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Maid at a posh hotel Marissa (Jennifer Lopez) is persuaded by her best friend and co-worker to
try on an elegant and expensive suit they find in the suite they are cleaning. She is then persuaded to go for a walk in it. She and her young son meet assemblyman
running for a senate seat Chris (Ralph Fiennes) who is attracted to her at first sight, thinking she is a hotel guest.
She keeps her identity and tries to avoid him on succeeding occasions. However, his pursuit and her growing interest in him win and she accepts an invitation to attend an important function as his partner. Where will this blooming romance go? Can she tell him that she works as an all-around maid, when the time comes? Could a single mother with a young son and in a lowly position be suitable for a man of his stature?
This is an old story made new by time and the circumstances.
The storyline is thin; necessary details about the main characters are not revealed like, where is Marissa coming from, why is she a solo parent, where does she get the beautiful gowns and jewelry she wears to the affair? The movie length is made up of episodes showing their growing feelings for each other and how they are dealing with it. The exposition of the various scenes – production design, lighting, composition, directing, etc. – is suitably entertaining for this light romantic story. As a first-timer in a comedy, Ralph Fiennes does fine. Jennifer Lopez – as Marissa, the focus of the film – is more than adequate for her role.
It starts with a deception that is carried through two thirds of the film.
This, however, is not taken as of great consequence. When revealed, it is eventually forgiven. Maid in Manhattan attempts to project some serious messages and
values. In visuals and in dialogue the following are emphasized: fairness and compassion for the workers, woman empowerment, to rise above the ranks, "the only
difference" between the simple employees and the elite is "money" which should not be an essential difference. This last is said by Marissa's personnel head who resigns when
she is fired. He also said "It is true that in our work we serve people with much money, but that does not make us their servants."
(Date Reviewed: March 7, 2003)
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