The Last Vermeer (TriStar)

After the defeat of Germany in World War II, a flamboyant Dutch artist (Guy Pearce) is accused of profiting from the sale of a rare masterwork by the titular 17th-century painter to number two Nazi Hermann Goering. But the soldier (Claes Bang) charged with investigating the case on behalf of the Allies eventually discovers that all is not as it initially appears. Director Dan Friedkin's polished fact-based drama, adapted from Jonathan Lopez's 2008 book "The Man Who Made Vermeers," features outstanding performances from its two leads and offers grown viewers a satisfying exploration of creativity, the ambiguous business of assessing artistic worth and the drive for justice in the face of public opinion.

Watch out for: A gory execution, a brief, nongraphic scene of aberrant behavior, adulterous sensuality, partial nudity, mature references, a couple of profanities, a milder oath, a few uses each of rough and crude language.

Rated: A-III, adults; MPAA: R