This adaptation of an 18th century farce sees Mira Sorvino woefully miscast as a scheming princess who cross-dresses to gain access to a prince (Rodan) whos been brought up to hate women. Somehow her clumsy attempts to romance not only him but his guardians (Kingsley and Shaw) succeed, supposedly proving that even misogynists can be won over by flattery. The exchanges between the last two actors are the least painful, but this is such a strained affair its hard not
to be embarrassed for everyone concerned.
Brief hints at a postmodern take fall by the wayside as this limps its way to a baffling end, failing to punish whats become a despicable lead character.
Perhaps producer Bernardo Bertolucci was also blinded by love this was directed by his wife.