I rented this film from my local library a good few years ago on VHS and I really loved it, it was just my cup of tea. The lead character was really well rounded and her relationship with the character played by Rufus Sewell was excellent. The supporting cast were all excellent as well I had no faults with this movie and have never forgotten it and always wanted to buy it. I would really recommend if you love a good, well acted and enjoyable period drama. Oh and the scenery isn't too bad either!
It is basically the story of a young woman living in Venice who finds herself through circumstances becoming a courtesan taught by none other than her mother, though her mother is a nice character not horrible as this would suggest, who before she became a courtesan was in love with a man who was unattainable but is now less so. It follows her life as a courtesan and also what happens when the Holy Church arrives in Venice. It is really good. Thoroughly recommend it.

I owned this film on VHS and have been waiting for it to be put onto DVD.... its worth the wait. If you love scenic Venice, impossible love that finds away and a woman who isn't affraid to live a life different to those around her then you'll love this film. For the hopeless romantic in us all, it makes you believe that soulmates do really exist.... or at least in Venice they do.

I only remember it was a very beautiful film I should like to see again