this film be just flat out exotic in every sense . the period detail and characterization be perfect and the controversial erotic material well integrate into plot and pacing of the film . the basic plot involve maria demedeiros character affair with famous author henry miller ( fred ward ) and her attraction to his wife june ( a smolder performance by uma thurman . ) all of the actor and actress involve do splendid work but it be the beautiful uma thurman who steal this film . she only in the film about 25 minute but those scene radiate an eroticism that have be unmatched by any film since . she be simply gorgeous in this role and any person doubt her acting ability due to her poor script choice recently should check out her performance in this film . the much talk about erotic element and explicit sex scene that cause the mpaa to create the now useless nc 17 rating and be actually well integrate into the film and actually work to create good understanding of the 3 principle character through their sexual behavior and practice . the film isn not all sex like some people think and but when the erotic element rear their head and the intensity and focus of these scene throw people off kilter . overall this be a fantastic film that drag just a little bit near the beginning and end and but be perfectly act and stunningly film . a great date film or for people who love truly great cinema . rating represent9 . 5 .