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List Price: $14.94Amazon.com's Price: $9.99 You Save: $4.95 (33%)Prices subject to change.
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Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Audience Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Binding: DVD
EAN: 9780767848855
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, Dubbed, DVD-Video, Special Edition, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
ISBN: 0767848853
Label: Sony Pictures
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
Number Of Items: 1
Publisher: Sony Pictures
Region Code: 99
Release Date: November 06, 2001
Running Time: 134 minutes
Sales Rank: 4658
Studio: Sony Pictures
Theatrical Release Date: 1993
Editorial Review:
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
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Marvelous acting and staging, but...
It looks fantastic. Hopkins and Thompson give marvelously controlled and thoughtful performances.
But...after the film is over, I was left thinking..."Huh? Is that all there is?"
So there is a butler (or head of staff, or whatever his title was) who is so devoted to his job and whatever employer (who must be high-minded and a gentleman to earn such devotion), that he is never able to develope normal human interaction with women, his father, and strangers that he meets. ... Read More
Rating:  - Memorable Acting
I had seen this movie once a long time ago, it seems, and had some warm memories of the movie. I decided on impulse to add it to my collection and looked forward to seeing it again. Well I was not disappointed; the performances by Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson alone make watching the movie worthwhile.
Both characters come across as sympathetic and compelling; one feels a compassionate concern for the internal struggles experienced by James Stevens as he tries to live up to his goal ... Read More
Rating: - Don't buy this for the movie alone.
But buy it for the commentary provided by Emma Thompson, Ismail Merchant and James Ivory! First, the movie is a wonderful period piece set in pre-WWII England at the manor of an English Lord with his staid and emotionally distant butler and the recently hired young head maid. The acting, not only of the main characters but also for all involved, is well done with the only weak spot when the German lady is singing (dubbed actually) and her acting also appears to be somewhat forced. Other than that I don't ... Read More
Rating: - Two of the best at their best
Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson are both superb in this period piece. My favorite Hopkins movie
Rating: - ah, the traditions of old, such wonderful chinks in the armor
I've finally bought this film on DVD and after only my second second viewing, the first being back in '94 on video, this film still captures a period in England before the second World War when nobles propped up their idiocy by assuming they knew what was best for all. Their deeds were their much welcomed downfall. It's sometimes too easy to sympathize with them and their glorious lives with the best of food, lodging, decor and other trappings and traditions laced with refinement, but their need to retain ... Read More
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