The Remains of the Day (Special Edition)

The Remains of the Day (Special Edition) Review

This next film from the makers of "Howards End," which also reunites the two stars of that elegant & sophisticated film (Sir Anthony Hopkins & Emma Thompson-Mrs. Thompson having won for Best Actress in that film and Mr. Hopkins for his steely portrayal of Hannibal Lecter in the chilling psychological thriller "The Silence Of The Lambs") is another gem in the Merchant-Ivory crown. Featuring another star-studded cast and excellent production values, this is a great film that should be added to your collection. At 2/1/2 hours, it might be a stretch for the younger generation, but who cares what their taste is? This film is for those who appreciate classic movies like "Ben-Hur,"
"Gone With The Wind," "Doctor Zhivago," "The Sound Of Music," etc. These movies, and others I refrain from mentioning due to word limits on reviews, are family-oriented films that deserve an even bigger audience (ie. should be seen by today's generation, in addition to those who saw them in their original theatrical run). I've only had a chance to view the deleted scenes, and frankly, it's quite interesting to see what was cut from the film and why. I highly recommend this movie. Rated PG for adult themes.

The Remains of the Day (Special Edition) Overview

REMAINS OF THE DAY - DVD Movie

The Remains of the Day (Special Edition) Specifications

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

Available at Amazon Check Price Now!

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Nov 07, 2010 01:10:08