Cheri (2009)

Cheri is the masculine term of affection used by Lea (Michelle Pfeiffer) for her young lover (Rupert Friend). (Because she appears on the movie art, you might think the term applies to her, but that would be the feminine form Cherie.) Think of Lea as a Victorian-era cougar. She is a courtesan, that is, a professional escort or consort (prostitute) catering to noblemen. Officially, society greatly frowned on the profession (even as noblemen sanctioned it), so courtesans and their children kept their own company and socialized together. They were, after all, highly intelligent and astute women who were financially independent and knew the richest and most powerful men in the world. Lea's closest friend, Madame Peloux (Kathy Bates), asks Lea to school her son in the ways of the world. A love develops between them that becomes deep and haunting for both, esp. since it was not what either one was expecting. This story is about the heartfelt paths of that romance and what it comes to mean for each of the lovers. It's a great story and one I liked better than Bright Star (2009) or even Elizabeth (1998). 4.5 stars. (8-20-2010, posted 1-14-2017)