Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Mark Rylance | ... | William Adamson | |
Kristin Scott Thomas | ... | Matty Crompton | |
Patsy Kensit | ... | Eugenia Alabaster Adamson | |
Jeremy Kemp | ... | Sir Harald Alabaster | |
Douglas Henshall | ... | Edgar Alabaster | |
Annette Badland | ... | Lady Alabaster | |
Chris Larkin | ... | Robin | |
Anna Massey | ... | Miss Mead | |
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Saskia Wickham | ... | Rowena Alabaster |
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Lindsay Thomas | ... | Lady Alabaster's Maid |
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Michelle Sylvester | ... | Margaret Alabaster |
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Clare Lovell | ... | Elaine Alabaster |
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Jenny Lovell | ... | Edith Alabaster |
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Oona Haas | ... | Alice Alabaster |
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Angus Hodder | ... | Guy Alabaster |
The movie is a study of a family of country gentry in Victorian England. William Adamson, a young scientist, is introduced into the Alabaster family by Reverend Mr Alabaster who is also fascinated by insects. William marries the older daughter of the family and studies the amounts of insects in the garden of the villa. His - for the gentry - strange behaviors reveal at the same time their own failures and passions. Written by Volker Boehm
One of the most intricate, well-made films I've seen. The acting is tremendous, the imagery is subtle yet stunning. A film which makes one think of the intricacies of human relationships. The pilgrimage of the hero from the brutal Amazon to "civilized" society which he finds to be anything but civilized in spite of the gorgeous trappings of the upper aristocracy. Highly recommended!