Sunday, April 17, 2005

Howard's End - 1992

Not sure what to write about this. The comparison in my mind to 'Sense and Sensibility' is strong and unfair as this movie came out first. Both movies have to do with English class sensibilities and property. Both movies have Emma Thompson in comparable situations. But...this movie lacks the punch of the love story that the latter movie provided.
In fact the love story in this movie is more polite and less passionate. It concerns Emma Thompson and Anthony Hopkins in what must be one of the most restrained proposals in movie history. Hopkins is an older man who is set in his ways. He knows how the world works and isn't afraid to share his advice. His advice brings him in conflict with his fiance's sister (Helena Bonham Carter). This is the conflict that the plot hinges on.
The story in an interesting period view of English society in the early 20th century (I think). The movie provides a few beautiful shots of the countryside. Who wouldn't love an English cottage? Overall, I found the movie good but not great.

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