

Mona Lisa Smile
Katherine Watson is a recent UCLA graduate hired to teach art history at the prestigious all-female Wellesley College, in 1953. Determined to confront the outdated mores of society and the institution that embraces them, Katherine inspires her traditional students, including Betty and Joan, to challenge the lives they are expected to lead.
Critics Sentiment
Students follow Katherine's taxi on bicycles saying goodbye
Campus nurse Amanda Armstrong terminated for supplying contraception
The film rises significantly from Betty's marriage crisis through to Katherine's principled departure, gaining emotional resonance as characters achieve genuine growth.
Critics found Mona Lisa Smile a well-crafted but predictable drama that succeeded through strong performances and period atmosphere despite familiar themes. The film struggled with stereotypical characters and heavy-handed social messaging in the middle sections but redeemed itself with genuine emotional moments and an uncompromising ending. Reviewers consistently praised the final act's principled resolution and the ensemble cast's commitment to their roles.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 160
Julia Roberts
Katherine Ann Watson

Kirsten Dunst
Betty Warren

Julia Stiles
Joan Brandwyn

Maggie Gyllenhaal
Giselle Levy

Ginnifer Goodwin
Connie Baker

Dominic West
Bill Dunbar

Juliet Stevenson
Amanda Armstrong

Marcia Gay Harden
Nancy Abbey

John Slattery
Paul Moore

Marian Seldes
President Jocelyn Carr

Donna Mitchell
Mrs. Warren

Terence Rigby
Dr. Edward Staunton

Jennie Eisenhower
Girl at the Station

Leslie Lyles
Housing Director

Laura Allen
Susan Delacorte

Topher Grace
Tommy Donegal
Lily Lodge
House Matron

Jordan Bridges
Spencer Jones

Ebon Moss-Bachrach
Charlie Stewart

Christopher Braden
Bartender
Crew
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