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Spanning the 1953-1954 school year, Mona Lisa Smile chronicles the classic tale of a teacher’s struggle to make an impression on their students. Set on the quaint campus of the picturesque Wellesley College in Massachusetts, Mona Lisa Smile tells the story of a bevy of girls who are being groomed for “the roles they were born to fill”—those of multi-tasking, baby-breeding, super-housekeepers for their hard-working husbands. Unexpectedly, however, forward-thinker Katherine Watson (Julia Roberts) is hired as an instructor in the art history department. Not surprisingly, she’s less than welcomed by her students and colleagues upon arrival. Her progressive views and unconventional teaching methods challenge the obvious expectations of this conservative society. While Ms. Watson is quickly judged, it’s not long before her passion and presence begin to influence those around her.
The movie follows Ms. Watson as she faces many difficulties and struggles to make a difference. Constantly antagonized by student Elizabeth “Betty” Warren (Kirsten Dunst), Ms. Watson thrives on the obstacles that present themselves to her. Fellow students Giselle Levy (Maggie Gyllenhaal) and Joan Brandwyn (Julia Styles) add depth and diversity to the dynamics of the cast. While Dunst convincingly portrays the headstrong daughter of a very influential school board member, Roberts’s powerful personality turns in yet another magnificent performance.
As you watch relationships develop and personalities transform, you can’t help but wish you played a role in this mid-1950s account. I found myself captivated by the story—with its sincerity, intrigue, triumphs, and failures—as well as by each character’s charms and unique qualities. This enchanting story will inspire anyone not only to “look beyond the image” but also to explore any idea, no matter how unconventional it may be.
