Product Description: Studio: Sony Pictures Home Ent Release Date: 02/26/2008 Run time: 134 minutes Rating: Pg
Amazon.com essential video: 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
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Average Rating:
Rating: - Repression and lack of awareness eventually have a price
The beauty of Remains of the Day can not be overstated. The photography and art direction were superb in every way. The camera is usually at eye level in most shots, giving the film some intimacy within a great beautiful country home.
The film is based on the novel by Kazuo Ishiguro, a talented master of the understated and unsaid. Anthony Hopkins plays his best role in this film because so much of the acting depends on what is controlled and not said, yet conveyed through subtle movements of the eye or shoulders or head. Hopkins plays Mr. Stevens, the head butler of a large wealthy country estate in rural England. He is the model of organization and forethought. Yet in this job he is so focused on this duty that he ignores the forces around him that call him into participation in the human experience. Notice Mr. Steven's reactions when he hears of the death of his father. Notice Mr. Steven's reactions ... Read More
Rating: - The Remembrance of Things Past
I won't try to ring any novel changes on the extravagant praise and clever insights that a multitude of other reviewers have expressed over this wonderful movie. I'll just say - flat out - that this is one of the saddest, most bittersweet films ever made - and likely the best-ever portrayal of the sorrows of "what might have been." Been there. Done that.
Rating: - 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.
Rating: - 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.
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- Repression and lack of awareness eventually have a price
- the remains of the day dvd
- Volume too low!
