The Remains of the Day (1993)
Genre: Drama / Romance
Duration: 134 minuten
Country:
United Kingdom / United States
Directed by: James Ivory
Stars: Anthony Hopkins, Emma Thompson and Christopher Reeve
IMDb score:
7,8 (87.130)
Releasedate: 5 November 1993
The Remains of the Day plot
"Diamond in the Rough."
1958. The British estate Darlington Hall threatens to disappear, but a former congressman from the US buys it up. He retains the butler James Stevens and the cook. Stevens receives a letter from former housekeeper Sally Kenton and decides to visit her on the West Coast. Through flashbacks we see how the friendship between Stevens and Kenton started, and what important political events took place on the estate.
Actors and actresses
James Stevens
Miss Kenton
Lord Darlington
Jack Lewis
Reginald Cardinal
William Stevens
Charlie, Head Footman
Mrs. Mortimer, the cook
Spencer
Dupont D'Ivry
Reviews & comments
N00dles
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- 577 messages
- 2259 votes
Elegant film with a certain stature, upheld by its strong cast, including Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson.
Hopkins plays the role of Mr. Stevens, a butler who values dignity and duty so much that his personal and emotional development seems to have lagged behind. His ability to show emotions is always put to the test and the arrival of Miss Kenton doesn't make it any easier. All of this takes place in the early days of World War II, with the house being the scene of decisions that shape the course of the country (and Europe).
However, what makes this movie so special (and the original book, probably) is that Stevens never really seems to thaw. Even when Miss Kenton approaches and finally breaks down into tears, he can't bring himself to show any compassion, at most a standard polite response. We also never really know how much he struggles with this. Whether he's really trying to show a bit of humanity, or whether he thinks his sense of duty weighs more heavily.
It may be a little slow and quiet at times, and the story isn't that great, but the search for what's really going on in Steven's head is what makes the film intriguing and entertaining. Hopkins' sublime acting is of great value.
The film is not for everyone - as a child I probably wouldn't have liked it much - but if you appreciate this kind of English aristocratic drama, it is worth it.
As a Game of Thrones fan I can't help but notice that there are no less than 3 actors from the series: Lena Headey (Cersei), Peter Vaughan (Maester Aemon) and Rupert Vansittart (Lord Yohn Royce).
Translated from Dutch · View original
Flat Eric
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- 6365 messages
- 1026 votes
Good staff is hard to get.
A quiet understated film about the life of servants in England. An insight into how things used to be in the English aristocracy. Beautiful roles from Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson, it was a pleasure to watch the subtle tensions under the skin.
A romance that never came to fruition due to Mr. Stevens' extreme loyalty, perfectionism and service. The jumps in time also keep the story interesting.
Translated from Dutch · View original
Black Math
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- 5417 messages
- 1741 votes
Apparently I'm the only one who thinks about In the Mood for Love. Also such a film with a hidden love that cannot come to fruition because of a sense of duty. Although that film is better, more intense in my memories, but also with a much nicer cinematography.
Nevertheless, this film was interesting with excellent acting by Thomson and Hopkins, but also with an interesting look into the household of an English aristocrat. 2.5*.
Translated from Dutch · View original
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