Howards End

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Howards End

PG

1992

2h 22m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

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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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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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.

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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.

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Lizzie Francke

Sight & Sound

08/01/2017

A more troubling and rigorous inquest into a bygone era than usual.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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!!!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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James Ivory

Director

Anthony Hopkins

Henry J. Wilcox

Emma Thompson

Margaret Schlegel

Helena Bonham Carter

Helen Schlegel

Vanessa Redgrave

Ruth Wilcox

James Wilby

Charles Wilcox

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Howards End: Trailer 1

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Howards End: Re-Release Trailer 1

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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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