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The Remains of the Day
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The Remains of the Day

1993
Romance
Drama
2h 14m
A rule bound head butler's world of manners and decorum in the household he maintains is tested by the arrival of a housekeeper who falls in love with him in post-WWI Britain. The possibility of romance and his master's cultivation of ties with the Nazi cause challenge his carefully maintained veneer of servitude. (imdb)
Directed by:
James Ivory James Ivory
Written by:
Ruth Prawer Jhabvala Kazuo Ishiguro Kazuo Ishiguro
+1 more
Starring:
Lena Headey Lena Headey Hugh Grant Hugh Grant Anthony Hopkins Anthony Hopkins Ben Chaplin Ben Chaplin Tim Pigott-Smith Tim Pigott-Smith Emma Thompson Emma Thompson James Fox James Fox Peter Vaughan Peter Vaughan Christopher Reeve Christopher Reeve Michael Lonsdale Michael Lonsdale
More
Genres:
Romance, Drama
Countries:
UK, USA
Languages:
English, French, German
imdb More information at IMDb
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The Remains of the Day

1993
Romance
Drama
2h 14m
Your probable score
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer
Avg Percentile 70.14% from 1617 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

(1617)
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mentaculusMentaculus
Rated 05 Sep 2019
88
87th
You haven't really seen acting until you've seen Anthony Hopkins trying to explain The Birds and the Bees to a young Hugh Grant. Ivory's film is an absolute masterwork of cinema performance.
Rated 05 Sep 2019
guy_piranhaguy piranha
Rated 23 Oct 2020
75
81st
my girlfriend said it was such an unsatisfying watch, especially since they wouldn't even "end up together". sometimes i hate her.
Rated 23 Oct 2020
3names3Names
Rated 14 Aug 2007
86
62nd
What an excruciatingly brilliant performance by Anthony Hopkins... Love is long-suffering...
Rated 14 Aug 2007
cloudynowCloudynow
Rated 19 Jul 2009
100
99th
To me, this is the pinneacle of story telling in cinema and also of acting, especially the Godlike performance of Mr. Hopkins. A honest and brilliant, flawless story, top notch directing, beautiful cinematography. Makes you want to cry while it stops your tears just like Mr. Hopkins banishes himself of love.
Rated 19 Jul 2009
cclzaCCLZA
Rated 24 Feb 2007
85
89th
A very subtle and moving film extremely faithful to the source material. The ending perfectly embodies the 'mono no aware' style of narrative. Perhaps Merchant/Ivory's greatest effort.
Rated 24 Feb 2007
djrossdjross
Rated 13 Nov 2010
65
71st
It is surely remarkable that this movie appeared in the same year as THE AGE OF INNOCENCE, two films with the peculiar characteristic in common of being essentially event-less romantic narratives. This may not reach the levels of Scorsese's effort, but it remains a well-made and generally effective exploration of parallels between the entwined lives of its protagonists and the historico-political catastrophe preparing itself around them. But not quite as interesting as its reputation suggests.
Rated 13 Nov 2010
andreasthauAndreasThau
Rated 02 Aug 2010
90
92nd
Seldom have I seen acting at this level. This is exactly what acting can do: this film is about not expressing your feelings, and the superficiality that MUST come out of that scriptwise, must be dealt with in the debth of play, the realization of some kind of bodily message, wordless. Both Hopkins and Thompson are perfect, I'd give them 100 each. Nice that we dwell with this side of the british traditional society, and nice that the politics never take over, but just adds to the human dilemmas.
Rated 02 Aug 2010
indyatmnINDYATMN
Rated 27 Aug 2008
100
99th
A shaded portrait of a life bound to propriety and never questioning tradition. Most Hollywood films portray people like this as snobbish and uptight jerks, but the film makes Hopkins profoundly sympathetic, esp bc he is so genuinely committed to doing everything he's been taught he's "supposed" to do & never lives for himself. What's most devastating are the scenes where he can't do the very thing that would bring him happiness bc of fear(?) or bc he doesn't really know how
Rated 27 Aug 2008
quickyapiQuickyAPI
Rated 18 Dec 2009
80
82nd
Anthony Hopkins puts down a superb performance as a cold and servile butler in this solidly directed and fascinating film about a butler (Hopkins) and a housekeeper (Emma Thompson) in post-WWI Britain and the romantic tension between them. The way Hopkins portrays this man of subtlety and suppressed--yet undeniably present--emotion is extraordinary. The great screenplay and solid performance from Thompson further make this film into a captivating ride.
Rated 18 Dec 2009
kasperlKasperL
Rated 03 Jun 2018
85
94th
An excellent character study. Almost as fascinating and poignant as Ishiguro's novel, but not as funny.
Rated 03 Jun 2018
anselmi86Anselmi86
Rated 02 Aug 2009
96
96th
One of the greatest films ever about unrequited love. Thompson and Hopkins both give maybe the best performances of their careers. Merchant-Ivory's absolute best.
Rated 02 Aug 2009
ecitizeneCitizen
Rated 14 Nov 2012
91
91st
Excellent cast. Engaging and interesting fiction. Set in the time of the Nazi uprising. Lord Darlington (James Fox) is embroiled in international politics. The story is about his dutiful butler Mr. Stevens (Anthony Hopkins) and the excellent house keeper Miss Kenton (Emma Thompson). Both are marvelous in this unexpectedly good story. His extreme sense of duty and decorum causes him to suppress all expression of the love he feels for her, and ultimately deprives him of her company.
Rated 14 Nov 2012
antonAnton
Rated 14 Aug 2007
100
98th
Everything about this movie is elegant. Probably Merchant/Ivory's best film next to "Howards End".
Rated 14 Aug 2007
sirrobbieSirRobbie
Rated 08 Mar 2010
60
24th
Both Thompson and Hopkins are excellent, their love is true. [edit] I'm almost shocked how much I didn't like the second time around. Now I totally don't agree with my previous mini review. Weird stuff.
Rated 08 Mar 2010
damildamil
Rated 19 Jan 2012
75
81st
It wasn't thrilling, but quietly interesting. It probably isn't for everyone, but I thought it was a really solid adaptation of the novel with excellent performances.
Rated 19 Jan 2012
rufamRufam
Rated 03 May 2012
75
72nd
Another restrained yet captivating period drama from Merchant/Ivory, "The Remains of the Day" is successful both thanks to Ivory's patient helming and Jhabvala's sharp script as well as a great performance from Hopkins, whose character is utterly fascinating. Although the pacing during the second half drags, Hopkins' subdued yet powerful portrayal of weakness and submission make the film absolutely worthwhile.
Rated 03 May 2012
vince_leoVince Leo
Rated 14 Aug 2007
83
91st
The Remains of the Day is a quiet film, thoughtful in every detail, subtle in every feeling.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
gencayGencay
Rated 27 Mar 2022
76
63rd
Güzel bir dönem filmi. Film boyunca Anthony Hopkins'e sinir olunsa bile sonunda Emma Thompson ile buluşmasını heyecanla bekliyor, yine kavuşamamalarına üzülüyor insan.
Rated 27 Mar 2022
kito1kito1
Rated 22 Nov 2019
60
47th
Quite boring and slow. The ending is not very satisfying, and overall there is no real insight.
Rated 22 Nov 2019
atlas423Atlas423
Rated 14 Aug 2007
85
26th
Good performances, if a bit bland.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
theyshoot07theyshoot07
Rated 02 Mar 2008
56
29th
# 883
Rated 02 Mar 2008
levinelevine
Rated 10 Jul 2020
80
90th
Every exchange oozes with subtle emotion and many-layered meaning below their surfaces, which is made possible only through the superb acting. A film that sounds incredibly boring if described, but it grabs you early and holds on the whole way through.
Rated 10 Jul 2020
bookhouseboybookhouseboy
Rated 12 Feb 2023
85
98th
#23#, rw4, loved, rewatch(4) }**{ #94#, story, reviews, cast.
Rated 12 Feb 2023
astrakhanastrakhan
Rated 28 Mar 2017
79
66th
A very solid period character piece, with fine acting, but maybe a little too humourless? While the themes were interesting, most of them remained unfulfilled or incomplete due to the steadfastness or stiff upper lip of Hopkins's butler. Ok, this was largely the point of the story, but it didn't quite maximise dramatic potential. The non-linear narrative was also overly elaborate. The movie captured something special with its protagonist, but fell short of greatness in certain intangible ways.
Rated 28 Mar 2017
velvet_croweVelvet Crowe
Rated 25 Jun 2022
88
97th
What fascinates me about this film is how it gives strong characterization to people we barely see on screen through how they've impacted its main cast, whom themselves represent fascinating ideas about behind the door politics. The decision to not show major figures on screen is also an interesting choice, creating impact of high politics through common people's experiences. Really love the interplay between the personal and public, and how disparaging that dichotomy can be.
Rated 25 Jun 2022
braddad68braddad68
Rated 04 Oct 2012
100
97th
Updated my rating. Seen this at least 4 times, and it is flawless. Well before Downton Abbey, this film captured the inner workings of the butler/housekeeping staff at lavish British estate. Hopkins and Thompson deliver phenomenal performances.
Rated 04 Oct 2012
brydav1brydav1
Rated 09 Mar 2009
52
10th
The romantic plot line was so subtle you might even miss it if you don't read the blurb.
Rated 09 Mar 2009
ag0stomesmerAg0stoMesmer
Rated 24 Jun 2013
3
73rd
As a classic of stiff upper lip-ness I was surprised how emotional they were.
Rated 24 Jun 2013
liliroseLilirose
Rated 10 Sep 2020
77
67th
Il mio giudizio risente del fatto che ho letto ed amato il libro, ed il film come spesso capita non ne è all'altezza; non coglie tutte le sfumature del romanzo ed in qualche modo lo appiattisce. Resta comunque un buon prodotto, recitato meravigliosamente.
Rated 10 Sep 2020
stepsidewaysstepsideways
Rated 14 Nov 2007
50
9th
I made the mistake of reading the astonishing and hilarious novel first.
Rated 14 Nov 2007
ceekay19Ceekay19
Rated 18 Jan 2020
70
53rd
Stevens: "In my philosophy, Mr. Benn, a man cannot call himself well-contented until he has done all he can to be of service to his employer. Of course, this assumes that one's employer is a superior person, not only in rank, or wealth, but in moral stature."
Rated 18 Jan 2020
stainStain
Rated 31 Mar 2007
100
95th
One of the very finest examples of the "less is more" school of filmmaking. The one-sentence synopsis would never do it justice, as it is far more captivating and emotional than one would ever guess. My personal favorite of the Merchant Ivory oeuvre. Don't ask any questions, just shut up and see it :-)
Rated 31 Mar 2007
greygwardargreygwardar
Rated 18 Apr 2024
90
87th
buttercupbuttercup
Rated 19 Apr 2020
6
35th
seeing this right after finishing the book was perhaps a big mistake. i can't think of a better stevens than hopkins tough.
Rated 19 Apr 2020
croweycrowey
Rated 26 Feb 2022
75
69th
A convenient way to mainline tsundere vibes. Memorable, too. And quotable…Who with? Oh, someone will listen…there are always nerds who can stand literary Hopkins quotes, if you know where to look. 😒
Rated 26 Feb 2022
theescapistTheEscapist
Rated 01 Jan 2019
73
65th
Good film, great performances. Subtle but strong.
Rated 01 Jan 2019
tathieltathiel
Rated 04 May 2010
86
88th
Interesting perspective and insight into the life of a butler and what he might notice or not. Great performances by Hopkins and Thompson. It strongly reminded me of Gosford Park.
Rated 04 May 2010
eric_janeric-jan
Rated 18 Dec 2023
70
54th
Awesome costume drama. Hopkins is just amazing, even as a butler, trying to keep out of politics, devoted to service and placing his thoughts and feelings elsewhere.
Rated 18 Dec 2023
alberteAlbertE
Rated 24 Apr 2015
40
37th
it sounds good at the begining and you think a great story is waiting but nothing happens to the end of movie.
Rated 24 Apr 2015
nathan_sNathan S
Rated 10 Jul 2019
4
74th
As the world pivots directly underneath his feet, Stevens' adherence to duty is also the dereliction of a moral compass. His, as much as the highborn men he serves, is a misconception of honorable intent, but small glimpses of his hesitation grant our sympathy. As any other Merchant Ivory production, this film's handsome aesthetic discernment is Englishness displayed and, in the same breath, deprecated. Unchecked gentility is a mug's game.
Rated 10 Jul 2019
abcoskunABCoskun
Rated 03 Nov 2020
81
48th
Filmin çok güzel olmasını istiyorsunuz ama hep bir başkaldırış eksik gibi. Komik olmayan bir şeye tebessüm gibi. Çikolata sossuz profiterol gibi :)
Rated 03 Nov 2020
ottott
Rated 27 Nov 2019
60
37th
there is nothing left of ishiguros ambiguous unreliable narrator which added even some depth to the book
Rated 27 Nov 2019
irvinejumpirvinejump
Rated 08 Jan 2009
10
6th
oh god, NO
Rated 08 Jan 2009
adam_p_dAdam P-D
Rated 05 Jun 2017
50
55th
I understand that she was supposed to be in love with him but the film seems to completely miss out how that happens. I imagine these details are in the book but unfortunately they weren't translated to the screen.
Rated 05 Jun 2017
martintellerMartinTeller
Rated 18 Jul 2007
83
77th
The parallels are a bit obvious, but they're handled thoughtfully and are quite engaging. The contrast between the old way of buttoned-down, mannered restraint and the new style of more direct expression is intriguing and provides for situations both comic and tragic. The whole cast is superior, although Hopkins and Thompson deserve special kudos. If there's one drawback, it's that the aura of restraint does make the film a bit of a challenge in the early stages.
Rated 18 Jul 2007
kenchekenche
Rated 13 Apr 2008
80
71st
WWII, from point of view of a housekeeper. Great idea and film.
Rated 13 Apr 2008
susmattsusmatt
Rated 20 Feb 2012
79
79th
Good
Rated 20 Feb 2012
mikulMikul
Rated 14 Aug 2007
90
88th
Just about perfect.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
driscarpindriscarpin
Rated 03 Jan 2007
90
87th
My ★★★★½ review of The Remains of the Day on Letterboxd https://boxd.it/5bTVDX
Rated 03 Jan 2007
judge_holdenJudge Holden
Rated 25 Jul 2011
5
69th
I like to think that I have a pretty strong attention span, but I fell asleep twice while watching this. Despite not grabbing me by the throat, however, I'd still recommend it, as it's quite easy to admire and appreciate for its subtlety, intelligence and strong performances.
Rated 25 Jul 2011
magbMagb
Rated 22 Dec 2007
80
61st
Subtlety and understatement are the name of the game in this extremely solid film. The major theme of the film is the suppression of emotion. Hopkins's character is impossibly cold and servile, but you never doubt the authenticity of what you're seeing. These people existed, and I think Hopkins might have been one in a former life. After all, the main quality a servant must have is excellent acting skills. Never step out of line, never speak your own mind, never show inappropriate emotions.
Rated 22 Dec 2007
rexperadoRexperado
Rated 29 Mar 2018
85
79th
A very sad film. It gives you an insight into personality disorders.
Rated 29 Mar 2018
thedicemanTheDiceman
Rated 24 Feb 2007
65
73rd
Great film.
Rated 24 Feb 2007
mandymandy
Rated 02 Jul 2013
7
73rd
Beautifully acted, thoughtful and sad - maybe a little too slow paced but there is so much going on subtly under the surface.
Rated 02 Jul 2013
quickyQuicky
Rated 01 May 2009
82
86th
Anthony Hopkins puts down a superb performance as a cold and servile butler in this solidly directed and fascinating film about a butler (Hopkins) and a housekeeper (Emma Thompson) in post-WWI Britain and the romantic tension between them. The way Hopkins portrays this man of subtlety and suppressed--yet undeniably present--emotion is extraordinary. The great screenplay and solid performance from Thompson further make this film into a captivating ride.
Rated 01 May 2009
vandelay1Vandelay1
Rated 15 Apr 2018
55
58th
okay movie
Rated 15 Apr 2018
bolivarbolivar
Rated 09 Sep 2019
75
75th
fantastic production and acting that really sucks you in.
Rated 09 Sep 2019
icarusIcarus
Rated 20 Oct 2007
86
82nd
Ivory does such a nice job here building and holding the tension between Stevens and Kenton, creating a strong undercurrent of feeling that contrasts beautifully with the "stiff upper lip" on the surface. In its restraint, the film is actually able to mine the emotional depths of its subjects to a much greater degree than if there had been several typically emotive scenes. The acting is superb, while the camera quietly serves the subject.
Rated 20 Oct 2007
theyshoot11theyshoot11
Rated 02 Dec 2011
59
18th
#828
Rated 02 Dec 2011
gurugugugurugugu
Rated 24 Oct 2014
85
95th
Beautiful and sad film. Ending scene (bird settled free) is hopeless.
Rated 24 Oct 2014
matthagenmatthagen
Rated 09 Dec 2020
49
41st
Admittedly, period dramas are not my cup of tea, but this is supposed to be one of the best. I can confirm that it is stuffy and really drags at times, as expected. But the acting, subtle story, and production values are all stellar, and there is heart and conviction on screen.
Rated 09 Dec 2020
zipsterZipster
Rated 23 Aug 2014
90
81st
The entire film is understated, meditative, reflective: An admonition to those who keep their emotional lives in abeyance. Stevens has in effect exhausted his life for the benefit of a traditional sense of duty, an illusion of permanence. He has used his "responsibilities" as a reason for evading his responsibility to his own contentment.
Rated 23 Aug 2014
jazzalohaJazzaloha
Rated 22 Nov 2009
74
83rd
The book is better, but strangely enough I thought the movie ending was truer to the story.
Rated 22 Nov 2009
chakravochakravo
Rated 05 Jul 2008
90
86th
Another one I watch over and over.The acting is flawless. Anthony Hopkins kills me every time.
Rated 05 Jul 2008
paulofilmopaulofilmo
Rated 07 Apr 2008
73
85th
will re-watch and maybe say something worthwhile, but i just want to say the photography here is particularly lovely.
Rated 07 Apr 2008
pieridaePieridae
Rated 14 Aug 2007
100
98th
One of the best films ever.
Rated 14 Aug 2007

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