The Remains of the Day

A slow, subtle, intimate story of unrequited love, filmed with breathtaking sensitivity and attention. A psychological masterpiece, perfect with every second, every tremor, every gesture and every glance between Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson. (04/03/2003)

The little things that touch, the gazes that see into the deepest corners of the soul, and the only gesture that is missing for the feeling of happiness. The perfect main duo of actors elevates Twilight of the Day to the most impressive heights, from where it is not pulled back even by the absence of a final climax. (07/25/2005)

In the same way that I'd never seen Howards End, I had The Remains of the Day tucked away as a vague memory of an interesting trailer from the days of VHS rentals. However, the impression was so strong that it was easy to get excited about the possibility of seeing the whole film on the big screen. And indeed, it did not disappoint - on the contrary, it exceeded expectations. Strong acting performances all round, just the way I like it. (08/11/2017)

The story is told at a slow pace and it is up to the viewer whether they are willing to accept the fact that not much actually happens in it. The director focuses solely on detailed character studies, their feelings, and emotions, but when it comes to the film as a whole, I have to admit that I had quite big problems to maintain all of my attention in some passages. (07/21/2005)

The politics of appeasement as seen through the lens of (non)romance, where seductive glances, sentences of mutual affection or any confession of feelings are out of the question. All the tensions that create sensuality are hidden in the simple addresses of "mister/miss" and distant compliments of a job well done. A character study of an individual seemingly devoid of opinions, emotions and personal life, very well written and very well acted. An individual whose personality is "I am here to serve". A sophisticated and subdued "just so" look at the great themes of life and history. Despite its apparent coldness (or is it because of it?), it is first and foremost about vivid characters and steaming emotions. And that, ironically, without any emotions at all; let alone steaming ones. (01/16/2024)