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Howards End

Play trailer 2:12 Poster for Howards End PG 1992 2h 22m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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94% Tomatometer 71 Reviews 81% Popcornmeter 10,000+ Ratings
Helen Schlegel falls for Paul Wilcox, but is rebuffed. Her sister Margaret becomes friends with his mother, who promises her the family house, Howards End. Unfortunately, after her death, the will disappears and it appears the inheritance will disappear. Until the widower, Henry Wilcox, becomes attracted to Margaret.
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Howards End

Howards End

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Critics Consensus

A superbly-mounted adaptation of E.M. Forster's tale of British class tension, with exceptional performances all round, Howard's End ranks among the best of Merchant-Ivory's work.

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Critics Reviews

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Edward Guthmann San Francisco Chronicle 01/11/2023
4/4
Adapted from E.M. Forster's novel of human connections and follies, this newest film from the James Ivory / Ishmail Merchant / Ruth Prower Jhabvala team is close to flawless. Go to Full Review
Jeff Menell The Hollywood Reporter 03/05/2020
From start to finish, Howards End is a sumptuous visual delight. But the beauty of this film is far more than skin deep. Go to Full Review
Lizzie Francke Sight & Sound 08/01/2017
A more troubling and rigorous inquest into a bygone era than usual. Go to Full Review
James Kendrick Q Network Film Desk Dec 31
4/4
the story is fundamentally about the social upheavals of England at the turn of the 20th century, but it enthralls today because its characters are so resolutely and recognizably human Go to Full Review
Frank J. Avella The Contending Dec 23
A
The film is quite pointed in its indictment of upper-class privilege while also examining characters that stay true to their integrity and idealism in a society that is constantly attempting to erode such things. Go to Full Review
Matt Brunson Film Frenzy Nov 22
3.5/4
This remains one of cinema’s defining statements on the rigid class structures that too often create irreparable riffs between a nation’s citizenry. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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08/25/2024 One of best films ever made. Definitely best film of a book. Amazes me 1whenever I see it!!! See more Elli J @Catnap1953 Dec 27 Clearly I've missed the greatness in this movie that so many seem to have found. Emma Thompson's performance is fine but honestly, Timothy West, his mom Prunella Scales, Ms. Bonham-Carter and above all, Anthony Hopkins all fail to portray any kind of authenticity or even convincing 'acting' as their characters. Part of the problem is likely the mediocre writing and slow pace which is almost painful. The scenery and period details are the saving grace for this film. Merchant and Ivory may appeal to a certain viewer (I didn't mind A Passage to India, despite the lousy acting - again), but this one doesn't have much depth, apart from the obvious class differences and hypocrisy of certain people. Overall not worth the time. See more Gray R May 29 Upper class standing apart from lower without the heart to help even when opportunity knocks is an ageless theme that repeats today. The sisters, a bridge between worlds, provide a rickety middle ground and struggle to make sense of it all. Though somewhat muted and drawn out the viewer gets the message. See more Anya S @AnyaS Jan 26 Emma Thompson adds the warmth and earthiness to what could otherwise be another ethereal, postcard-beautiful Merchant Ivory period piece. The cast is perfect in this one, and the film is such a refreshing respite from the mind-numbing, superhero garbage in theaters these days. May be too slow and uncool for artsy fartsy cinephiles, but for Downton Abby fans who love a lush production, sharply written dialogue and themes of class tensions in England, this is a real treat. See more Elly 07/26/2024 What an absolute nonsense. There are so many holes in this story that I can’t even start describing what I did not like. Nothing made sense but especially the ending was really terrible. See more Jonathan M 07/23/2024 I adore the films of Merchant Ivory, and the collaborative efforts of the team reached new heights with this E. M. Forster adaptation. It should have taken home the Oscar for "Best Picture" that year. See more Read all reviews
Howards End

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Movie Info

Synopsis Helen Schlegel falls for Paul Wilcox, but is rebuffed. Her sister Margaret becomes friends with his mother, who promises her the family house, Howards End. Unfortunately, after her death, the will disappears and it appears the inheritance will disappear. Until the widower, Henry Wilcox, becomes attracted to Margaret.
Director
James Ivory
Producer
Ismail Merchant
Screenwriter
Ruth Prawer Jhabvala
Distributor
Sony Pictures Classics
Production Co
Film 4, Imagica Corp., Merchant Ivory Productions, Sumitomo Corporation
Rating
PG
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Mar 13, 1992, Original
Rerelease Date (Theaters)
Aug 26, 2016
Release Date (Streaming)
Dec 6, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$157.9K
Runtime
2h 22m
Sound Mix
Surround, Stereo
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