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 Determined to confront the outdated mores of society and the institution that embraces them, Katherine inspires her traditional students, including Betty and Joan, to challenge the lives they are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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