Shadowlands

PG

Released Jan 14, 1994

2 hr. 10 min.

Drama

List

97%

30 Reviews

Tomatometer

89%

10,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

C. S. Lewis (Anthony Hopkins), the renowned author of "The Chronicles of Narnia" series, is a bachelor and Oxford University professor who spends his free time debating with fellow academics at a pub. Although he seems entirely uninterested in love, Lewis agrees to marry Joy Gresham (Debra Winger), an American writer who is looking to secure British citizenship. Their arrangement soon becomes a romance, and, when Joy is diagnosed with terminal cancer, their bond grows even stronger.

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Critics Consensus

Thanks to brilliant performances from Debra Winger and especially Anthony Hopkins, Shadowlands is a deeply moving portrait of British scholar C.S. Lewis's romance with American poet Joy Gresham.

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Peter G

Author William Nicholson & Richard Attenborough have given the viewer a unique & touching film regarding the unusual, poignant, & absorbing relationship between C.S. Lewis & Joy Gresham which occurred in the autumn (Lewis‘ significant re-awakening season, apparently!) of the writer‘s life. I cannot imagine better casting than Hopkins & Winger in these two roles. They convey a multitude of the varied personal characteristics within these two characters in addition to adding, I suspect, some of themselves as well. That last remark is only based on the little I have noticed about their off screen personalities & remains pure supposition on my part. What Hopkins & Winter have accomplished in their characterizations is to bring to life two immensely interesting human beings that I, anyway, grew quite attached to in the course the film. Having not seen Attenborough's GANDHI prevents me from making any comparisons between it & SHADOWLANDS but the latter is certainly a quality work & perhaps the most moving love story film of the 1990s.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/10/24

Full Review

Judy F

It's a great movie. Still not streaming, this site says it's on Apple TV, but that's an earlier version from the 80s.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/29/23

Full Review

Kowan M

The greatest movie I have ever watched when it comes to the subject of love and faith. This is true faith of astounding power and true love astonishingly portrayed by both lead roles: Jack and Joy. They captured my heart, these two people trying to find hope in each other and happiness. Perfect acting by Anthony Hopkins and Debra Winger. It has great comedy. The writing is extraordinary. The directing is magnificent. The music is wonderful. A masterpiece of the drama genre.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/13/23

Full Review

tim s

"Shadowlands" is the unlikely love story of writer and lecturer C.S. Lewis ( Anthony Hopkins ) and American poet Joy Gresham ( Debra Winger ). Late in life, Lewis ( known to his friends as Jack) finds his one and only love after meeting a fan of his Chronicles of Narnia books. Joy and Jack's initial meeting is awkward but developed into a long distance friendship. Jack and his brother, with who he lives, invite Joy and her son to stay with them for Christmas after learning of their arrival in London. During this stay Jack learns of her husbands alcoholism and abuse. When Joy's marriage finally breaks down, she and her son move permanently from the U.S.A to London in the hope of getting a publishing deal and to begin a new life. Joy and Jack regularly meet up and thus begins a much closer relationship but still only based on friendship and support. Once Joy's divorce is finalised Jack secretly marries her to allow Joy to benefit from British Citizenship. Unfortunately this clinical, genteel approach of C.SL Lewis , due in part to his upbringing and religious faith is shattered by horrific news. What develops is an intense and intimate relationship, way out of Jack's comfort zone, as he realises both he and Joy have fallen in love. Anthony Hopkins is magnificent in the role of C.S.Lewis delivering a versatile and extremely moving performance. This is particularly evident during the final scenes of this true love story which is based on actual events.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

Full Review

isla s

I found this a very thought provoking film. The fact its based on a true story made me all the more interested to see what happened. It is quite philosophical, with Lewis questioning things in a way that made it seem as if he was vocalising his inner voice, speaking aloud things that others maybe wonder but don't admit to. Its of course partly about his attitudes and concerns in relation to religion and faith, which I found interesting - given the plot (I won't elaborate further so as not to provide spoilers), there are inevitable challenges. Its by no means a fast paced or action packed type of a film but I found it a very interesting watch, from a moral angle and also in terms of the dialogue. There are some very interesting quotes present in this film, which include (all 3 spoken by Anthony Hopkins, as Jack (C.S.) Lewis):- 'I consider friendship to be one of lifes most treasured gifts' , 'Pain is God's megaphone to rouse a deaf world. ', 'we read to know we're not alone' and 'men have intellect; women have soul' - which, of course, Joy wasn't entirely pleased with. I thought this was a really touching film, one I'd happily recommend.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

This is the greatest love story I have ever seen on screen. Anthony Hopkins should have won best actor. Debra Winger also should have received best actress. Their chemistry is truly captivating. This is my favorite movie of all time, I would watch this movie before Return of the Jedi, The Return of the King, Jurassic Park, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Its the most beautiful movie I have seen and the comedy is amazing. The story is about love enduring to the end. Everyone should watch this.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/22/23

Full Review

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Richard Attenborough

Director

Anthony Hopkins

Jack Lewis

Debra Winger

Joy Gresham

Edward Hardwicke

Warnie Lewis

Michael Denison

Harry Harrington

Joseph Mazzello

Douglas Gresham

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Sheila Johnston

Independent (UK)

It's not hard to see what drew Richard Attenborough to the story. It is a character-driven piece with two potent leading roles, and he is a former actor known for teasing outstanding performances from his cast.

Nov 14, 2017

Full Review

Steven D. Greydanus

Decent Films

Rated: A-

Oct 29, 2008

Full Review

Derek Adams

Time Out

Biting down on his pipe, his shirt collar permanently askew, Hopkins assays another concerted study in English repression -- a condition unexpectedly relieved by Winger's brash intelligence and brittle wit.

Jun 24, 2006

Full Review

Rachel Wagner

Rachel's Reviews (YouTube)

Beautiful film about marriage and how faith can help you get through the toughest of times

Rated: 9/10

May 8, 2019

Full Review

Cole Smithey

ColeSmithey.com

This is the biggest tear-jerker you could ever see.

Rated: 4/5

Nov 6, 2005

Full Review

Michael Szymanski

International Press Academy

Rated: 2/5

Oct 7, 2005

Full Review

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Synopsis

C. S. Lewis (Anthony Hopkins), the renowned author of "The Chronicles of Narnia" series, is a bachelor and Oxford University professor who spends his free time debating with fellow academics at a pub. Although he seems entirely uninterested in love, Lewis agrees to marry Joy Gresham (Debra Winger), an American writer who is looking to secure British citizenship. Their arrangement soon becomes a romance, and, when Joy is diagnosed with terminal cancer, their bond grows even stronger.

Director: Richard Attenborough
Executive Producer: Terence A. Clegg
Screenwriter: William Nicholson
Distributor: Argentina Video Home, Warner Bros.
Production Co: Price Entertainment, Shadowlands Productions
Rating: PG
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 14, 1994, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 15, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $25.0M
Sound Mix: Surround, Dolby SR