Henry & June
Henry & June

Henry & June

1990Movie136 minEnglish

While traveling in Paris, author Henry Miller and his wife, June, meet Anais Nin, and sexual sparks fly as Nin starts an affair with the openly bisexual June. When June is forced to return to the U.S., she gives Nin her blessing to sleep with her husband. Then, when June returns to France, an unexpected, and sometimes contentious, threesome forms.

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Insights

IMDb6.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes50%
Metacritic54/100
Google Users64%
Director: Philip KaufmanGenres: Biography, Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

In 1931 Paris, the lives of American writer Henry Miller and his wife June become entangled with anarchist writer Anaïs Nin. This biographical drama explores the complex, passionate, and often tumultuous relationships that developed between these three artists. Their intellectual and erotic entanglements push the boundaries of conventional morality and artistic expression.

Critical Reception

Henry & June received a mixed reception from critics. While some praised its lush visuals, strong performances, and daring exploration of sexuality and artistic freedom, others found its narrative unfocused and its characters less compelling than their real-life counterparts. The film was noted for its explicit content and attempts to capture the bohemian spirit of the era.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its stylish direction and atmospheric portrayal of 1930s Paris.
  • Noted for the committed performances of its lead actors, particularly Maria de Medeiros as Anaïs Nin.
  • Criticized by some for a meandering plot and a lack of deeper emotional resonance.

Google audience: Audiences generally found the film visually appealing and appreciated its attempt to depict a complex artistic and romantic triangle. Some viewers felt the film was more interested in aesthetics than in fully developing its characters or their motivations.

Fun Fact

The film was originally intended to be released by MGM in an X-rated version. However, after the X rating was upheld by the MPAA, it was re-edited to achieve an R rating for its theatrical release.

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