Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
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John Haycraft | ... | Auctioneer |
Christopher Reeve | ... | Lewis | |
Anthony Hopkins | ... | Stevens | |
Emma Thompson | ... | Miss Kenton | |
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Caroline Hunt | ... | Landlady |
James Fox | ... | Lord Darlington | |
Peter Vaughan | ... | Father | |
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Paula Jacobs | ... | Mrs. Mortimer, the Cook |
Ben Chaplin | ... | Charlie, Head Footman | |
Steve Dibben | ... | George, Second Footman | |
Abigail Hopkins | ... | Housemaid (as Abigail Harrison) | |
Patrick Godfrey | ... | Spencer | |
Peter Cellier | ... | Sir Leonard Bax | |
Peter Halliday | ... | Canon Tufnell | |
Hugh Grant | ... | Cardinal |
Rule bound head butler Stevens' (Sir Anthony Hopkins') world of manners and decorum in the household he maintains is tested by the arrival of housekeeper Miss Kenton (Dame Emma Thompson), who falls in love with him in pre-World War II Britain. The possibility of romance and his master's cultivation of ties with the Nazi cause challenge his carefully maintained veneer of servitude. Written by Keith Loh <loh@sfu.ca>
Anthony Hopkins as Mr. Stevens in The Remains of the Day made for truly excellent drama. His portrayal of the dedicated butler was picture perfect. He conveyed all the controlled subtleties of his character with great conviction. Stevens' dedication to his profession above all other considerations was both admirable and sad. All his interactions felt genuine and his personal journey was set wonderfully against the historical setting of World War II era Europe. Even the Nazi angle was considered with a more even hand than it is usually treated with. The practical considerations of the politicians of the time added a great sense of realism. The high profile supporting cast was also in top form though make no mistake this is Hopkins' film. Strongly recommended, 9/10.