures

Critic Reviews

Joe Baltake, Sacramento Bee
If you have a nostalgic side ... there is much to enjoy about filmmaker Gillian Armstrong's cozy, intimate direction here, which conjures up a very specific ambiance.
Bruce Westbrook, Houston Chronicle
The pace is so lethargic and the focus so diffuse that it's hard to get a fix on Charlotte beyond needless glamorization.
Susan Stark, Detroit News
Mounts a romantic drama of the World War II era in mostly glossy, shallow terms.
Terry Lawson, Detroit Free Press
If this is melodrama, it's melodrama of a superior rank, and I salute it.
Steven Rosen, Denver Post
While Blanchett's presence is surely felt in virtually every scene of the movie, her acting isn't. We don't connect with her at all.
Jay Boyar, Orlando Sentinel
This is Blanchett's film. Her quiet, detailed work leaves you wanting more.
John A. Nesbit, Old School Reviews
One day Blanchett may get a part that melts her virginal ice queen formality, but this isn't the film
Nell Minow, Common Sense Media
Mature material in this old-fashioned WWII movie.
Robert Roten, Laramie Movie Scope
Does a pretty good job of capturing some of the least romantic aspects of World War II.
Pablo Villaca, Cinema em Cena
Um filme emocionante até os minutos finais, quando se entrega lamentavelmente ao romance barato.
Tom Grealis, RTE Interactive (Dublin, Ireland)
An adaptation that is often confused as to whether it's a love story set in wartime, or a war story with a love angle.

Read all 11 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Wahida K

The story of an ordinary woman in an extraordinary time.
Lady D

Such a different perspective on a war-time film, showing this through a strong woman?s eyes, in a man?s world. This story is essentially driven by love. Blanchett yet again, pours emotion into her performance and is of course a believable role. I too, have to give Billy Crudup… More
Such a different perspective on a war-time film, showing this through a strong woman?s eyes, in a man?s world. This story is essentially driven by love. Blanchett yet again, pours emotion into her performance and is of course a believable role. I too, have to give Billy Crudup credit for his performance here which I feel is his greatest to date. Impressive all around with a much enjoyed plot.
Dean M

Cate Blanchett is magnificent as her title role in this war-drama film.
Barry L

Great film.