Howard's End (1992)

Howards End is E.M. Forster's beautifully subtle story of the crisscrossing paths of the privileged and those they disdain--and of a remarkable pair of women who can see beyond class distinctions. Dramatic and tragic, but also surprisingly funny, this James Ivory film focuses on a pair of unmarried sisters (Emma Thompson, who won an Oscar, and Helena Bonham Carter) who befriend a poor young clerk (Sam West) and, without meaning to, ruin his life. Meanwhile, Thompson also makes the acquaintance of a dying neighbor (Vanessa Redgrave), who leaves her a family home in her will--which her husband (Anthony Hopkins) destroys. But, ironically, he meets and falls in love with Thompson, even as their paths once more intersect with the increasingly miserable young clerk. Nuanced acting, gorgeous but muted cinematography, and a beautifully economical script by Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, which also won an Oscar. --Marshall Fine Amazon.com essential video

A magnificently told tale of sin, forgiveness, and redemption

A magnificently told tale of sin, forgiveness, redemption, and the settling of accounts

Though slow-moving throughout (my only complaint against this film, and a minor one at that), HOWARD'S END is many things: a costume drama, a period piece, a film with some of the best acting you could ever hope to find, and at times, a comedy of errors with some very unique and unpredictable plot twists. The story revolves around two families -- the Schlegels and the Wilcoxes -- and a marriage which almost connects them, a close friendship that does, a failed bequest, a sin which comes back to haunt, another marriage, and a murder.

I must confess I have not read the book, though I now want to. Many years ago, I watched THE REMAINS OF THE DAY, another popular Merchant-Ivory film (also starring Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson) released only a year after HOWARD'S END. I loved it so much that I did finally read and enjoy every line of the book. After I had finished reading it, I couldn't decided which was better: the book or the movie. I expect the same to be true of HOWARD'S END and I look forward to it. November 17, 2008

an over-rated Merchant-Ivory film

I have usually found that most of the Merchant-Ivory films tend to be over-stuffed, perfectly dull costume dramas which are usually redemned by a fine cast. This film ,unfortunately, is not the exception like "Room with a View" or "The Remains of the Day" which were at least compelling. Unless you're an Anglophile, there will be little to interest you except for the excellent acting of Emma Thompson in her Oscar winning performance and Anthony Hopkins. In fact there were very few scenes in this Best Picture nominee that resonated in my mind like the Oscar winner that year, another period piece, "Unforgiven". Better to watch "Masterpiece Theatre" than this dull film. November 9, 2008

Classic - Must See!!

This is one of my favorite films, truly a classic film. Emma Thompson, Anthony Hopkins, and Helena Bonham Carter, and Vanessa Redgrave do an outstanding job, as always. The story is interesting and it makes one think of how this would have indeed been quite a scandal back during this time! I love the costumes....and the houses are amazing, all of them from the townhouses in London to Howards End to the Aunt's house by the sea. If you love period films, this one in one of the best! August 12, 2008

Wonderful Story

When this was released as a movie, I missed it for some reason. It deserves all of the honors it has received. Excellent entertainment! July 18, 2008

BORING!

The acting, the directing, and the setting were good but the story was very boring--it lacked conflict, suspense, surprise, humor, and plot development. I found this movie extremely talky, meandering, snobbish, and uninteresting. It exalted the trivial and prosaic to the maximum, leaving me in a snoozy mood. I stopped the film 3/4ths in and trashed it. July 7, 2008

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