Damage
Damage

Damage

1992Movie111 minEnglish

The life of a respected British politician at the height of his career crumbles when he becomes obsessed with his son's lover.

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Insights

IMDb6.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes53%
Metacritic64/100
Google Users70%
Director: Louis MalleGenres: Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

A prominent Member of Parliament, Stephen Fleming, enters into a passionate and clandestine affair with Anna Barton, a mysterious young woman who happens to be his son Martyn's fiancée. As their forbidden relationship intensifies, Stephen finds himself increasingly consumed by guilt and the potential consequences for his family and career. The film explores the destructive nature of obsession and the devastating impact of secret desires.

Critical Reception

Damage received mixed to positive reviews from critics, with many praising the performances of Jeremy Irons and Juliette Binoche, as well as Louis Malle's direction. However, some critics found the film's subject matter and emotional intensity to be challenging or disturbing. It garnered a moderate audience response, appreciated for its sophisticated exploration of taboo themes.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its potent performances, particularly from Jeremy Irons and Juliette Binoche.
  • Malle's direction offers a visually striking and psychologically intense exploration of obsession.
  • Some found the subject matter unsettling and the narrative's descent into darkness difficult to watch.

Google audience: Audiences generally found the film to be a compelling and disturbing exploration of a taboo relationship, appreciating the strong acting and Malle's distinctive directorial style. However, some viewers found the emotional intensity and subject matter to be overwhelming.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the Golden Globe for Best Foreign Film (France). Jeremy Irons received a Best Actor nomination at the Evening Standard British Film Awards.

Fun Fact

Juliette Binoche was initially hesitant to take on the role of Anna due to the character's controversial nature, but was ultimately persuaded by director Louis Malle.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

Jeremy Irons is a happily married (to Miranda Richardson) British government minister who meets his usually quite rakish son's (Rupert Graves) latest girlfriend (Juliette Binoche). The two click immediately - and soon they are doing a lot m...
Bazzjazz

Bazzjazz

Harrowing movie, Juliette Binoche and Jeremy Irons have great chemistry. It’s a very ‘arty’ film . But it leaves you feeling queasy when you realize the consequences. Good show!