The Remains of the Day (Special Edition)

The Remains of the Day (Special Edition)


Starring:Hopkins, Thompson
Studio: Sony Pictures
Product Type: DVD

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
The Remains of the Day (Special Edition)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • "Z. Hayes" took the review right out of my minds eye :)
  • PERFECT in every way
  • Thought Provoking
  • Compelling performances by Hopkins and Thompson
  • Entertainment and a Little Slice of History
 The Remains of the Day (Special Edition)
Starring: Terence Bayler , Peter Cellier , Paul Copley , Peter Eyre , and Patrick Godfrey
Director: James Ivory
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Chaplin, BenChaplin, Ben | ( C ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Eyre, PeterEyre, Peter | ( E ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Godfrey, PatrickGodfrey, Patrick | ( G ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Grant, HughGrant, Hugh | ( G ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Headey, LenaHeadey, Lena | ( H ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Lonsdale, MichelLonsdale, Michel | ( L ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Reeve, ChristopherReeve, Christopher | ( R ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Smith, Tim PigottSmith, Tim Pigott | ( S ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Thompson, EmmaThompson, Emma | ( T ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
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Similar Items:
  1. Howards End - The Merchant Ivory Collection
  2. A Room with a View (Two-Disc Special Edition)
  3. The Age of Innocence
  4. 84 Charing Cross Road
  5. Sense & Sensibility (Special Edition)

ASIN: B00003CXC9
Release Date: 2001-11-06

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:

5 out of 5 stars "Z. Hayes" took the review right out of my minds eye :).......2007-06-19

Z hayes "myrradine" below kind of nailed the coffin shut on reviews for this tremendous work of exceptional purity. I HIGHLY disagree with anyone that thinks the screenplay was not keeping true to the book. In fact, as "myrradine" states below, it's even better than the original work. I concur.

This truly shows what one can masterfully do with a book. Take an exceptional director like Merchant Ivory, with the "raw" talent of Hopkins and the exceptional pure realism of someone like gorgeous Emma Thompson, and you have what movie making should be about: timely, percise, flowing and elequont.

I can clearly see how many people would find this very dull and boring, but there are very few films that can utterly show you the pinnacle of the craft. Remains of the Day is clearly that type of movie.

Without a doubt five stars in every direction.

(ok so I lied z. hayes, I did one anyway) :)

5 out of 5 stars PERFECT in every way.......2007-05-24

Have just become a fan of Merchant Ivory films and think this must be their best. Excellent performances by everyone in the film, excellent cinema photography, excellent screenplay. Have been watching it over and over and over and still am not bored.

4 out of 5 stars Thought Provoking.......2007-05-13

This movie has a great message. It shows, how loyalty, to a profession, nullifies and does not allow for expression of any emotional involvement with others, whether that may be a family member or possible romantic interest. It also shows, that one has to live with the choices one makes. Hopkins, again, gives a star performance as Stevens, the British butler. To me, it was sad to see how a "fanatic" devotion to his work, did not leave any room for him to experience love.

5 out of 5 stars Compelling performances by Hopkins and Thompson.......2007-05-12

Kazuo Ishiguro's The Remains of the Day was a masterpiece, and yet this movie adaptation is not only faithful to the novel, but in my opinion outshines the book. One reason is the excellent casting. Sir Anthony Hopkins plays the by-the-book butler whose icy demeanor actually belies a fondness and even love for his efficient and charming housekeeper, played excellently by Emma Thompson. His insistence on decorum and adherence to the politics of the houselhold cause him to refrain from ever proclaiming his true feelings for his housekeeper, and so also goes his chance of personal happiness. Fast forward years later, and the aging Hopkins now has a new master, an American [played by Christopher Reeve]...he has the opportunity of engaging a new housekeeper, and thinks of his old housekeeper...but things are not as easy as he believes...and whether he gets to rectify his past mistakes makes up the rest of the story. A well-told tale of love lost, and also a good movie that provides a glimpse of politics in England during a time when Germany was rising in power.

4 out of 5 stars Entertainment and a Little Slice of History.......2007-03-19

See pre-WWII England through the eyes of dedicated household servants. This is one of the finest performances of all involved, especially Christopher Reeve, who brings a touch of America to a staid English manor. A tale of servitude, the shaping of history, faithfulness to cause and service, "The Remains of the Day" is at heart the inexhaustable yearning for love lost.
The Remains of the Day [Region 2]
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • "Z. Hayes" took the review right out of my minds eye :)
  • PERFECT in every way
  • Thought Provoking
  • Compelling performances by Hopkins and Thompson
  • Entertainment and a Little Slice of History
 The Remains of the Day [Region 2]
Starring: John Haycraft , Christopher Reeve , Anthony Hopkins , Emma Thompson , and Caroline Hunt
Director: James Ivory
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

GeneralGeneral | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video
Cellier, PeterCellier, Peter | ( C ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Chaplin, BenChaplin, Ben | ( C ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Fox, JamesFox, James | ( F ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Godfrey, PatrickGodfrey, Patrick | ( G ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Grant, HughGrant, Hugh | ( G ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Hopkins, AnthonyHopkins, Anthony | ( H ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Lonsdale, MichaelLonsdale, Michael | ( L ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Reeve, ChristopherReeve, Christopher | ( R ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Thompson, EmmaThompson, Emma | ( T ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Vaughan, PeterVaughan, Peter | ( V ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Ivory, JamesIvory, James | ( I ) | Directors | Stores | DVD | Video
Used DVDsUsed DVDs | Stores | DVD | Video | Action & Adventure | African American Cinema | Animation | Anime & Manga | Art House & International | Classics | Comedy | Cult Movies | Documentary | Drama | Educational | Fitness & Yoga | Gay & Lesbian | Horror | Kids & Family | Military & War | Music Video & Concerts | Musicals & Performing Arts | Mystery & Suspense | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Special Interests | Sports | Television | Westerns
( R )( R ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:
  1. Howards End - The Merchant Ivory Collection
  2. A Room with a View (Two-Disc Special Edition)
  3. The Age of Innocence
  4. 84 Charing Cross Road
  5. Sense & Sensibility (Special Edition)

ASIN: B00005NVN8

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:

5 out of 5 stars "Z. Hayes" took the review right out of my minds eye :).......2007-06-19

Z hayes "myrradine" below kind of nailed the coffin shut on reviews for this tremendous work of exceptional purity. I HIGHLY disagree with anyone that thinks the screenplay was not keeping true to the book. In fact, as "myrradine" states below, it's even better than the original work. I concur.

This truly shows what one can masterfully do with a book. Take an exceptional director like Merchant Ivory, with the "raw" talent of Hopkins and the exceptional pure realism of someone like gorgeous Emma Thompson, and you have what movie making should be about: timely, percise, flowing and elequont.

I can clearly see how many people would find this very dull and boring, but there are very few films that can utterly show you the pinnacle of the craft. Remains of the Day is clearly that type of movie.

Without a doubt five stars in every direction.

(ok so I lied z. hayes, I did one anyway) :)

5 out of 5 stars PERFECT in every way.......2007-05-24

Have just become a fan of Merchant Ivory films and think this must be their best. Excellent performances by everyone in the film, excellent cinema photography, excellent screenplay. Have been watching it over and over and over and still am not bored.

4 out of 5 stars Thought Provoking.......2007-05-13

This movie has a great message. It shows, how loyalty, to a profession, nullifies and does not allow for expression of any emotional involvement with others, whether that may be a family member or possible romantic interest. It also shows, that one has to live with the choices one makes. Hopkins, again, gives a star performance as Stevens, the British butler. To me, it was sad to see how a "fanatic" devotion to his work, did not leave any room for him to experience love.

5 out of 5 stars Compelling performances by Hopkins and Thompson.......2007-05-12

Kazuo Ishiguro's The Remains of the Day was a masterpiece, and yet this movie adaptation is not only faithful to the novel, but in my opinion outshines the book. One reason is the excellent casting. Sir Anthony Hopkins plays the by-the-book butler whose icy demeanor actually belies a fondness and even love for his efficient and charming housekeeper, played excellently by Emma Thompson. His insistence on decorum and adherence to the politics of the houselhold cause him to refrain from ever proclaiming his true feelings for his housekeeper, and so also goes his chance of personal happiness. Fast forward years later, and the aging Hopkins now has a new master, an American [played by Christopher Reeve]...he has the opportunity of engaging a new housekeeper, and thinks of his old housekeeper...but things are not as easy as he believes...and whether he gets to rectify his past mistakes makes up the rest of the story. A well-told tale of love lost, and also a good movie that provides a glimpse of politics in England during a time when Germany was rising in power.

4 out of 5 stars Entertainment and a Little Slice of History.......2007-03-19

See pre-WWII England through the eyes of dedicated household servants. This is one of the finest performances of all involved, especially Christopher Reeve, who brings a touch of America to a staid English manor. A tale of servitude, the shaping of history, faithfulness to cause and service, "The Remains of the Day" is at heart the inexhaustable yearning for love lost.
Anthony Hopkins Giftset (The Remains of the Day / Legends of the Fall / The Mask of Zorro)
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		Anthony Hopkins Giftset (The Remains of the Day / Legends of the Fall / The Mask of Zorro)
    Starring: John Haycraft , Christopher Reeve , Anthony Hopkins , Emma Thompson , and Caroline Hunt
    Director: James Ivory , Edward Zwick , and Martin Campbell
    Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
    ProductGroup: DVD
    Binding: DVD

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    Chaplin, BenChaplin, Ben | ( C ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Fox, JamesFox, James | ( F ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Godfrey, PatrickGodfrey, Patrick | ( G ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Grant, HughGrant, Hugh | ( G ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Hopkins, AnthonyHopkins, Anthony | ( H ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Lonsdale, MichaelLonsdale, Michael | ( L ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Reeve, ChristopherReeve, Christopher | ( R ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
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    ASIN: B00008G8DA
    Release Date: 2001-11-23
    The Remains of the Day [Region 2]
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • "Z. Hayes" took the review right out of my minds eye :)
    • PERFECT in every way
    • Thought Provoking
    • Compelling performances by Hopkins and Thompson
    • Entertainment and a Little Slice of History
    		 The Remains of the Day [Region 2]
    Starring: John Haycraft , Christopher Reeve , Anthony Hopkins , Emma Thompson , and Caroline Hunt
    Director: James Ivory
    ProductGroup: DVD
    Binding: DVD

    GeneralGeneral | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video
    Cellier, PeterCellier, Peter | ( C ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Chaplin, BenChaplin, Ben | ( C ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Fox, JamesFox, James | ( F ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Godfrey, PatrickGodfrey, Patrick | ( G ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Grant, HughGrant, Hugh | ( G ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Hopkins, AnthonyHopkins, Anthony | ( H ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Lonsdale, MichaelLonsdale, Michael | ( L ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Reeve, ChristopherReeve, Christopher | ( R ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Thompson, EmmaThompson, Emma | ( T ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Vaughan, PeterVaughan, Peter | ( V ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Ivory, JamesIvory, James | ( I ) | Directors | Stores | DVD | Video
    Used DVDsUsed DVDs | Stores | DVD | Video | Action & Adventure | African American Cinema | Animation | Anime & Manga | Art House & International | Classics | Comedy | Cult Movies | Documentary | Drama | Educational | Fitness & Yoga | Gay & Lesbian | Horror | Kids & Family | Military & War | Music Video & Concerts | Musicals & Performing Arts | Mystery & Suspense | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Special Interests | Sports | Television | Westerns
    ( R )( R ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
    Similar Items:
    1. Howards End - The Merchant Ivory Collection
    2. A Room with a View (Two-Disc Special Edition)
    3. The Age of Innocence
    4. 84 Charing Cross Road
    5. Sense & Sensibility (Special Edition)

    ASIN: B00005N52R

    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:

    5 out of 5 stars "Z. Hayes" took the review right out of my minds eye :).......2007-06-19

    Z hayes "myrradine" below kind of nailed the coffin shut on reviews for this tremendous work of exceptional purity. I HIGHLY disagree with anyone that thinks the screenplay was not keeping true to the book. In fact, as "myrradine" states below, it's even better than the original work. I concur.

    This truly shows what one can masterfully do with a book. Take an exceptional director like Merchant Ivory, with the "raw" talent of Hopkins and the exceptional pure realism of someone like gorgeous Emma Thompson, and you have what movie making should be about: timely, percise, flowing and elequont.

    I can clearly see how many people would find this very dull and boring, but there are very few films that can utterly show you the pinnacle of the craft. Remains of the Day is clearly that type of movie.

    Without a doubt five stars in every direction.

    (ok so I lied z. hayes, I did one anyway) :)

    5 out of 5 stars PERFECT in every way.......2007-05-24

    Have just become a fan of Merchant Ivory films and think this must be their best. Excellent performances by everyone in the film, excellent cinema photography, excellent screenplay. Have been watching it over and over and over and still am not bored.

    4 out of 5 stars Thought Provoking.......2007-05-13

    This movie has a great message. It shows, how loyalty, to a profession, nullifies and does not allow for expression of any emotional involvement with others, whether that may be a family member or possible romantic interest. It also shows, that one has to live with the choices one makes. Hopkins, again, gives a star performance as Stevens, the British butler. To me, it was sad to see how a "fanatic" devotion to his work, did not leave any room for him to experience love.

    5 out of 5 stars Compelling performances by Hopkins and Thompson.......2007-05-12

    Kazuo Ishiguro's The Remains of the Day was a masterpiece, and yet this movie adaptation is not only faithful to the novel, but in my opinion outshines the book. One reason is the excellent casting. Sir Anthony Hopkins plays the by-the-book butler whose icy demeanor actually belies a fondness and even love for his efficient and charming housekeeper, played excellently by Emma Thompson. His insistence on decorum and adherence to the politics of the houselhold cause him to refrain from ever proclaiming his true feelings for his housekeeper, and so also goes his chance of personal happiness. Fast forward years later, and the aging Hopkins now has a new master, an American [played by Christopher Reeve]...he has the opportunity of engaging a new housekeeper, and thinks of his old housekeeper...but things are not as easy as he believes...and whether he gets to rectify his past mistakes makes up the rest of the story. A well-told tale of love lost, and also a good movie that provides a glimpse of politics in England during a time when Germany was rising in power.

    4 out of 5 stars Entertainment and a Little Slice of History.......2007-03-19

    See pre-WWII England through the eyes of dedicated household servants. This is one of the finest performances of all involved, especially Christopher Reeve, who brings a touch of America to a staid English manor. A tale of servitude, the shaping of history, faithfulness to cause and service, "The Remains of the Day" is at heart the inexhaustable yearning for love lost.
    The Remains of the Day [Region 2]
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • "Z. Hayes" took the review right out of my minds eye :)
    • PERFECT in every way
    • Thought Provoking
    • Compelling performances by Hopkins and Thompson
    • Entertainment and a Little Slice of History
    		 The Remains of the Day [Region 2]
    Starring: John Haycraft , Christopher Reeve , Anthony Hopkins , Emma Thompson , and Caroline Hunt
    Director: James Ivory
    ProductGroup: DVD
    Binding: DVD

    GeneralGeneral | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video
    Cellier, PeterCellier, Peter | ( C ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Chaplin, BenChaplin, Ben | ( C ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Fox, JamesFox, James | ( F ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Godfrey, PatrickGodfrey, Patrick | ( G ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Grant, HughGrant, Hugh | ( G ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Hopkins, AnthonyHopkins, Anthony | ( H ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Lonsdale, MichaelLonsdale, Michael | ( L ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Reeve, ChristopherReeve, Christopher | ( R ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Thompson, EmmaThompson, Emma | ( T ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Vaughan, PeterVaughan, Peter | ( V ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Ivory, JamesIvory, James | ( I ) | Directors | Stores | DVD | Video
    Used DVDsUsed DVDs | Stores | DVD | Video | Action & Adventure | African American Cinema | Animation | Anime & Manga | Art House & International | Classics | Comedy | Cult Movies | Documentary | Drama | Educational | Fitness & Yoga | Gay & Lesbian | Horror | Kids & Family | Military & War | Music Video & Concerts | Musicals & Performing Arts | Mystery & Suspense | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Special Interests | Sports | Television | Westerns
    ( R )( R ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
    Similar Items:
    1. Howards End - The Merchant Ivory Collection
    2. A Room with a View (Two-Disc Special Edition)
    3. The Age of Innocence
    4. 84 Charing Cross Road
    5. Sense & Sensibility (Special Edition)

    ASIN: B00005MEIQ

    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:

    5 out of 5 stars "Z. Hayes" took the review right out of my minds eye :).......2007-06-19

    Z hayes "myrradine" below kind of nailed the coffin shut on reviews for this tremendous work of exceptional purity. I HIGHLY disagree with anyone that thinks the screenplay was not keeping true to the book. In fact, as "myrradine" states below, it's even better than the original work. I concur.

    This truly shows what one can masterfully do with a book. Take an exceptional director like Merchant Ivory, with the "raw" talent of Hopkins and the exceptional pure realism of someone like gorgeous Emma Thompson, and you have what movie making should be about: timely, percise, flowing and elequont.

    I can clearly see how many people would find this very dull and boring, but there are very few films that can utterly show you the pinnacle of the craft. Remains of the Day is clearly that type of movie.

    Without a doubt five stars in every direction.

    (ok so I lied z. hayes, I did one anyway) :)

    5 out of 5 stars PERFECT in every way.......2007-05-24

    Have just become a fan of Merchant Ivory films and think this must be their best. Excellent performances by everyone in the film, excellent cinema photography, excellent screenplay. Have been watching it over and over and over and still am not bored.

    4 out of 5 stars Thought Provoking.......2007-05-13

    This movie has a great message. It shows, how loyalty, to a profession, nullifies and does not allow for expression of any emotional involvement with others, whether that may be a family member or possible romantic interest. It also shows, that one has to live with the choices one makes. Hopkins, again, gives a star performance as Stevens, the British butler. To me, it was sad to see how a "fanatic" devotion to his work, did not leave any room for him to experience love.

    5 out of 5 stars Compelling performances by Hopkins and Thompson.......2007-05-12

    Kazuo Ishiguro's The Remains of the Day was a masterpiece, and yet this movie adaptation is not only faithful to the novel, but in my opinion outshines the book. One reason is the excellent casting. Sir Anthony Hopkins plays the by-the-book butler whose icy demeanor actually belies a fondness and even love for his efficient and charming housekeeper, played excellently by Emma Thompson. His insistence on decorum and adherence to the politics of the houselhold cause him to refrain from ever proclaiming his true feelings for his housekeeper, and so also goes his chance of personal happiness. Fast forward years later, and the aging Hopkins now has a new master, an American [played by Christopher Reeve]...he has the opportunity of engaging a new housekeeper, and thinks of his old housekeeper...but things are not as easy as he believes...and whether he gets to rectify his past mistakes makes up the rest of the story. A well-told tale of love lost, and also a good movie that provides a glimpse of politics in England during a time when Germany was rising in power.

    4 out of 5 stars Entertainment and a Little Slice of History.......2007-03-19

    See pre-WWII England through the eyes of dedicated household servants. This is one of the finest performances of all involved, especially Christopher Reeve, who brings a touch of America to a staid English manor. A tale of servitude, the shaping of history, faithfulness to cause and service, "The Remains of the Day" is at heart the inexhaustable yearning for love lost.
    Charlie Rose with Ivan Reitman; Emma Thompson (November 22, 1994)
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      		Charlie Rose with Ivan Reitman; Emma Thompson (November 22, 1994)

      Manufacturer: Charlie Rose, Inc.
      ProductGroup: DVD
      Binding: DVD

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      Release Date: 2007-01-22
      The Remains of the Day [Region 2]
      Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
      • "Z. Hayes" took the review right out of my minds eye :)
      • PERFECT in every way
      • Thought Provoking
      • Compelling performances by Hopkins and Thompson
      • Entertainment and a Little Slice of History
      		 The Remains of the Day [Region 2]
      Starring: John Haycraft , Christopher Reeve , Anthony Hopkins , Emma Thompson , and Caroline Hunt
      Director: James Ivory , Ang Lee , and Gillian Armstrong
      ProductGroup: DVD
      Binding: DVD

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      Similar Items:
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      2. A Room with a View (Two-Disc Special Edition)
      3. The Age of Innocence
      4. 84 Charing Cross Road
      5. Sense & Sensibility (Special Edition)

      ASIN: B0001XLW7Q

      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:

      5 out of 5 stars "Z. Hayes" took the review right out of my minds eye :).......2007-06-19

      Z hayes "myrradine" below kind of nailed the coffin shut on reviews for this tremendous work of exceptional purity. I HIGHLY disagree with anyone that thinks the screenplay was not keeping true to the book. In fact, as "myrradine" states below, it's even better than the original work. I concur.

      This truly shows what one can masterfully do with a book. Take an exceptional director like Merchant Ivory, with the "raw" talent of Hopkins and the exceptional pure realism of someone like gorgeous Emma Thompson, and you have what movie making should be about: timely, percise, flowing and elequont.

      I can clearly see how many people would find this very dull and boring, but there are very few films that can utterly show you the pinnacle of the craft. Remains of the Day is clearly that type of movie.

      Without a doubt five stars in every direction.

      (ok so I lied z. hayes, I did one anyway) :)

      5 out of 5 stars PERFECT in every way.......2007-05-24

      Have just become a fan of Merchant Ivory films and think this must be their best. Excellent performances by everyone in the film, excellent cinema photography, excellent screenplay. Have been watching it over and over and over and still am not bored.

      4 out of 5 stars Thought Provoking.......2007-05-13

      This movie has a great message. It shows, how loyalty, to a profession, nullifies and does not allow for expression of any emotional involvement with others, whether that may be a family member or possible romantic interest. It also shows, that one has to live with the choices one makes. Hopkins, again, gives a star performance as Stevens, the British butler. To me, it was sad to see how a "fanatic" devotion to his work, did not leave any room for him to experience love.

      5 out of 5 stars Compelling performances by Hopkins and Thompson.......2007-05-12

      Kazuo Ishiguro's The Remains of the Day was a masterpiece, and yet this movie adaptation is not only faithful to the novel, but in my opinion outshines the book. One reason is the excellent casting. Sir Anthony Hopkins plays the by-the-book butler whose icy demeanor actually belies a fondness and even love for his efficient and charming housekeeper, played excellently by Emma Thompson. His insistence on decorum and adherence to the politics of the houselhold cause him to refrain from ever proclaiming his true feelings for his housekeeper, and so also goes his chance of personal happiness. Fast forward years later, and the aging Hopkins now has a new master, an American [played by Christopher Reeve]...he has the opportunity of engaging a new housekeeper, and thinks of his old housekeeper...but things are not as easy as he believes...and whether he gets to rectify his past mistakes makes up the rest of the story. A well-told tale of love lost, and also a good movie that provides a glimpse of politics in England during a time when Germany was rising in power.

      4 out of 5 stars Entertainment and a Little Slice of History.......2007-03-19

      See pre-WWII England through the eyes of dedicated household servants. This is one of the finest performances of all involved, especially Christopher Reeve, who brings a touch of America to a staid English manor. A tale of servitude, the shaping of history, faithfulness to cause and service, "The Remains of the Day" is at heart the inexhaustable yearning for love lost.
      Charlie Rose with Kenneth Branagh; Emma Thompson (December 30, 1994)
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        		Charlie Rose with Kenneth Branagh; Emma Thompson (December 30, 1994)

        Manufacturer: Charlie Rose
        ProductGroup: DVD
        Binding: DVD

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        ASIN: B000JCF4I2
        Release Date: 2006-10-05

        Description

        First, actor and director Kenneth Branagh discusses growing up in Ireland, his early years as an actor, and the craft of directing. Then, Oscar-winning actress Emma Thompson talks about her decision to become an actress, her years in the theater, and meeting her husband, Kenneth Branagh.

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