If someone had experienced love in his/her life he/she would see clearly in this wonderful movie (that reminds paintings of Netherland artists of 16 century) how love slowly and mysteriously takes us over. All actors play wonderful, especially Scarlett Johansson by mere expression of her face and eyes, with practically no dialogs. I think that movie has its own story different from the one in a book (never read it). I am surprised with many comments above. For me it is a love story tragical as almost any real love story but enlightening our lives. Beautiful settings of the movie, luxury exposure of food and costumes adds a lot to the overall impression giving a desire to watch this movie again (by the way something similar happened with me when I watched "Portrait of the woman in fire").