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The Cook, the Thief, His Wife and Her Lover

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86% Tomatometer 51 Reviews 88% Popcornmeter 10,000+ Ratings
When churlish mobster Albert Spica (Michael Gambon) acquires an upscale French restaurant in London, he dines there nightly, effectively scaring off the clientele with his bad manners. His wife, Georgina (Helen Mirren), is especially disgusted by him, and soon begins an affair with another restaurant guest, Michael (Alan Howard). Despite their efforts to keep it a secret, however, Spica finds out about their trysts, and he plans to exact a terrible revenge.
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The Cook, the Thief, His Wife and Her Lover

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Critics Consensus

This romantic crime drama may not be to everyone's taste, but The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover is an audacious, powerful film.

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Critics Reviews

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Andrew Sarris Observer A highly controversial and distinctly original work of cinematic art fashioned by writer-director Greenaway. Aug 12, 2022 Full Review Gene Siskel Chicago Tribune A bold, strident, purposefully aggressive film. Rated: 3/4 Apr 21, 2020 Full Review Nigel Andrews Financial Times Greenaway's new film is -- let us waste no time -- a masterpiece. Apr 21, 2020 Full Review Rene Jordan El Nuevo Herald (Miami) A film that pairs the most profane language with the most exquisite production. [Full review in Spanish] Dec 1, 2022 Full Review Rob Gonsalves Rob's Movie Vault If you’ve never seen the movie or haven’t for years, you will come away from it with an even deeper-seated respect for Mirren, who does her damnedest in a largely unwritten role. Rated: A- Aug 24, 2022 Full Review Alan Jones Radio Times Greenaway's stunning "designer dream" is sick, sexy and rude in about equal provocative proportions and totally unforgettable. Rated: 4/5 Apr 21, 2020 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Nicholas F Based on play… excellent set design, performances. Heavy with symbolism. Thought provoking and at times shocking. Proper cinematic transition from state to screen. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 12/09/23 Full Review Audience Member Peter Greenaway directed this film through the eyes of a true artist. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 09/23/24 Full Review g j Even the memorable final act can't redeem such a boring and overbloated load of twaddle. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 02/25/24 Full Review John W Beautifully repulsive. A glorious and disturbing Peter Greenaway film. Not your usual fare. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/11/24 Full Review Donald D A beautiful love story, beautifully filmed a wonderful cast. Disturbing and a movie not to miss. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/05/24 Full Review Ari V The music and cinematography create a lot of richness here. Which is then diluted—both practically and philosophically—by a (rather convennient) overfixation with Spica's 'despicable brutishness'. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 12/18/23 Full Review Read all reviews
The Cook, the Thief, His Wife and Her Lover

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The Cook, the Thief, His Wife and Her Lover

The Cook, the Thief, His Wife and Her Lover (1989) The Cook, the Thief, His Wife and Her Lover (1989) The Cook, the Thief, His Wife and Her Lover (1989) The Cook, the Thief, His Wife and Her Lover (1989) The Cook, the Thief, His Wife and Her Lover (1989) The Cook, the Thief, His Wife and Her Lover (1989) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis When churlish mobster Albert Spica (Michael Gambon) acquires an upscale French restaurant in London, he dines there nightly, effectively scaring off the clientele with his bad manners. His wife, Georgina (Helen Mirren), is especially disgusted by him, and soon begins an affair with another restaurant guest, Michael (Alan Howard). Despite their efforts to keep it a secret, however, Spica finds out about their trysts, and he plans to exact a terrible revenge.
Director
Peter Greenaway
Producer
Kees Kasander
Distributor
Miramax Films
Production Co
Miramax
Rating
R
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Apr 6, 1990, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Oct 6, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$7.0M
Runtime
2h 0m
Sound Mix
Surround