Hilary and Jackie

R

Released Jan 15, 1999

2 hr. 4 min.

Biography

Drama

List

88%

60 Reviews

Tomatometer

83%

5,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

Iris Du Pré (Celia Imrie) inspires a love of music -- and a healthy rivalry -- in her daughters, Hilary (Rachel Griffiths) and Jackie (Emily Watson). Cellist Jackie outshines her flutist sister when her skillful playing lands her in the international spotlight. Meanwhile, Hilary builds a quiet but happy family life. When Jackie buckles under mounting pressures in the high-stress world of elite classical musicians, she turns to Hilary for help, and may put her sister's love to the test.

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Critics Consensus

Brilliant performances, lush cinematography, and complex storytelling deserve audience's attention.

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Alec B

Setting aside the potential inaccuracies of the film (the split narrative appears to acknowledge this) I do think there's something to the intimate relationship of the sisters that is more important than whatever Du Pre's friends think. That said, it's pretty standard biopic fair except for the cinematography.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/28/24

Full Review

isla s

This is quite a good biopic, centering on the lives of two sisters, one of which is a world famous musician and the other has to live in her shadow. Different parts of the film show us things from either sisters lives and thus perspectives (The chronology is quite interestingly done, to provide context to earlier scenes). It is quite insightful and thought provoking, plus its certainly an arty film and of course, natually, it included a fair bit of instrumental (classical in tone) music - I suppose you could say the classical music highlights (or centers on) the fragility of the character shown on screen at that time. I thought Emily Watson gave a particularly good performance as Jackie (Jacqueline du Pre). Her frustrations and lack of social etiquette are clearly shown. The other sister, Hilary, is played by Rachel Griffiths - another good performance, although perhaps not quite as memorable as Emily's. I thought it was good that both sisters fragility/vulnerabilities were made clear and I did feel sorry for both at different times. There is definitely an element of perseverence present, even though its mainly very much in an upper class setting. This is based on a true story, adapted from a book, and having seen the film, it has piqued my interest. Perhaps I'll read the book at some point but I'll say no more about the film so as not to give any spoilers. This is a thoughtful and insightful film with some quite poignant moments, so yes, I'd recommend it.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

leonardo j

I felt so judgmental during the second part of the movie!!! Great idea presenting the two sister's POV. A gem!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

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steve d

A bit too dark, and sometimes boring, but the performances were good.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

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tony h

Historically hugely significant, but focuses perhaps just a little too much on the feet of clay rather than the music. In any case, well worth seeing, almost a must-see, or a bloody hell, you should have seen it!

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

simon d

very well made biopic of a famous cellist and her relationship with her flautist sister. The film is shown in three parts, their childhood together and then adulthood from the perspective of each sister. Emily Watson is a great actress and here is proof. Interesting and quite a sad story.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

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Anand Tucker

Director

Emily Watson

Jacqueline du Pré

Rachel Griffiths

Hilary du Pré

James Frain

Daniel Barenboim

David Morrissey

Kiffer Finzi

Charles Dance

Derek du Pré

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Joe Clay

Times (UK)

Based on the tell-all memoir by du Pré’s sister Hilary, played here by Rachel Griffiths, the director Anand Tucker’s beautifully composed drama explores the tensions of creative genius spiced by terrible illness, sibling rivalry and adultery.

Nov 9, 2023

Full Review

David Ansen

Newsweek

Told from both women's points of view, this fascinating, if sometimes overwrought, tale packs a wallop. Watson's bravura performance shows us the agony, the ecstasy and the ruthlessness of genius.

Mar 3, 2018

Full Review

Sight & Sound

This is an actors' film, and the actors are actually rather good. That may not make it a fashionable movie, but it's not a negligible achievement.

Jun 18, 2012

Full Review

Wesley Lovell

Cinema Sight

It is a nice little film that resembles 1996’s “Shine” in many ways and in some ways outdoes it, but overall lacks a little sentiment that is desperately needed at times.

Rated: 3/4

Oct 4, 2023

Full Review

Judith Egerton

Courier-Journal (Louisville, KY)

No, it's not a movie about two first ladies married to adulterous husbands.

Rated: 3/4

Jul 7, 2004

Full Review

Jeanne Aufmuth

Palo Alto Weekly

Rated: 3/4

May 14, 2003

Full Review

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Synopsis

Iris Du Pré (Celia Imrie) inspires a love of music -- and a healthy rivalry -- in her daughters, Hilary (Rachel Griffiths) and Jackie (Emily Watson). Cellist Jackie outshines her flutist sister when her skillful playing lands her in the international spotlight. Meanwhile, Hilary builds a quiet but happy family life. When Jackie buckles under mounting pressures in the high-stress world of elite classical musicians, she turns to Hilary for help, and may put her sister's love to the test.

Director: Anand Tucker
Executive Producer: Guy East, Ruth Jackson, Nigel Sinclair
Screenwriter: Hilary du Pré, Piers du Pré, Frank Cottrell Boyce
Distributor: October Films
Production Co: Intermedia Films, Arts Council of England, British Screen Productions, Channel Four Films
Rating: R
Genre: Biography, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 15, 1999, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Feb 12, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA): $4.9M
Sound Mix: Surround, Dolby Digital

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