it is only a sketch about a significant episode from Charles Dickens life. but that status is its basic virtue. because it not propose verdicts, conclusions or points of view. only delicates lines from a period, a life and a relationship. that graceful manner to propose only few points for public gives force and charm to a story who seems be one from many others. but it remains unique because transforms the reading books, the myths and the portraits, the adaptations of his novels, his biography in field of precious nuances. Felicity Jones does an admirable work. the states of a young woman front with her hero, the vulnerabilities and the need to define an ambiguous status, the memories as parts not from a biography but as tools for define the present are virtues of a film who , as sketch of a sentimental affairs, is an useful sketch for discover an universe.

As an Anglophile, Dickens aficionado, and period movie lover, I had Great Expectations about this movie (wink!). Alas, I was barely able to force myself to sit through to the end.The movie does little to shed light on Dickens' inner motivations or character, and has even less to say about the authorial process or creative impulse. The romance at the heart of the story falls flat because the female lead (the eponymous Invisible Woman) is not just invisible but for the most part inexpressive: she doesn't talk, she doesn't emote, doesn't communicate. The plot contains a number of disjoint, unconnected episodes that add nothing to our understanding of the characters. The character interactions are awkward, forced, and unappealing.On the positive side, the score contains some magnificent cello music; the sets and costumes are lavish; the architecture and landscapes are beautifully presented. Scott-Thomas turns in a solid matronly role as the love interest's mother. But nothing can fill the vacuum left at the heart of this film by Felicity Jones' non- performance. In fact, this is much more of a French film in English clothing, given the minimalist plot, long silences, and generally depressing atmosphere.Avoid at all costs.

I wish I could say that this film left me with greater insight into the character of Charles Dickens, but it did not. I found its portrayal of him very unfocused. I understand that human beings are complex and not easily labeled, and I was prepared to see a multi- dimensional character, but that isn't really what I saw. It felt as if the character of Mr Dickens was somehow cobbled together without the script really knowing where it wanted to take him.The film is, ostensibly, more about Nelly than it is about Dickens, but it didn't always feel that way.The atmosphere and sets were well done. The bleakness of Victorian life for those without money or security was well conveyed. This setting is important to the story because it helps to explain why Nelly and her mother both felt that being Dickens' mistress was a good career and life choice for Nelly.At times I wished the film would pick up the pace. There was a little bit too much gazing blankly out of windows by Nelly in particular. At times it felt that the story was moving much too slowly. All in all, the movie was oddly paced, bland, and somewhat rambling.

Review: I'm not a bit lover of period dramas, and I usually stay away from them because of the slow pace and the way that they are written, but I thought that I would give this movie a go as it was directed and starring Ralph Fiennes. I must admit, it did take some time for me to get into this film and I did find it quite boring in parts, but it's a well written love story with great performances from Fiennes and Felicity Jones. Everything was against the couple right from the beginning, so the outcome was predictable and tragic for Nelly Ternan. Anyway, for entertainment, it's didn't really have that much intense drama to keep me gripped to the screen, but it's a watchable romance movie that will touch some peoples heart. Average!Round-Up: Ralph Fiennes has starred in many period dramas over the years so it wasn't that surprising to see him direct a movie in this genre. I have seen him put in better performances in movies like Schindlers List, Red Dragon and Harry Potter, but that's because the role didn't demand that much from award winning actor. Felicity Jones is a very English actor and judging by her roles in Chalet Girl, The Tempest & Hysteria, is obvious that directors are typecasting her for the classic English roles. I found her quite stiff in this role and she could have showed some more emotion which would have brought some intensity to the movie. Anyway, I'm sure that there performances won't hurt there careers because the movie didn't exactly blow up at the box office. Budget: N/A Worldwide Gross: $1.3million (Terrible!)I recommend this movie to people who are into there period dramas about a girl who falls in love with Charles Dickens, against all odds. 4/10