Howards End

Based on the Novel by E.M. Forster

1992 • 142 min • Drama · Romance

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Synopsis

A saga of class relations and changing times in an Edwardian England on the brink of modernity, the film centers on liberal Margaret Schlegel, who, along with her sister Helen, becomes involved with two couples: wealthy, conservative industrialist Henry Wilcox and his wife Ruth, and the downwardly mobile working-class Leonard Bast and his mistress Jackie.

Our family guide

Best from age 13

Movie Knight Score

604 reviews

100 Reviewers · 2 · 51%
70 Audience · 602 · 49%

The lives of three families from different social classes intertwine in Edwardian England, exploring love, loss, and the changing societal landscape. Liberal sisters Margaret and Helen Schlegel become entangled with the wealthy Wilcox family and the struggling working-class Basts, leading to unexpected relationships and revelations.

Violence & peril: 1/10
Language: 1/10
Drinking, drugs & smoking: 2/10
Romance & sensuality: 3/10
Scary moments: 1/10

Heads up

Discussions of class struggle and poverty
Adultery and its consequences are central to the plot
A character dies due to a sudden accident

What it models well

Empathy and understanding across social divides
The importance of compassion and honesty
Finding your place and purpose
The enduring power of home

Talk about it after

Class differences and social mobility
The choices people make when faced with adversity
Different perspectives on love and commitment
The role of women in society during this era

Written by the Movie Knight editorial team for Howards End. Our own words, our own scoring — always double-check against your family's standards.

Where to watch

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Free

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Top billed cast

Director: James Ivory • Crew: Ruth Prawer Jhabvala

Trailers & clips

Reviewer notes

RecommendedTrusted family reviewers
I think this might be the pinnacle of the Merchant Ivory storytelling world (with thanks to E.M. Forster), as a strong ensemble cast assembles to tell a tale of Edwardian Britain that brings into stark focus a class system that is just beginning to show some cracks. "Wilcox" (Anthony Hopkins) is what I suppose you'd call nouveau riche.…
CinemaSerf, TMDB Community

RecommendedTrusted family reviewers
The script itself is not up the level of Remains of the Day, but then E.M.Forster is not Ishiguro (Never Let Me Go). Nevertheless E.M.Forster gives us a huge, complex story that holds our interest for the entire 142 minutes. And the Ivory-Merchant team contributes a beautiful setpiece, complete with perfect cinematography, locations, costumes and a team of the finest actors in Britain.…
badelf, TMDB Community