Kate Beckinsale 1999: A Year of Greatness

Kate Beckinsale had a breakout year in 1999, starring in two blockbuster movies and cementing her status as a Hollywood A-lister.

Pearl Harbor (Released May 25, 1999)

Pearl Harbor is a historical drama film directed by Michael Bay and starring Ben Affleck, Josh Hartnett, and Kate Beckinsale. The film tells the story of the attack on Pearl Harbor by the Imperial Japanese Navy on December 7, 1941, and the subsequent U.S. entry into World War II.

Beckinsale plays the role of Evelyn Johnson, a Navy nurse who falls in love with two pilots (Affleck and Hartnett). Her performance was praised by critics, with many saying that she stole the show.

"Beckinsale is the heart and soul of this movie. She gives a performance that is both emotionally raw and incredibly powerful." - Roger Ebert

Pearl Harbor was a huge commercial success, grossing over $450 million worldwide. It was the highest-grossing film of 1999 and the ninth-highest-grossing film of all time at the time of its release.

Brokedown Palace (Released September 10, 1999)

Brokedown Palace is a drama film directed by Jonathan Kaplan and starring Claire Danes, Kate Beckinsale, and Bill Pullman. The film tells the story of two American teenagers (Danes and Beckinsale) who are arrested for drug smuggling in Thailand.

Beckinsale plays the role of Darlene Davis, a young woman who is desperate to escape her small town and see the world. She meets Danes' character, Alice, at a party and the two decide to go to Thailand together. However, their trip takes a dark turn when they are arrested at the airport for trying to smuggle drugs into the country.

Brokedown Palace was a critical and commercial failure, grossing only $10 million worldwide. However, Beckinsale's performance was praised by critics, with many saying that she gave the film its only saving grace.

"Beckinsale is the only reason to see this movie. She gives a performance that is both heartbreaking and inspiring." - James Berardinelli

Other Notable Projects in 1999

In addition to her two starring roles in major Hollywood films, Beckinsale also appeared in several other notable projects in 1999, including:

• The Governess (Released October 22, 1999) - A period drama in which Beckinsale plays the title role of a governess who becomes involved in a dangerous love triangle.
• Alice in Wonderland (Released December 3, 1999) - A television miniseries in which Beckinsale plays the title role of Alice.
• Black Mask (Released December 10, 1999) - A martial arts film in which Beckinsale plays the role of Diana Walker, a woman who seeks revenge for the death of her father.

Conclusion

1999 was a breakout year for Kate Beckinsale, who starred in two blockbuster movies and cemented her status as a Hollywood A-lister. Her performances in Pearl Harbor and Brokedown Palace were praised by critics and audiences alike, and she has continued to be one of the most popular and successful actresses in Hollywood.

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