PITY any English male actor who is attempting to make a break these days as an enigmatic, romantic lead - he simply wouldn't stand a chance against the almighty Mr Darcy himself, Colin Firth.

Firth's latest vehicle for his intense, brooding qualities is this high-quality adaptation of Tracy Chevalier's massively successful novel of the same name, which tells the story of a young girl stationed as a housemaid in the home of Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer in 17th century Holland.

The title refers to one of his most famous paintings and the piecing together of the identity of this girl is the main subject of the text.

The filmmakers, in their adaptation, have cannily cast "Next Big Thing" Scarlett Johansson (Lost in Translation) as the mystery lady, bearing a unique resemblance to the actual painting.

Johansson plays Griet, who leaves her family for a thankless life full of the mundaneness of servitude in Delft, and the film takes its time featuring the everyday details of the household and life in this time and place - which has never before been captured so uniquely on film.

She finds herself in awe of the ability of her master, and her burgeoning interest in his art leads to their developing a most tender relationship.

All roles are expertly played by an accomplished cast, which includes Tom Wilkinson.

Essie Davis and Judy Parfitt are particularly good as, respectively, spoiled annoying wife and interfering mother -in-law, who see no worth in Vermeer's paintings, save for the cash they'll bring in.

And by the evidence of this, Johansson may well live up to her publicity, impressive in a very unshowy role which often means she must emote for dear life while having very little dialogue.

GWAPE's focus is very much the subterranean, the internalising of emotion, and it refuses to succumb to overt resolutions.

The ending is not in the least climactic - in fact, the piece is without tension in the main - which may disappoint many fans of a little less conversation and a little more action. But, for the willing, GWAPE provides ultimately rewarding viewing.