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• She shot herself in the foot

  • Commenter77
  • 3/7/12

  To not be totally frustrated with the romance that never happened, it helps to remember the times. People did not have the employment options of other times. They often kept positions for life. With someone like Mr. Stevens, his was a calling, and he treated it as such. And, the dictates of such a position required he keep the strict rules of non-personal involvement with other staff. Besides, he never learned to unbend. How could he? Kind of trapped in his upbringing and environment and the times. But Ms. Kenton was frustrating to me. She shot herself in the foot, as it turns out, with her impatience and intolerance of Mr. Stevens' aspect. She was downright waspish and disrespectful at times with him. Had she not had the "opportunity" of marrying for what seemed out of spite, she could have had a happy life staying in her position and relationship with the man she preferred - however limited that may have been. As it is, she ends her days disappointed and unfulfilled. There was a real possibility that had she stayed put, things could have worked out for them to get together. The new owner and new day certainly held potential for the difference in their situation. She could have helped him had her interest been less self-centered. Perhaps a lesson. Is it really love to resent a person who is not "cooperating" with your desires? And, to the point, does it work for you? Does it bring happiness and fulfillment?

• The Remains of the Day

  • Dashiell Barnes
  • 9/16/11

  Anthony Hopkins & Emma Thompson's chemistry in this film is intellectually interesting to witness. Hopkins is the embodiment of the "perfect" butler, while Thomspson brings a determination to connect with Hopkins while both work at Darlington Hall. The attention to detail from 'Merchant-Ivory' films is a visually beautiful thing, the kind of attention that made them famous. However, what I don't like about this movie is that it has a few incredibly boring scenes. If the period dramas of 'Merchant-Ivory' is what interests you, then I strongly suggest you see this film. I give it a 3/5.

• OLD WORLD ORDER

  • Lee Dorbad
  • 9/16/11

  Like any James Ivory production, it's a beautifully crafted buffet for the eyes and equally inviting for the mind (and soul) as well. Under the same thematic umbrella as other Ivory gems like "Howards End," "The White Countess," and "The Golden Bowl," it's a simple story about mostly sincere souls who become imprisoned by their own steadfast ideals, some of these outwardly cultural and some not. We're on the eve of global World War II here for much of the story, but it's too easy and thoroughly misleading to get caught up in this history lesson part of the narrative at the expense of the characters' inner lives. The clash here is between the household staff (butlers, maids, cooks, etc.) who carry on with their particular part of British life, and of course those above who attempt to forecast the approaching storm with all of their port and delicate china and cigars and brandy and well crafted rhetoric. When all of the finery is stripped away, it's a rather profound commentary on isolation vs. involvement in the greater world, a theme which is enacted every day of our lives even outside the most profound context of world war.

• Professional to the End

  • Margie
  • 3/9/10

  This is a film that all who prize their jobs above people truly must see. It is a movie about dedication, loyalty and professionalism that may or may not be appreciated.

• Excellent

  • Mike
  • 1/12/10

  A must see if your a Anthony Hopkins fan! Great Cast! Emma Thompson, Christopher Reeve, Hugh Grant Etc.

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