It's not often that a film lives up to the expectations of those who loved the novel from which it was adapted, but Miramax has brought this tale so convincingly to life that even the most faithful fan of the Philip Roth novel will find it difficult to fault.

Coleman Silk is a Jewish professor at a Massachusetts college. He is the head of the classics department and the most eminent and respected guy in town until a politically incorrect bluff sends him into premature retirement.

Coleman's life is torn apart, until he meets Faunia Farley - a janitor at the college who has a terrible past to contend with.

The pair make an unlikely match and the townspeople persecute Coleman further. He becomes a recluse, maintaining only one close friendship from his 'previous' life and confiding only in Faunia.

And what he reveals to her is a secret that even his most vociferous critics would never believe...

Anthony Hopkins' portrayal of Coleman Silk is flawless. In such a multi-faceted character there's so much room for error, but Hopkins is as convincing as an intellectual Jewish professor as of a grieving husband and an ageing man in the throes of new-found love.

And when the film takes a leap back in time to explore to complexities of Coleman's youth, Hopkins' characterisation of the protagonist becomes even more credible.

The only problem lies in Nicole Kidman's beauty. Anyone who has read the book would fully expect Faunia Farley to be plain with a gaunt expression and terrible teeth. Kidman can never play ugly!

This is an emotionally complex film, but surprisingly accessible. The cinematography is beautiful, the snowscapes enchanting us into their world, however bleak.

And supporting roles from Ed Harris and Gary Sinise are as proficient as has become expected from these two Hollywood heavyweights.

Natalie Stone