Writer: Nur Safina Othman

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Watch this if you liked: "The September Issue", "Invictus"

Although most women out there can't afford her designs, her work is still admired by all. This biopic follows the early years of French designer Gabrielle Bonheur "Coco" Chanel, or famously known as Coco Chanel, from her humble beginnings as a Parisian orphan before she came to be known as one of the world's most famous fashion designers.

Director Anne Fontaine successfully portrays Chanel's life story. Brought up from the orphanage to the world of fashion and haute couture, she then becomes a mistress to a wealthy racehorse owner Etienne Balsan (Benoit Poelvoorde). Soon, we witness an engaging love triangle between Chanel, Balsan and Arthur 'Boy' Capel (Alessandro Nivola), an English businessman who steals her from Balsan and sets her up on a business within the fashion industry.

With award-winning actress and Chanel spokesperson Audrey Tautou ("The Da Vinci Code", "Amelie") in the lead, it's safe to say that her performance gives justice to Chanel as she embodies the role perfectly. Her ability to carry the character is outstanding as she not only resembles Chanel, but inhabits her behaviour completely. Besides Tautou's spectacular performance, other casts such as Poelvoorde and United States-born actor Nivola, playing Chanel's lover, did a great job as well.

Although the French designer died in 1971, many will still remember and adore her as the woman who revolutionised the way women dressed. Her extraordinary influence in the fashion world made her the only person in the field to be listed in Time Magazine's "Most Influential People of the 20th Century" in 1999.

For those who are unfamiliar with the designer, this movie will get you up close and personal with the fascinating life and style of Coco Chanel.

Cinema Online, 23 April 2010