The Remains of the Day
The Remains of the Day

The Remains of the Day

1993Movie134 minEnglish

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.

Read Reviews

Insights

IMDb7.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes97%
Metacritic93
Google Users92%
Director: James IvoryGenres: Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

In the English countryside between the World Wars, a dedicated butler named Stevens serves Lord Darlington with unwavering loyalty. As he meticulously manages the grand estate, Stevens grapples with unspoken feelings for the spirited housekeeper, Miss Kenton. A letter from Miss Kenton prompts Stevens to reflect on his life, his service, and the missed opportunities for personal happiness, revealing the emotional cost of his devotion to duty.

Critical Reception

The Remains of the Day was a critical and commercial success, earning widespread acclaim for its superb acting, direction, and poignant storytelling. It was particularly lauded for Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson's performances, and its faithful adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro's novel.

What Reviewers Say

  • A masterfully crafted period drama with exceptional performances.
  • Explores themes of duty, dignity, and unspoken love with profound emotional resonance.
  • Visually stunning and elegantly paced, offering a subtle yet powerful character study.

Google audience: Audiences praised the film's sophisticated storytelling, beautiful cinematography, and the outstanding performances, especially from Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson. Many found it a moving and thought-provoking portrayal of a life dedicated to service and the personal sacrifices made.

Awards & Accolades

Received 8 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Anthony Hopkins), and Best Actress (Emma Thompson). Nominated for 13 BAFTA Awards, winning Best Actor (Hopkins) and Best Film.

Fun Fact

Anthony Hopkins spent time with a real butler to prepare for his role, learning the intricacies of service and etiquette, and even practiced polishing silver.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
Filipe Manuel Neto

Filipe Manuel Ne...

**It is an excellent film, even if I disagree with the thesis on which it was made.** In the period between the two world wars, the world tried to make sure that there was never again something as destructive and traumatic as the First W...
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

This is one of Anthony Hopkins' most nuanced and classy performances, depicting the last of a dying breed of upper servants in the stately home of "Lord Darlington" (James Fox). It's told by way of a retrospective as he takes some time off ...