Sign in

The Portrait of a Lady

1996·Movie
2h 24min·PG-13
56
DecentGoodWatch score

Watch

Not streaming in United States. Where it is:

The Portrait of a Lady fingerprint

Immersive world, strong craft.

Energy

Calm and low-key

Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.

  • Tension6
  • Spectacle4
  • Fast Pace3

Heart

Deeply moving and melancholic

  • Pathos9
  • Melancholy8
  • Catharsis8

Humor

Some sharp wit

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Wit & Wordplay6
  • Satire & Parody4
  • Cringe Humor3

World

History, the mind, and society

Lived-in and easy to get lost in.

  • Dialogue Centrality9
  • World Immersion8
  • Rewatchability7

Craft

Standout performances, characters, and direction

Layered plot that rewards full attention.

  • Acting9
  • Character Depth9
  • Direction8

Style

Standout cinematography

  • Cinematography8
  • Editing7
  • Music Composition7

Who it's for

AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensThought-Provoking

Skip it if

You want fast pacingYou want to half-watch while scrolling

Find more like it

Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.

About

Based on the Novel by Henry James.

Ms. Isabel Archer isn't afraid to challenge societal norms. Impressed by her free spirit, her kindhearted cousin writes her into his fatally ill father's will. Suddenly rich and independent, Isabelle ventures into the world, along the way befriending a cynical intellectual and romancing an art enthusiast. However, the advantage of her affluence is called into question when she realizes the extent to which her money colors her relationships.
Period DramaIndependent WomanSocietal ExpectationsClass and PrivilegeComplex RelationshipsPsychological DepthMelancholicCharacter-Driven

Crew

Directed by:
Composed by:

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about The Portrait of a Lady

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream The Portrait of a Lady legally?

You can rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is The Portrait of a Lady worth watching?

56
DecentGoodWatch score

Opinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 57/100 (IMDb 6.2, Rotten Tomatoes 48%, and Metacritic 60). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is The Portrait of a Lady rated?

PG-13

It's rated PG-13 in the United States.

How long is The Portrait of a Lady?

2 h 24 min

The Portrait of a Lady runs 2 h 24 min.

Is The Portrait of a Lady based on a true story?

No. It's adapted from a novel.

Do critics and audiences agree on The Portrait of a Lady?

Critics54
Audiences59

Yes. Critics average 54 and audiences 59 out of 100, so both groups see The Portrait of a Lady much the same way.

What language is The Portrait of a Lady in?

EnglishItalian

It was made in English, with some Italian. Produced in Italy, United Kingdom, United States.

In how many countries can I watch The Portrait of a Lady?

34ARAUBABGBOBZCACLCOCRCZECESFR+20

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Portrait of a Lady in 34 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.

What tropes does The Portrait of a Lady use?

Obfuscating StupidityVitriolic Best BudsAnguished Declaration of LoveBig Bad DuumvirateAbusive ParentsKissing CousinsThe Social ExpertCassandra TruthParental SubstituteI Want My Beloved to Be HappyBig Fancy HouseSnow Means Deathand 35 more

TV Tropes lists 47 storytelling tropes for The Portrait of a Lady, including Obfuscating Stupidity, Vitriolic Best Buds, Anguished Declaration of Love.