The Woman in Gold

This movie based on a true story stars Helen Mirren and Ryan Reynolds.  Helen Mirren plays Maria Altman who was a Jewish woman from Austria who had escaped the Nazis in the 1940’s.  Both Maria and a sister fled to the United States.  Their parents were unable to leave and eventually died in Nazi-run death camps.  Ryan Reynolds plays Randy Schoenberg, a lawyer who is the son of one of Maria’s friends who is also a Jewish woman from Austria. 

Maria was brought up in a well-to-do family who loved art.  Maria’s aunt was the subject of an Austrian painting known as “The Woman in Gold”.   All of the art the family owned was confiscated by the Nazi’s including the painting of her aunt.  It was now being held in an Austrian museum with ownership belonging to Austria.  

When Maria’s sister dies, she begins to go through old belongings and discovers a letter leading her to believe she may be the rightful owner of the painting.  Maria enlists Randy to help her take her case to court to reclaim “The Woman in Gold”. 

I thought this movie was spectacular.  Both Helen Mirren and Ryan Reynolds did a fantastic job.  I loved the replay of Maria’s life as a young woman as remembered through her daydreaming.  These memories made the story what it was.  

I gave this movie 3 ½ out of 4 stars.  Helen Mirren’s performance was worthy of an Oscar.