Review of The Remains of the Day (1993) by Peter P — 26 Jun 2011
This is a very subtle and quietly devastating picture about a butler whose major character flaw is that he's just too good a butler. Anthony Hopkins plays Mr. Stevens, a man who has given his entire being to his master and who allows himself no thoughts or emotions outside of his duties.
The story has two major drives. First, his master (played by James Fox) is a Nazi sympathizer (this is in the mid-30s) and is a major force in the eventual appeasement policies that Britain took up before the war hit home.
Second, the lead house keeper (Emma Thompson) becomes emotionally attached to Mr. Stevens, but, given his nature, it's absolutely impossible for him to return the affection, as much as he might feel it inside.
I liked most everything about it, but I have to say the story itself was my main point of interest. I just thought it was brilliantly written. This is the kind of movie you wish you could have been a character in, that is how charming and captivating it is.
Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson are superb in their roles. The story is fantastic, we need to know how everything is resolved. And the ending, in some circles, is movie legend. This is Merchant-Ivory's best production by far.
Highly recommended.
This review of The Remains of the Day (1993) was written by Peter P on 26 Jun 2011.
The Remains of the Day has generally received very positive reviews.
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