Set in the Venice of the 1700s, the latest film of CASANOVA, the legendary lover of countless beautiful women is a harmless adventurous swashbuckling romp full of romance and action rather than sex and flesh.  Directed by Lasse Hallstrom (MY LIFE AS A DOG, THE CIDER HOUSE RULES and CHOCOLAT), the Swede with a Christmas film out every year, he delivers once again an entertaining festive flick in the style that is consistent with all his films.

Giacomo CASANOVA (Heath Ledger) runs in trouble with the authorities for the ‘mischief’.  He escapes, no doubt, and finds true love in the form of Francesca Bruni (Sienna Miller of ALFIE and LAYER CAKE), a writer who initially mistakes Casanova for someone else.  A few subplots of little significance here and there, but no complaints here as no concentration is required to enjoy the rogue’s exploits. There is absolutely no nudity and limited amount of skin is fleshed on the screen.  The sensuality is most suggested (entwined but clothed legs, ripe luscious lips donned by all the actors) but no less sensuous at times.  Ledger makes a sexy believable Casanova and Jeremy Irons a slightly comical but nasty villain.  The script is smart enough to ensure that the protagonist is likeable enough.  Who would not like handsome underdog hero who has to fend off the nasty authorities who have nothing else better to do than persecute the innocents and live off the poor?  Costume, sets (courts and courtyards) and props (helium balloons) add to the authenticity.  Filmed in picturesque Venice, visitors will reminisce of fond memories of the city of canals.

CASANOVA has a limited release on Christmas Day.  It opens widely in January.