Director: Adrian Lyne

Screenplay: Stephen Schiff

Cast: Jeremy Irons, Dominique Swain

Strength: Acting, Cinematography

Weakness: Controversial issues

Duration: 136min

Rating : 7/10

PLOT: Humbert Humbert, a British professor decides to shift to the US to teach. He rents a room at Charlotte Haze's house and ends up falling in love with her 14-year old daughter, Lolita. Even though he hates Lolita's mother, he finds that the only way to be close to Lolita is by marrying her mother. They then, start a journey together, trying to hide that they're not just (step) father and daughter. They end up getting followed by someone who Humbert thinks is the police. Slowly, the man is driven to mental instability due to steadily developing envy and guilt.

REVIEW: "Lolita" is the second screen adaption of Vladimir Nabokov's novel of the same name. It is arguably the most controversial film of the 20th century. This movie is quite a brilliant adaption of the novel. Yes, the subject matter can be considered offensive but the director has filmed the material in such way that one would have to be awfully sensitive to be offended by anything in the movie. The screenplay shows the relationship of the primary characters in a refreshing manner, which plays out as a taboo but a reserved love story.

"Lolita" is all about Humbert and Lolita, and their adventure, misfortunes and run from the law. In this movie the viewers are forced to see Lolita through the eyes of Humbert and to feel his obsession and desire. The performances are remarkable, especially those of Jeremy Irons and Dominique Swain. Dominique Swain captured everything someone ever imagined Lolita to be. Playful yet sinful, she was perfect. She elicits both allure and pity as the wayward character does not excuse her complicity in her affairs. And Jeremy Irons portraits the most likable pedophile in movie history. In the manuscript, Lyne draws us in and makes us face the Humbert in ourselves. Lolita is a major work in fiction, equally intense as wildly funny. Lolita was no nymphet. She had all the powers of a nymphet, but also a soul. It was an incredible and a powerful love story. Humbert shows us how powerful love can be. 

Reviewed by Saqiba Nawshin Junnurine