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A Room With a View

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A Room With a View

Released Mar 7, 1986

1h 55m

Drama

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100%

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37 Reviews

85%

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25,000+ Ratings

In this British drama based on the novel by E.M. Forster, Lucy Honeychurch (Helena Bonham-Carter), a young Englishwoman, is touring Italy with her older cousin (Maggie Smith). At a hotel in Florence, Lucy meets the charming and free-spirited George Emerson (Julian Sands). Although intrigued by George, once she's back in England Lucy ponders settling down with the wealthy, staid Cecil Vyse (Daniel Day-Lewis). When George reappears in her life, Lucy must decide between him and Cecil.

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Critics Consensus

The hard edges of E.M. Foster novel maybe sanded off, but what we get with A Room with a View is an eminently entertaining comedy with an intellectual approach to love.

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Michael Blowen

Boston Globe

The performances -- particularly by Maggie Smith, Helena Bonham Carter and Denholm Elliot -- are superbly wrought in this tale of conflicting cultures, embattled sexes and changing values.

Jul 30, 2024

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Wendy Ide

Times (UK)

Adapted by Merchant Ivory from EM Forster’s novel, this is a lush wallow in nostalgic romanticism.

Dec 19, 2023

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Bob Thomas

Associated Press

The simple story is embroidered with delightful dialogue and rare characterizations.

Rated: 9/10

Nov 2, 2021

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Dan Webster

Spokesman-Review (Washington)

The beauty of the Italian and English countrysides, the acting of Maggie Smith and Denholm Elliott and the immediacy of a particularly brutal killing all combine to make this one of the most visually affecting films you'll see all year.

Rated: 3/4

Jul 27, 2024

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Hal Lipper

Tampa Bay Times

A Room With a View is an outstanding period piece. It captures Forster's characters in their milieu with a temperament that effectively stirs modern-day sensitivities.

Rated: 5/5

Nov 3, 2021

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Taylor Baker

Drink in the Movies

Episode 11: Moving On

Rated: 60/100

Sep 1, 2021

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mark g

Incredibly dated and almost comical by modern standards.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

04/15/25

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Juliette S

Such a beautiful movie, most definitely one of my new favourites. The acting, the scenery, the music, the whole atmosphere of the film is complete perfection. It is an absolute must watch film if you are looking for a slow-summer type of movie, filled with romance, depth, and beauty.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/14/25

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Obi-wan K

Great movie. One thing tho extremly british

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/18/25

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Beth R

First saw this movie in 1986 or 1987 while living in Italy and travelling regularly to the UK. Familiarity did not make the settings any less beautiful. Saw it again in 2024. My opinion didn’t change. A delight for my eye but confusing. The acting from such a star studded cast was underwhelming and stiffer than it needed to be even considering the upper class British society that it portrayed. Freddie gets my vote for having the most depth of any of the characters. Kudos also to the very young HBC for more than holding her own in such well seasoned and formidable company.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

12/09/24

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John L

This fine film is music to the ear, to the eye unto the heart.... even my mind is left in a thrill.....

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/13/24

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julie b

More funny than I was expecting - was I supposed to find it hilarious? All great performances, some of the most annoying characters (in a good way), and beautiful shots. But, other than the wheat field scene I didn’t really buy the romance or anything emotional - there wasn’t enough tension plot wise. - George frolicking in the field is me every time I’m in Europe - DDL in his tiny little spectacles saying I only travel by balloon killed me - What was that nude pond scene about???

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

09/19/24

Full Review

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James Ivory

Director

Helena Bonham Carter

Lucy Honeychurch

Maggie Smith

Charlotte Bartlett, a chaperon

Julian Sands

George Emerson

Denholm Elliott

Mr. Emerson, an English tourist

Daniel Day-Lewis

Cecil Vyse

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Synopsis

In this British drama based on the novel by E.M. Forster, Lucy Honeychurch (Helena Bonham-Carter), a young Englishwoman, is touring Italy with her older cousin (Maggie Smith). At a hotel in Florence, Lucy meets the charming and free-spirited George Emerson (Julian Sands). Although intrigued by George, once she's back in England Lucy ponders settling down with the wealthy, staid Cecil Vyse (Daniel Day-Lewis). When George reappears in her life, Lucy must decide between him and Cecil.

Director: James Ivory
Producer: Ismail Merchant
Screenwriter: E.M. Forster, Ruth Prawer Jhabvala
Distributor: Warner Home Vídeo, Image Entertainment Inc.
Production Co: Merchant Ivory Productions, National Film Finance Corporation, Goldcrest Films International
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 7, 1986, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 25, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $12.0M
Runtime: 1h 55m
Sound Mix: Dolby, Surround

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