The Remains of the Day is cunningly disguised as a period drama but is in fact a profound tragedy, as well as an excursion into a dark chapter in British history.
We join Mr Stevens, a lifelong butler at Darlington Hall, just as the tradition of "service" in large country houses is fading fast in the wake of World War Two.
Mr Stevens reflects on his years of duty to Lord Darlington, a well-meaning but naive and foolish man who in an attempt to broker friendship with Germany after their humiliation in World War One, finds himself becoming sympathetic to their insidious anti-Semitism and a seemingly unwitting pawn in their sinister machinations.
Nazi sympathisers were a real feature of the English aristocracy on the eve of World War Two.
Through his memories of his dutiful and selfless (and often senseless) service at the house during these years, we are educated in lessons about work, sacrifice, loyalty, missed opportunities, misplaced trust, disappointment, regret and how we choose to spend our lives, and on whom.
Some of this from the script, but more from what is only half-said, or goes unsaid.
It is a reminder of how a moment's hesitation, a seemingly minor error of judgement, a missed chance in an everyday human relationship, and often blind stubbornness, can transform our destinies.
We all live with these shadows in our lives. At each juncture, we turn away from a thousand paths, a thousand opportunities. That is what this film is about.
There is a deep sadness in this and it will resonate with you for a long time.
The acting talent is also exceptional, particularly James Fox, who is perfectly cast as Lord Darlington.
Truly a life-enhancing film.
We join Mr Stevens, a lifelong butler at Darlington Hall, just as the tradition of "service" in large country houses is fading fast in the wake of World War Two.
Mr Stevens reflects on his years of duty to Lord Darlington, a well-meaning but naive and foolish man who in an attempt to broker friendship with Germany after their humiliation in World War One, finds himself becoming sympathetic to their insidious anti-Semitism and a seemingly unwitting pawn in their sinister machinations.
Nazi sympathisers were a real feature of the English aristocracy on the eve of World War Two.
Through his memories of his dutiful and selfless (and often senseless) service at the house during these years, we are educated in lessons about work, sacrifice, loyalty, missed opportunities, misplaced trust, disappointment, regret and how we choose to spend our lives, and on whom.
Some of this from the script, but more from what is only half-said, or goes unsaid.
It is a reminder of how a moment's hesitation, a seemingly minor error of judgement, a missed chance in an everyday human relationship, and often blind stubbornness, can transform our destinies.
We all live with these shadows in our lives. At each juncture, we turn away from a thousand paths, a thousand opportunities. That is what this film is about.
There is a deep sadness in this and it will resonate with you for a long time.
The acting talent is also exceptional, particularly James Fox, who is perfectly cast as Lord Darlington.
Truly a life-enhancing film.