My eyes aren't what they used to be and I missed the warning that this is a homosexual film . I never thought that I would live to see the day that these type of movies would be brought into the library (where children check out on their own cards), especially without the advantage of having them marked in a way that the unsuspecting aren't checking them out without knowledge of their content. These homosexual films have become so rampant that I figure every 4-5 check-outs that at least 1 or 2 are about homosexuals. We should be given the choice of zero stars.

Self-centered? Certainly. Irresponsible? Sure. But the upper class has always gotten its own way. All we can do is enjoy how this story plays out over several decades of the lives of Vita, Violet and Harold, the long-suffering husband of Vita. The performances are excellent, especially Janet McTeer as Vita.

This is probably a good indication of the behavior of the aristocracy . You must remember Violet Keppel was the daughter of the infamous Mrs Keppel. mistress of Edward vii , and goodness knows whose daughter.Morals were not in great demand with these people. Read Mrs Keppel and Her Daughter for further illumination. Camilla Parker Bowles is a direct desendant of Mrs Keppel, so it continues today. Great stuff.

Over all, I will not recommend this movie. At the end, I felt that it had been a waste of my time. I had no sympathy to any of the characters. What I did like: it was very well acted, I could not fault the choices of any of the cast. If the story had been fiction, I would have thought that each part was written for the specific actor playing it it was so well done. The story was written by Vita's youngest son and so was appropriately biased as it would be through a child's thoughts, feelings and memories. What I didn't like: Violet was the quintessential evil, home-wrecker and Vita's own mother discribed her best by saying that "Vita must be managed" in all things. I was not at all disturbed by the topic matter, nor can fault any of the acting... it was just too childlike: the selfish natures of all the persons involved and their willingness to feel that it was their right to behave in any manner they found pleasure. You will note that Vita and Violet, friends since childhood, have never left off their childish behaviour and Violet DOES manage Vita and yet remains the most immature woman it is possible to portray.

Excellent story based on true life events. I found Violet Keppel to be very self-centered. She was deternubed that her relationship continue regardless of consequences for anyone else. She was very manipulative.