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Nicole Kidman as a Russian? At first consideration that may seem an unlikely bit of casting, but it's no more unlikely than Nicole Kidman winning accolades singing and dancing in a rousing romantic musical. In "Birthday Girl," Kidman dons sleazy costumes, darkens her hair, chain smokes, and speaks with a Russian accent that seems a mixture of Natasha from "Rocky and Bullwinkle" and true Russian. What's amazing is that despite the fact that you never forget it's Kidman playing a Russian, she manages to pull off this part without missing a step.

"Birthday Girl" tells the story of John, a reserved bank teller, and Nadia, the bride-to-be he orders off the Internet site, "From Russia With Love." Nadia's profile claims she speaks English fluently and is a non-smoker. When she arrives off the plane, chain-smoking and answering all of John's queries with a single word, "Yes," John knows he's made a big mistake. Unable to reach the company to get a refund or get Nadia a one-way ticket back to Russia, John makes the best of it by enjoying Nadia's sexual advances (the one place they communicate perfectly is in the bedroom) and by trying to teach Nadia some rudimentary English.

Their burgeoning life together gets more complicated when Nadia's Russian cousin and his friend invade John's orderly home, providing the means for John to finally speak with Nadia via her cousin's translations. As Nadia and John get closer, the film changes to a faster pace, with criminal acts and acts of bravery (or stupidity, depending on how you view it) providing an unusual, unexpected, climax.

Ben Chaplin proves he is up to the task of being the central source of information during the film's first half. While Kidman's “Nadia” speaks no English, Chaplin's “John” must be the main catalyst to move the film along narratively. Chaplin's portrayal of John as he evolves from a lonely introvert searching for love on the Internet to a rebel willing to risk everything for love is charmingly endearing. Chaplin's acting skills allow the audience to glimpse John's heart and soul, and, ultimately, his spirit.

"Birthday Girl" is well written, skillfully acted piece of deliciously funny filmmaking. It's a refreshingly twisted tale of love that treads down paths not often found in romantic comedies.

Overall Grade: B-

"Birthday Girl" is rated R for sexuality and language.


Director: Jez Butterworth
Producers: Steve Butterworth and Diana Phillips
Screenplay By: Tom and Jez Butterworth
Cinematographer: Oliver Stapleton
Production Designer: Hugo Luczyc-Wyhowski
Film Editor: Christopher Tellefsen
Costume Designer: Pheobe De Gaye
Music By: Stephen Warbeck
Casting: Jina Jay Casting
Art Director: Rebecca Holmes
Set Decorator: Linda Wilson

Nadia - Nicole Kidman
John - Ben Chaplin
Alexei - Vincent Cassel
Yuri - Mathieu Kassovitz
Clare - Kate Evans
Bank Manager - Stephen Mangan
Robert Moseley - Xander Armstrong
Karen - Sally Phillips

Photo © 2002 Miramax Films - All Rights Reserved.