A phase difference film which comprises a liquid crystal film having a
liquid crystal comprised of a cellulose derivative as a liquid crystal
compound (cellulose derivative liquid crystal) being oriented in a
specific direction, preferably said phase difference film wherein said
orientation in a specific direction is fixed. In said liquid crystal
film, through changing appropriately the molecular weight of the
cellulose derivative, the composition of the liquid crystal, the degree
of the orientation, and the like, films having various wave length
dispersion characteristics can be prepared with ease, and further a phase
difference film satisfying the following relationship:
.DELTA.n450=.DELTA.n550=.DELTA.n650 (1) wherein .DELTA.n550 represents a
double refractive index at a wave length of 550 nm, .DELTA.n450
represents a double refractive index at a wave length of 450 nm, and
.DELTA.n650 represents a double refractive index at a wave length of 650
nm, can be prepared without laminating a plurality of phase difference
films. Said phase difference film, used in combination with a polarizing
film, exhibits excellent reflection preventing effect, contrast improving
effect, double refraction compensating effect, and the like.