Solid movie adaptation of Thackeray's novel, thought I believe some liberties were taken here because I can't imagine king's entertainment being described as ribald as this one.
Nair does a good job of following melodramatic story about young, pretty and ambitious orphan girl rise in the society. No amount of wealth, however, can sidestep the burning question of restrictions set by proper bloodline, so naturally there are enough complications to fill a long TV saga. My initial amusement was slowly replaced with gnawing feeling that this is another "Gone With The Wind" never ending story, where heroine is not exactly likable and guys are goodies. Reese Witherspoon is just fine, though way too modern for a period piece. Rhys Ifans is Rhett Butler here and since nature of his character is far more understandable (gambler with a golden heart) he gets our attention far better. Jonathan Rhys-Meyers is surprisingly effective as movie's true villain, while Bob Hoskins, Jim Broadbent and Eileen Atkins steal the show in supporting roles. It was very entertaining up to certain point, than slowly started to feel overlong.
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