The Remains of the Day (1993)

This excellent film is probably best described as subtle elegance. Framed in the present, the movie deals with the lives inside an English country home just prior to World War II. Reunited with the filmmakers from Howards End are Emma Thompson as Miss Kenton, the head housekeeper, and Anthony Hopkins as Stevens, the impeccable butler. The bittersweet story centers on Stevens and his dedication to his master, Lord Darlington (a suitably officious and slyly pompous James Fox). Stevens summarizes: "I don't believe a man can consider himself fully content until he has done all he can to be of service to his employer." Enveloping Stevens's world are the pending war with Germany, Darlington's horribly misguided interests in said war, and, most effectively, his relationship with Miss Kenton. Stevens is the very essence of repression, but as played by Hopkins he is neither piteous nor self-righteous. Like his master, Stevens becomes misguided in his loyalties, although his is an emotional deprivation, possibly condemning him to lifelong regret. There's so much going on in this film, and yet the action is skillfully depicted through understanding and knowing glances, through emotions expressed only through eye contact. Like other Merchant-Ivory-Ruth Prawer Jhabvala collaborations, this film is sumptuous to look at, capturing the period effectively and affectingly. Jhabvala respectfully adapts from the Kazuo Ishiguro novel. Excellent in supporting roles are Christopher Reeve, Ben Chaplin, and Hugh Grant. --N.F. Mendoza Amazon.com essential video

the remains of the day dvd

I found this dvd to be very interesting,as well as beautiful.The scenery and actors are superb,As a child of WWII survivor's,this really brought home,and to the screen,many of the stories that I have heard,for many ,many years.It made that time in history come alive for me.In many ways we can take those lessons and apply it to ourselves,in our times.I would advise those who are interested in seeing a beautiful well thought out feature with marvelous acting and scenery,and so true to life--this is for you. September 21, 2008

Volume too low!

When playing the DVD the voices were nearly inaudible. I had to turn the volume to maximum and even then it was difficult to understand the words in quite a few places.

Guests watching the DVD agreed that the problem was significant. September 2, 2008

Marvelous acting and staging, but...

It looks fantastic. Hopkins and Thompson give marvelously controlled and thoughtful performances.

But...after the film is over, I was left thinking..."Huh? Is that all there is?"

So there is a butler (or head of staff, or whatever his title was) who is so devoted to his job and whatever employer (who must be high-minded and a gentleman to earn such devotion), that he is never able to develope normal human interaction with women, his father, and strangers that he meets. Why is that worth two hours of dialogue?

And someone tell me why we are to believe that Mr. Lewis buys the estate, and uses his wealth to restore it? I kept waiting for some interesting revelation, but it never came. Surely his one visit thirty years earlier wasn't the only reason? I understand that wasn't even in the book. Stupid to put it in and not explain any reason, or involve it in the plot in some way, other than to show Stevens will now be devoted to a new estate owner.


Now, I'm sure the many fans of this movie will tag my review as Not Helpful, simply because they like the movie. Easy way out, folks. Why not try answering my criticisms instead. June 30, 2008

Memorable Acting

I had seen this movie once a long time ago, it seems, and had some warm memories of the movie. I decided on impulse to add it to my collection and looked forward to seeing it again. Well I was not disappointed; the performances by Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson alone make watching the movie worthwhile.

Both characters come across as sympathetic and compelling; one feels a compassionate concern for the internal struggles experienced by James Stevens as he tries to live up to his goal of perfection. The doubt and confusion he feels as his pride and confidence in Lord Darlington is shattered; his decidedly mixed emotions as he contemplates his growing love for Mary Kenton, the Emma Thompson character. Mary, on the other hand is better prepared to face up to her feelings for James; although she realizes that she must proceed with caution. When her overtures are rebuffed, she must then decide how to deal with the rest of her life; her decisions lead her down a path with results that are not what she hoped for.

The movie is touching and gives interesting insights into the situation in England just before WW II. A worthy addition to anyone's library that appreciates good acting.

June 9, 2008

Don't buy this for the movie alone.

But buy it for the commentary provided by Emma Thompson, Ismail Merchant and James Ivory! First, the movie is a wonderful period piece set in pre-WWII England at the manor of an English Lord with his staid and emotionally distant butler and the recently hired young head maid. The acting, not only of the main characters but also for all involved, is well done with the only weak spot when the German lady is singing (dubbed actually) and her acting also appears to be somewhat forced. Other than that I don't see how the acting in the movie could have been any better if at all. Secondly, along with the other extras there is the commentary provided by Thompson, Merchant and Ivory during the movie as they discuss the preparations for the scenes and the obstacles they encountered in making the film but most of all the lighthearted banter between them is at times hilarious and revealing. Buy it for the movie and the commentary! You will be glad you did! February 19, 2008

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