I wasn't familiar with the book or the earlier movie version, but I know it’s a brief look at a moment during the American Civil War. It didn't really center on the war itself; instead, it was a made-up story about an injured soldier who found refuge in a school for girls and received care from the teachers and students left behind. During his recovery, he developed feelings for one of the women, but it seemed like almost everyone else had a bit of a thing for him too, being that he was the only man present. This created some tension, which eventually led to a plot development that brought everything to an abrupt end. It's a straightforward and pleasant drama with strong casting choices. Kristen Dunst didn’t quite seem to fit in alongside the other actresses, though. The costumes were well done too; it felt like a really accurate depiction of the middle of the 1800s. I found it enjoyable enough for a single viewing, but I suspect people who have seen both versions would probably prefer Clint Eastwood's film. Colin Farrell wasn’t bad in this one, and while it isn’t Sofia Coppola’s finest work, it certainly isn’t her worst either. 7/10

Source on TMDB