emily watson and tom wilkinson together what a treat . with rupert everett and linda bassett round off the support role to the foursome of lie and intrigue . yet at the heart of it all and each character maintain a streak of decency moral conscience hold up in spite of obvious contradiction . contradiction be the source of all movement and of all life . how true these word be . watson anne manning be at the core of this intrigue she the central conscience that the other three latch on . she be the decency undeterred . the circumstance of lie be to each it own represent one to defend one professional name while one to hold back due to family or partner pressure while one simply do not want to face the consequence while one ironically can not believe the truth and lie to save friendship . these be all precarious situation . there lie the intrigue fascinate to watch how each tackle truth and lie . contradiction and indeed . in spite of the seem dishonor and decency and heart remain strong . the treatment of the subject involve and how each of the character behaves be masterfully deliver simple with clarity . it not sensational or complex a another film where the truth lie 2005. credit due to fellowes writing and the nuanced performance of both watson and wilkinson . there be warmth somehow that come through the seemingly boldface or frustratingly hidden lie . beneath it all and human frailty not exclude and they mean well . and follow along with the story and the turn of event provide satisfaction and smile to how the two manning seem to have grow and mature in their relationship . you might say there no obvious action drama or thrill scene in separate lie and yet the intrigue be there and it will hold your attention . the deserve production effort include cinematography by tony pierce robert ( a veteran to the merchant ivory film ) and music by stanislas syrewicz and with mood and tone reminiscent of composer zbignew priesner ( of filmmaker krzysztof kieslowski trois couleurs and especially represent bleu 1993 . ) this be a british film you just might not want to miss . emily watson ( anne and the wife ) represent break the wave 1996 debut while hilary and jackie 1998 while the luzhin defence 2000 while gosford park 2001 while punch drunk love and red dragon and equilibrium in 2002. tom wilkinson ( james and the husband ) represent the full monty 1997 while the governess and rush hour ( a villain ) in 1998 while in the bedroom 2001 and normal ( hbo cable movie ) 2003 and eternal sunshine of the spotless mind 2004 and recently a father moore in represent the exorcism of emily rise 2005 opposite laura linney . rupert everett ( bill ) represent he be simply delightful in my best friend wedding 1997 opposite julia robert and marvelous in an ideal husband 1999 d represent oliver parker and an oscar wilde play . recently a sherlock holmes with ian hart a dr. watson and in pbs mystery represent sherlock holmes and the case of the silk stocking 2004 tv . linda bassett ( maggie ) represent she be very effective a ella khan opposite om puri in east be east 1999 .