Plot: Being the ideal butler and loyal servant to his master is the only thing that matters to Mr. Stevens (Anthony Hopkins), head butler to Lord Darlington (James Fox) - or, at least, he thinks it is. He refuses to show any emotion no matter what happens, even when his own father dies. But things start to happen that make him realize his world can't stay perfect forever. First, the sensible, outspoken Miss Kenton (Emma Thompson) comes to take over the housekeeper position, and immediately sparks begin to fly between them. But are those sparks due to authority clashes - or secret love?
Then, Europe starts to line up for World War II, and Mr. Stevens watches as Lord Darlington begins bargaining with the Nazis. Things start to spiral out of control and Lord Darlington does some drastic things, like firing his Jewish servants and hosting secret dinners for Nazi leaders. Yet through it all, Mr. Stevens continues to blindly serve his master and show no emotion. Miss Kenton finds out that he does care about the things his master is doing - but how much? Will he ever open up and reveal his true feelings, for her or for what is right?
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High Points:
- Gripping, emotionally wrenching plot
- Powerful use of nonverbal language - virtually none of the real plot of the movie is communicated directly, but through subtle nonverbal cues
- Rare look at the stressful prewar days among politically influential British citizens
- Unusually deep and realistically developed characters
- Filmed on location, beautiful scenery and spectacular old mansions
Could Be Better:
- Definitely not an action flick - this movie is all about dialogue, emotions, social maneuvering, politics, and interpersonal relationships. My family has discovered that it doesn't have much to interest guys. :-)
- I wouldn't spoil this ending for the world, but be forewarned, you may or may not find it satisfying ...
Potential Concerns:
- Occasional bad language
- A couple of scenes with multiple kisses
- One scene in which Mr. Stevens is instructed to speak with a young man about marriage and childbearing; he can't bring himself to do it and nothing inappropriate is said, but it can feel a little uncomfortable. It is not at all essential to the plot other than showing the conflict between Mr. Stevens' sense of duty and his emotional reserve.
- Most of the movie is a flashback, and the frame of the plot is that Miss Kenton, many years later, is having marital problems and going back to her old love interest, Mr. Stevens. I obviously do not agree with this behavior. I can't say much without spoiling the ending, but she does choose to do what is right in the end.
Vicki's Vote: 5/5
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Review: The Remains of the Day is much different from most other movies I love. For one thing, it's relatively new, being made in 1997. For another, the acting and use of nonverbal language is far, far superior to almost any other movie I've seen.
The first time we watched The Remains of the Day, Heather and I were left in tears from the sheer power of the raw emotion depicted in this movie. But here is what makes it so great - yes, many films show raw, powerful emotions; but few show these emotions so repressed, so strangled in the grip of high society. Everything in you will want the characters to just stand up and scream all of those feelings they keep hidden - but I'll warn you, they don't. And that is the beauty of this film.
Mr. Stevens is the head butler, Lord Darlington's right-hand man. He comes from generations of butlers, and his pride in his vocation has grown almost to fanaticism. He allows nothing to interfere with his work - not his family, not circumstances, and especially not himself. He rules his emotions and his underservants with an iron hand that is as firm and unyielding as it is gentle and polite. He does not ever change, and life ticks along smoothly in Darlington Hall, as it has for generations.
But this is the 1930's, and change quickly becomes inevitable. He doesn't know what he is getting into when he hires Miss Kenton to be the new housekeeper. She is sensible, capable, and she always speaks her mind - a complete enigma to the controlled Mr. Stevens. She challenges his authority, she tries to get him to change his mind, and she seeks his support when obstacles arise for both of them. She is an energizing force in a place that has not changed for generations.
But what does Mr. Stevens think about her? We're never really told. Miss Kenton is more dramatic; it quickly becomes plain that she loves Mr. Stevens deeply, and with great pain, because she can't read his emotions. But the clues are there, and you will see them and feel them, even though he never speaks his true feelings for good or ill; but Miss Kenton is oblivious. And this oblivion is a source of rising conflict and tension between them, as feelings get stronger - and more repressed.
Mr. Stevens also faces change in the character of his beloved master, Lord Darlington. Because of an old promise he made during World War I, Lord Darlington feels an obligation to help the German people. He begins secretly rendezvousing with Nazi leaders and doing special favors for German friends. He takes two refugee girls into his home and gives them work - then fires them when he finds out they're Jews. Mr. Stevens watches; but what does he think? How does he feel? If you get to know him well enough, you'll see feelings that will be surprising to you - and to him as well.
This is also a somewhat different movie from what I normally review, in that it is definitely more for adults. The subtle nonverbal cues and gut-wrenching emotional turmoil will probably be lost on younger viewers. As I mentioned in the "Possible Concerns" section, there is also some language, and normally I do not watch movies with marital infidelity in them.
However, because of the sheer superiority of the writing and acting in this movie, the unusual historical backdrop of prewar negotiations and tensions, and the fascinating themes of communication, loyalty, and regret, The Remains of the Day is one of my favorite films. I definitely recommend that you watch this movie.
