Fans say the drama also stands out for its cinematography (Image: Howards End)
A much-loved British period drama has been earning huge praise for decades from viewers who say it is one of the finest literary adaptations ever made. The film is based on a novel, which is widely regarded as a “masterpiece”. Among many things, it has amazing performances and a great storyline that shows what life was like in early 20th-century Britain.
Fans say the drama also stands out for its cinematography, cast and ability to keep audiences glued to the screen from start to finish. Many describe it as a film they return to repeatedly because of how moving and absorbing it is. The ratings are also fantastic, with the film currently enjoying a 94% critic score and an 81% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
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Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson lead a star-studded cast (Image: Howards End)
For anyone who hasn’t seen it, the drama is Howards End, released in 1992 and based on E.M. Forster’s 1910 novel.
Howards End was directed by James Ivory and adapted by Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, bringing together a cast that many fans call one of the strongest ever assembled.
Emma Thompson, Anthony Hopkins, Helena Bonham Carter and Vanessa Redgrave lead the film, supported by James Wilby, Samuel West, Jemma Redgrave and Prunella Scales.
It explores class tensions and personal relationships in early 20th-century Britain through the story of the Schlegel sisters and the wealthy Wilcox family.
The film was a big critical and commercial success when it was released, winning three Oscars, including Best Actress for Thompson, and earning nine Academy Award nominations. It also won Best Film at the BAFTAs.
Helena Bonham Carter in Howards End (Image: Howards End)
People keep raving about the film to this day. One person said: “A synthesis of beauty, talent, and amazing cinematography. This is one of my all-time favorite movies. The costuming is amazing, the screenplay is adept, and the acting is stellar, to say the least.
“To have Emma Thompson, Helena Bonham Carter, Vanessa Redgrave, and Anthony Hopkins in one movie together is to see a true synthesis of talent, not to mention James Wilby and Samuel West. ”
Another added: “Masterful performances make this splendid film adaptation of EM Forster’s novel of the clashing of the classes a must-see.
“Anthony Hopkins, Helena Bonham Carter, Vanessa Redgrave, Samuel West, and Emma Thompson fill the screen with passion and vigor. One of the few good movies that does justice to the great book from which it was taken.”
A third wrote: “This film is a testimony to the creative novelist E.M. Forster! This early 90’s full-length version of the novel is faithful to his 1921 masterpiece and beautifully realised by a team of film makers who know the ‘right moves’. What a great trip back to early 20th Century Britain.”
Someone else commented: “One of the greatest films of all time. It is so good that it will keep you glued to the screen.
“Once you finish, you will want to rewatch it instantly. There won’t be a day that you won’t think about this movie and you will rewatch it every so often.”
Howards End is available to stream on Prime Video.
