The Remains of the Day
Diamond in the Rough.
1993 • 134 min • Drama · Romance
Synopsis
A rule-bound head butler's world of manners and decorum in the household he maintains is tested by the arrival of a housekeeper who falls in love with him in post-WWI Britain. The possibility of romance and his master's cultivation of ties with the Nazi cause challenge his carefully maintained veneer of servitude.
Our family guide
Best from age 12- 100 Reviewers · 2 · 51%
- 74 Audience · 1534 · 49%
A devoted butler navigates a changing world and personal longing while serving a British lord during the rise of Nazism. His strict adherence to duty conflicts with his feelings for the new housekeeper and his master's controversial politics.
- Violence & peril
- 1/10
- Language
- 1/10
- Drinking, drugs & smoking
- 2/10
- Romance & sensuality
- 2/10
- Scary moments
- 2/10
Heads up
- Historical context involving Nazism, though not graphic.
- Subtle themes of unrequited love and regret.
- Some scenes depict characters drinking alcohol and smoking.
What it models well
- Loyalty and devotion
- Dignity in service
- Self-sacrifice
Talk about it after
- The nature of duty versus personal happiness
- The rise of Nazism and historical context
- Missed opportunities and regret
- Emotional restraint and its consequences
Written by the Movie Knight editorial team for The Remains of the Day. Our own words, our own scoring — always double-check against your family's standards.
Where to watch
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Top billed cast
Director: James Ivory • Crew: Ruth Prawer Jhabvala
Trailers & clips
Reviewer notes
RecommendedTrusted family reviewers**It is an excellent film, even if I disagree with the thesis on which it was made.** In the period between the two world wars, the world tried to make sure that there was never again something as destructive and traumatic as the First World War.…
RecommendedTrusted family reviewersThis is one of Anthony Hopkins' most nuanced and classy performances, depicting the last of a dying breed of upper servants in the stately home of "Lord Darlington" (James Fox). It's told by way of a retrospective as he takes some time off from his work as butler to American millionaire "Lewis" (Christopher Reeve) and goes for a drive to meet the former housekeeper "Miss Kenton" (Emma Thompson).…
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Gallery
Details
- TMDB audience
- 7.4/10 (1,534)
- Age rating
- PG
- Status
- Released
- Budget
- $11,500,000
- Box office
- $23,240,144
- IMDb
- tt0107943
