kathyshalleck Rickie is a man who tells his sister-in-law not to marry (although she was ready to) a man with whom she is not in love. He does this - not particularly to save her from a loveless marriage but, as it turns out, to save her for himself. Unfaithful to his wife, he begins a long-term affair with his sister-in-law and then near the end of the film "rapes" (that's what it looked like folks) his wife, the result of which is a female child that somehow in the end is supposed to be very much like his sister-in-law (whose child by him died in childbirth). The characters are all flawed (which is interesting to see) but I found him - the husband, adulterer and rapist - the most challenging to feel any empathy with or compassion for (although I believe we are somehow supposed to). However, all actors were terrific in their roles and I definitely think the film is worth seeing.

Maddyclassicfilms Set in England during the 1930's The Heart of Me tells the story of two sisters Dinah(Helena Bonham Carter)and Madeleine(Olivia Williams).They both fall in love with the same man Rickie(Paul Bettany).However in terms of marriage only one can really have him.One marries Rickie and the other begins a passionate affair with him.This is a moving and gorgeous film.The costumes are beautiful and the performances are really good especially from the three leads.Helena is one of my favourite actresses and she doesn't disappoint here in her role as Dinah.A well made romance that looks good visually as well.Worth renting or buying on DVD.

peter-300 This film reminded me of those drawing room dramas that used to play in English theatres in the 1940s and 1950s - like a Noel Coward, with more sex but not a trace of wit. The characters are not engaging, and are played without much in the way of flair. Williams is starchy, Bonham-Carter is flighty but weary (the usual thing - I think this probably just how she is in the flesh), Bettany is agonisingly caught between the two. His is the best performance of the three, but his skilful portrayal of suffering is not enough to carry the piece. This was an odd adaptation for the BBC et al to plump for. Surely there are still better period novels out there still awaiting adaptation for the screen.

Proud_Canadian I was fortunate enough to see this film at the Toronto Film Festival and talk briefly with the Director afterwards."The Heart of Me" is a period piece set in London during the 1930s and 40s. It is a European-style film that takes the time to give exposition and background to the characters. It builds slowly and chooses substance over style. The mood is somber and much of the lighting and colour scheme reflects this in a similar manner to the Crow.It is a drama with a few moments of levity. The three main leads are excellent. Helena Bonham Carter and Olivia Williams play sisters. Helena's character begins to fall in love with her brother-in-law played by Paul Bettany and they have an affair.I was pleasantly surprised by Paul's acting. I've only seen him before in "A Knight's Tale" and "A Beautiful Mind" where he has played light-hearted best friend characters. His performance here was understated, subdued, and a change of pace from what I had previously seen. I didn't think he was capable of going head to head with Helena but he was.If you like Merchant and Ivory films, then I think you would like this. It has the same feel as "Howard's End" and "Remains of the Day".