Howards End

I can't understand how one can state this is the best period movie of the 90's. I even bought this movie because of this comment. I deeply loved Sense and Sensibility, and I liked Remains of the day, both with Emma Thompson. I hated her in Howards End. I couldn't understand WHY she married Wilcox, and how she could forgive him for everything he did during the movie... What a waste of time. The DVD "spoils" the end by saying it's a "triumph". I don't see where the triumph is. The only thing I saw is that I wanted the screenwriter and the director to pay for having spoilt 143 minutes of my life. If you want a really fantastic period movie about love, watch Sense and Sensibility ! Don't waste your time on this... Believe me, I appreciate 95% of the movies I watch, but this one was one of the worst. Now, do whatever you like... But you're warned.

Masterful performances make this splendid film adaptation of EM Forster's novel of the clashing of the classes a must-see. Anthony Hopkins, Helena Bonham Carter, Vanessa Redgrave, Samuel West, and Emma Thompson fill the screen with passion and vigor. One of the few good movies that does justice to the great book from which it was taken. Lushly filmed and directed with, though sometimes a heavy touch, great vitality by James Ivory. The setting is beautiful, the period feel is very accurate, and the story has subtle beauty. Watch for Ivory bringing out some interesting psychology between characters, especially of different classes. He captures attitudes of the time to near perfection. A cinematic treat.

source: Howards End

I have just seen "Howard's End," and I think that it is probably the best Merchant-Ivory film they ever collaborated on. Emma Thompson's performance, like Anthony Hopkins' and Helena Bonham-Carter's, is luminous and scary in its perfection. The characters, sets, costumes, screenplay, and everything else are provocative, beautiful, and very interesting. The pace is smooth and well-done, and by the end the viewer is very satisfied. This was the best film of 1992.

The Wilcox family represents the traditional values, while Schlegel family embrace modern life. There are several scenes shows the confliction between them. When Margeret invited Ruth to one of her discussion clubs, Ruth seems to be an outsider, but they somehow became good friends. And Henry seems to be traditional, but fell in love with Margeret. And When Margeret insists to let her pregnant sister stays in Howards End despite Henry didn't allow it. This movie brings two contradictive elements together and it seems it does not change the relationship of the characters.

James Ivory and Ruth Prawer Jhabvala get the mood, elegance, and the pace of E. M. Forster's novel. Beautifully acting by Anthony Hopkins as Henry Wilcox, Emma Thompson as Margaret Schlegel and Helena Bonham Carter as Helen Schlegel. The chemistry among them brings the best in the British cinema. The movie is enchanted, elegant and display the full arrogance of the British monarchy.

When I watch Howards End the first time, I did not like it. After not watch the film for a couple years, I enjoy it. See the movie over again gave me a fresh outlook. The characters and setting of the story felt like a different motion picture as I remember. If you admire period pieces give this a try.

This is the most well-acted, well-directed, and well-scripted movie I have ever seen. The nuances of every character, no matter how minor, unfold beautifully, in a symphony of pure artistry personified. This is the ultimate thinking person's movie -- the type that Hollywood continues to insist we are all too dumb to appreciate while they go on making Die Hard 75. If you treasure originality of thought and great acting, this film is definitely a must-see.

Howards End.It is truly one of the most beautiful films ever made.Wonderfully directed and superb acting by all!Hopkins and Emma Thompson are at their best here.We are given a look into a world divided by two classes.I enjoyed this social tale and it's colorful english scenery!This film is the perfect example of why I love the movies.NOt only our we priviledge to witness sir Anthony Hopkins in undoubtly one of his finest performances,we also feel the heavy weight of a promise,that the character,Leonard Bass,has on his shoulders.If you have not seen this movie,you should.Maybe,you too,will ask yourself,"Why can't they make more movies like this??"

I saw this film upon its original release, and then it came up in conversation the other day and I couldn't really remember much about. I vaguely recalled liking it but that's all, so I decided to give it another viewing. I'm glad I gave it another chance because I enjoyed it enough this second time around that I am sure it will stick with me. The performances are all good but Emma Thompson really is exceptional, she alone really elevates the film. The story and unique direction together made for an absorbing and entertaining film.