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Hilary and Jackie

Play trailer Poster for Hilary and Jackie R Released Jan 15, 1999 2h 4m Biography Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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88% Tomatometer 60 Reviews 83% Popcornmeter 5,000+ Ratings
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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Hilary and Jackie

Hilary and Jackie

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Critics Consensus

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

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Critics Reviews

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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 Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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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 Full Review steve d A bit too dark, and sometimes boring, but the performances were good. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review 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 Audience Member A really terrific film with an amazing performance from the always great Emily Watson. This might be her finest performance and I can see why she was nominated for this role. Rachel Griffiths is also good but Emily definitely carries the movie more than Rachel. David Morrissey is also great in a supporting role. Beautiful music, cinematography, writing, and excellent sound design capturing this real woman's talents in the music industry. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/19/23 Full Review Read all reviews
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Movie Info

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
Producer
Anand Tucker, Nicolas Kent, Andy Paterson
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
Runtime
2h 4m
Sound Mix
Surround, Dolby Digital
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