Mona Lisa Smile (2003)
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In 1953, a progressive art history professor at Wellesley College challenges her students to seek more in life than just marriage.
The story
In 1953, 30-year-old Katherine Ann Watson accepts an Art History teaching position at Wellesley College. She quickly discovers her students have memorized the entire textbook and syllabus, so she introduces modern art and encourages discussion about what art is. Katherine also challenges her students to achieve more in life than marriage. However, her progressive methods face opposition from students like Betty Warren, who advocates for traditional standards and values. As the semester progresses, the students navigate the complexities of their personal lives, relationships, and the conflicting expectations of the era while Katherine attempts to inspire them to see the world through new eyes.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
In 1953, Katherine Ann Watson becomes an Art History professor at Wellesley College, where she encourages her students to explore modern art and pursue careers beyond marriage. Her methods clash with the conservative views of student Betty Warren. While Betty struggles with a failing marriage and a complicated relationship with her classmate Connie, Connie eventually reconciles with her boyfriend, Charlie. Another student, Joan, chooses to elope despite being accepted to law school. Giselle, a student with a liberal outlook, becomes a confidante for Betty during her marital crisis. Katherine eventually ends a relationship with a man named Bill after discovering he lied about his military service. At graduation, Betty realizes Katherine was her only true supporter and decides to live her own life. Katherine ultimately refuses a conditional offer to stay at the college and resigns, while the students follow her in a final gesture of gratitude.
- First release year
- 2003
- Runtime (minutes)
- 119
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English; Italian
- Directors
- Mike Newell
- Writers
- Lawrence Konner · writer; Mark Rosenthal · writer
- Cast and characters
- Julia Roberts · Katherine Ann Watson; Kirsten Dunst; Julia Stiles; Maggie Gyllenhaal; Dominic West; Juliet Stevenson; Marcia Gay Harden
- Genres
- drama; coming-of-age; romantic drama
- Themes
- feminism; independence; tradition vs. progress
- Tone and mood
- dramatic
- Premise and plot tags
- academic; period piece; women in education
- Content notes
- LGBTQ-related
- Reported review scores
- Rotten Tomatoes · score: 33% · scale: percentage · review count: 150; CinemaScore · score: B · scale: A+ to F
- Production trivia
- The title refers to the painting by Leonardo da Vinci.; The title refers to a song by Nat King Cole.; Julia Roberts received a record $25 million for her performance.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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