Review of The Remains of the Day (1993) by Danijel J — 06 Mar 2012

Anthony Hopkins performance in this motion picture can stand next to one in "Silence of the lambs". He is pure gold in a magnificent role of a butler serving Lord Darlington. We can compare Lord Darlington with historical Joseph Kennedy and Neville Chamberlain who both after Munich conference offered Europe (and the world) "peace in our time". As we know today, they were both terribly wrong.

In this film we can witness discrepancy between honor and action, old aristocrats and gentlemen value honor (fear) while young American Lewis (great part of Christopher Reeve who proved that he's much more than "Superman") calls them "all amateurs" and impose an action.

"Europe is becoming a birthplace of "politics of reality", not honorable gentlemen. It needs professionals and not amateurism." - that small sentence during the conference held in Darlington estate proves that Europe is heading to disaster through good intentions of its aristocracy. But, have we all forgotten that road to hell is paved with good intentions?

In atmosphere like that Anthony Hopkins as the main character of the narrative has perspective of insider, torn between his loyalty and his dignity. This film is also important because of the appearance of Hugh Grant, as Mr. Cardinal in small, but important role. Movie is full of great performances and subtext. You can watch it few times and still get a feeling that you didn't understand it but you'll want to see it again. Impressionable.