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 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)

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 short and without exaggeration, The Remains of the Day can be described as an exceptionally impressive and meticulously directed film, one of those essential titles that frame the development of a certain genre and become part of its golden fund. The psychological study of a man who elevated loyalty and strict fulfillment of his duties to an absolute goal and sacrificed his personal life, including the chance to start his own family, is set in the period of the 1930s and 1940s. The story takes place not only in the luxurious residence of the British aristocracy, where the traditional social life of the upper classes was held but also in high-level political meetings that became the preparation and prelude to World War II. The owner of the estate was one of the architects of the appeasement policy. The viewer can indirectly witness how the failure leading to millions of dead and devastated continents was born during the meetings of those who considered themselves the social elite. In any case, we can take away the experience of top-notch acting by Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson. Overall impression: 95%. (08/20/2014)

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)