A celebrated period drama, hailed by some as the greatest film never to win an Academy Award, has just arrived on BBC iPlayer for free streaming. The Remains of the Day, the 1993 classic from the legendary filmmaking duo Merchant Ivory, is now accessible to UK viewers at no cost.
A Masterpiece of Unrequited Love
Adapted from Kazuo Ishiguro's 1989 Booker Prize-winning novel, the film tells the poignant story of butler James Stevens, portrayed by the 'peerless' Anthony Hopkins. The narrative follows Stevens as he embarks on a journey to visit a former housemaid, Miss Kenton, played by Emma Thompson.
The plot masterfully weaves between the 1930s, when Darlington Hall and its owner, the Earl of Darlington (James Fox), were at the peak of their influence, and the 1950s, when the grand estate lay in ruins due to its owner's previous Nazi affiliations. The film is a powerful exploration of Britain's rigid class structure and the profound impact it has on individuals, most notably through the unexpressed romance between Stevens and Miss Kenton.
Striking Visuals and Acclaimed Performances
Audiences and critics have long praised the film for its exceptional qualities. On IMDb, one viewer awarded it a perfect score, questioning if it was 'the greatest movie to not win an Oscar'. They went on to commend its 'unbelievable' cinematography and 'striking' visuals, noting an intimate atmosphere that makes the story remarkably compelling.
Another fan described it as 'the finest film in the Merchant Ivory canon' and labelled it 'the best story of unrequited love in cinema history'. The performances, particularly from Hopkins, have been hailed as some of the finest ever committed to film. The supporting cast is equally stellar, featuring Christopher Reeve, Hugh Grant, Ben Chaplin, and Lena Headey in key roles.
Oscar Recognition and Lasting Legacy
Upon its original release, The Remains of the Day was nominated for eight Oscars, including coveted categories like Best Picture and acting nominations for both Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson. However, in a competitive year, it was ultimately pipped to the post by Schindler's List.
Despite this, its legacy as a masterpiece of understated emotion and a quintessential period piece remains untarnished. As one review perfectly summarised, the film is 'Seamless - Effortless - Masterpiece'.
The Remains of the Day is available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer now.
