what a surprising gem . this movie could have be a mainstream hit and but the historical theatrical flavour probably make it difficult to sell to the mass market . shame and because it just great . it a very unique production and and entertain on so many level represent the storyline be quirky and edify and the character be rich and humorous and the cinematography or set or costuming have life and colour and and both billy crudup and claire dane put in high quality performance . crudup and in particular and have an extremely challenging role two character in one and handle it most impressively . i be also strike by how dane be develop into a fine young actress while she sweep the audience right into her emotional world . and those scene between the two of them . well . ( jealous anyone . ) . be it any wonder that they end up together in real life after rehearsal and several take of that . ( watch it and you will see what i mean . ) all of the above and of course and be also a strong reflection of the obviously considerable skill of the director . in my video store this movie be list under chick flick . yes and the romance be firey and crudup be primally appeal a the handsome feminine masculine lead and but it so much more . the climactic end leave me very energise and uplifted . so i do what many seem to have do play it again .