Vanity Fair

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Vanity Fair

PG-13

2004

2h 20m

Drama

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Popcornmeter

50%

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164 Reviews

50%

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25,000+ Ratings

Born to poor parents, Becky Sharp (Reese Witherspoon) has always aspired to be a member of England's upper classes. Leaving her boarding school and best friend, Amelia (Romola Garai), behind, Becky associates herself with the Crawleys, eventually falling in love with their son, Rawdon (James Purefoy). The marriage is happy at first, but deteriorates when Rawdon's fortune dwindles. Becky is then supported by the lecherous Marquess of Steyne (Gabriel Byrne), whose motives are less than pure.

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Critics Consensus

A more likable Becky Sharp makes for a less interesting movie.

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Anne Cohen

Refinery29

Mar 4, 2019

Olivia Cooke's interpretation is probably the best Becky Sharp yet: She's intensely charismatic, with a little more bite, and toes the line between being faithful to the book and teasing out more modern feminist themes a little more smoothly.

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David Ansen

Newsweek

Mar 13, 2018

This Vanity Fair delights the eye, but Nair may be too much the humanist for her own good: she hasn't the instinct for the kill.

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Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

Dec 29, 2010

3/5

Lovely literary adaptation with class issues, battle scenes.

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Emilie Black

Cinema Crazed

Jul 19, 2022

4.5/5

The film is one that gains from being viewed multiple times over the years and that has aged beautifully well.

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B.L. Panther

The Spool

Feb 4, 2021

The brilliance of Nair's vision is how she takes the images, references, and suggestions of India latent in the original text and brings them to the ultimate fore.

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Debbie Lynn Elias

Behind The Lens

Nov 3, 2019

Directed by Mira Nair, although sumptuous in scope thanks to the sets and costumes, the film is convoluted and confusing.

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Jovana M.

@J_loves_movies May 30, 2026

Dramatic and entertaining, such a fantastic movie! Engaging story that keeps your attention, highly recommend

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Henry D

@Henry_Domke May 29, 2026

Many fine actors, with Reese Witherspoon at her best. The sets, costumes, makeup, and hair were all very fancy, although I’m not sure how realistic they were. I thought the story and direction lacked cohesion, and the pacing felt clumsy at times. Lorna disagreed and found it very enjoyable.

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Rose B

@awwrosenz May 6, 2026

Only watched it because of sexy Robert Pattinson, only to find out he got CUT OUT OF THE SCENE!!! EVEN WHEN HE WAS IN HIS PRIME!! 2004!!!!!! HOW DARE YOU!!!!! I AM OUTRAGED!!!!!!!!!! At least it encouraged him to play for Cedric Diggory, though!

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Tim M

@tgmacman Feb 24, 2026

Reese Witherspoon proves surprisingly at home in a period drama, however Vanity Fair is too disparate and distractible to resonate.

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Marit Risto F

@MaritRisto Nov 13, 2025

Was nothing there for me

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Lhelani P

@RT20766900 Jun 18, 2025

I loved this movie even as a young child. It had an impact on me that laste years because i searched everywhere for the movie title and finally it came randomly to me. It was exactly as i remembered with its magical impact and wonderful insights into that age and time. This is one of my favorite history romance movies and will cherish it always

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Mira Nair

Director

Reese Witherspoon

Becky Sharp

Eileen Atkins

Miss Matilda Crawley

Jim Broadbent

Mr. Osborne

Gabriel Byrne

The Marquess of Steyne

Romola Garai

Amelia Sedley

Vanity Fair: Official Clip - Belly-Dancing

2:19

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Vanity Fair: Official Clip - Becky & Rawdon

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Vanity Fair: Official Clip - Amelia & William

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Vanity Fair: Official Clip - Cheating Husband

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Vanity Fair: Official Clip - I'll Never Forgive You

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Vanity Fair: Official Clip - Cowardly, Villainous Liar

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Vanity Fair: Official Clip - Preparing For War

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Vanity Fair: Official Clip - Becky & Jos

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Vanity Fair: Official Clip - A False Note

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Vanity Fair: Official Clip - Now Sleeps the Crimson Petal

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Synopsis

Born to poor parents, Becky Sharp (Reese Witherspoon) has always aspired to be a member of England's upper classes. Leaving her boarding school and best friend, Amelia (Romola Garai), behind, Becky associates herself with the Crawleys, eventually falling in love with their son, Rawdon (James Purefoy). The marriage is happy at first, but deteriorates when Rawdon's fortune dwindles. Becky is then supported by the lecherous Marquess of Steyne (Gabriel Byrne), whose motives are less than pure.

Director: Mira Nair
Producer: Janette Day, Donna Gigliotti, Lydia Dean Pilcher
Screenwriter: Matthew Faulk, Mark Skeet, Julian Fellowes
Distributor: Focus Features, Gramercy Pictures
Production Co: USA Films, Focus Features
Rating: PG-13 (Partial Nudity|Brief Violent Images|Some Sensuality)
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 1, 2004, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Feb 12, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA): $16.1M
Runtime: 2h 20m
Sound Mix: Surround, Dolby SRD, DTS, SDDS
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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