Following the life of Johannes Vermeer, one of the greatest 17th century Dutch painters, the film looks at the events surrounding the creation of one of his best loved paintings.

Renowned for working very slowly and painstakingly on his paintings, Vermeer, depicted by a long-haired Colin Firth, becomes intrigued with his new servant.

Based on Tracy Chevalier's best-selling novel of the same name, Griet, played by star of the moment Scarlett Johansson, is forced by circumstance to become a servant in the artist's house.

Separated by both class and education, Griet is nevertheless fascinated by his work, and Vermeer soon recognises her intuitive understanding of colour and light.

The pair build up a good rapport and the artist slowly allows her to help him in his studio (a place not even his wife is allowed to enter).

The connection between artist and servant results in the inevitable - Griet sitting for Vermeer as he paints her portrait.

A simple and intimate tale, superbly adapted for the screen - it is Johansson who steals the show with her compelling performance.

The depiction of 17th Century Holland is extremely convincing. Making his feature debut, director Peter Webber pays close attention to the period detail of everyday life - the sights and sounds of the streets and markets and the quality of life for the different classes. We are totally transported into this world.

The scenery and cinematography are spectacular and while the film as a whole is enjoyable, there are times when you can't help but think this could have worked equally as well as a BBC drama.

Johansson gives a wonderful performance, and is hypnotic to watch - her resemblance to the girl in the painting is uncanny. A role which consists of very little dialogue, the young star proves herself to be a talented actress who here relies on gesture and particularly her eyes to convey emotion to her character.

Dalia Levy