Ladies in Black

Set in the summer of 1959, when the impact of European migration and the rise of women’s liberation is about to change Australia forever, Ladies in Black is a charming, evocative, and emotionally resonant drama from critically acclaimed director Bruce Beresford.

Featuring standout performances from Julia Ormond, Angourie Rice, and Rachael Taylor, the film unfolds in a cultured atmosphere filled with haute couture in Sydney's most prestigious department store, F.G. Goodes. Revolving around an array of 'ladies in black,' the saleswomen clad in the classic black dresses that make up their uniform, the film is a gentle, humorous, and poignant examination of cultural change and progress.

Rice plays the central character Lisa, a spirited, young book-loving school leaver waiting for her exam results, looking to get into Sydney University but finding herself adrift amidst the rails of ruffled dresses and the women who sell them. Lisa takes a holiday job at the department store and soon finds herself befriended by the titular ladies in black: Fay, a world-weary beauty desperate for love; Patty, trapped in an unhappy marriage; and Magda, an enigmatic Slovenian immigrant.

Powerfully capturing Lisa's coming-of-age journey, Ladies in Black sees her initially shy and naive but with substantial intellectual potential. Throughout the narrative, Lisa comes to terms with her new environment, as the viewers bear witness to her transformation into a confident and self-aware young woman ignited by the vibrant people and experiences she encounters in her new job.

Julia Ormond delivers a standout performance as Magda, the glamorous and worldly manager of the high-fashion floor, who takes a special interest in her young charge and opens Lisa's eyes to a world of new possibilities, fashion, and love. Ormond earnestly conveys Magda's joie de vivre, and her chemistry with Rice is central to the heart of the film.

Rachael Taylor gives a memorable performance as Fay. Tasked with presenting a woman jaded by her dating experiences yet hopeful enough to continue seeking out romance, Taylor's nuanced portrayal creates an empathetic character that viewers can root for. Her journey of self-discovery and her eventual finding of love forms a significant subplot within the film.

Ladies in Black is firmly set against the backdrop of the changing Australian society in the late 1950s. Director Beresford skillfully uses societal transformations, such as the burgeoning feminist movement and the influx of European immigrants, as vital threads in the plot. He manages to capture these societal shifts finely, interlinking them subtly with individual character arcs.

The screenplay, adapted from Madeleine St John's best-selling novel, 'The Women in Black', delivers warmth, wit, and insight. Light-hearted humor intermingles with serious themes, and while it is essentially a period piece, the writers manage to thread modern sensibilities throughout, making the movie accessible to contemporary audiences.

Production design and costumes are central elements of Ladies in Black. The meticulously recreated 1950s Sydney department store and the vivid, elegant ensembles predominantly feature throughout the film. The film showcases the great eye for detail and authenticity, immersing the viewers in the rich tapestry of the era.

Cinematography is another high point of the film, capturing the lush Sydney landscapes and lifelike department store's hustle and bustle. Beresford's direction is enhanced by expert lighting that helps convey the mood, whether it's the bright Australian sun or the glamorous interiors of the department store.

In conclusion, Ladies in Black is more than just a tale of saleswomen in a department store. It’s a depiction of the social and cultural transformation of a country seen through the challenges, triumphs, and insights of a group of determined women. With heartfelt performances, a compelling narrative, and stunning production design, Ladies in Black is an undeniably satisfying cinematic experience. The film unfolds a symphony of human emotions, societal shifts, and sophisticated humor set to resonate with viewers who appreciate character-driven narratives.