Hilary and Jackie (1998)

Hilary and Jackie (1998)
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Perhaps inspired by the success of biopics like Shine and Amadeus, this film based on a true story -- and a book (entitled A Genius in the Family) -- also focuses on the destructive forces of being a musical genius. Hilary and Jacqueline du Pré are gifted sisters who grow up in England in the 1950s and compete for musical accolades and love. Hilary (Rachel Griffiths) is a talented flutist, but it's her younger sister, Jackie (Breaking the Waves' Emily Watson), who is the musical "genius" cellist. The film follows their sibling rivalry in musical competition and romance. Though extremely close as children, it is younger sister Jackie who eventually becomes the international star, marrying top pianist and conductor Daniel Barenboim. Hilary marries her true love, Kiffer Finzi (David Morrissey), and settles in a beautiful country home with her two children. But who is jealous of whom? Hilary receives an unexpected visit from Jackie, asking her sister for a chance to live a normal life and to sleep with Kiffer. Later, Jackie suffers from multiple sclerosis, and the sisters strive to repair the emotional damage of their long-standing rivalry. ~ Arthur Borman, Rovi

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Starring:
Emily WatsonRachel Griffiths, (more)
Director(s):
Anand Tucker
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD  | Digital SD
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Synopsis of Hilary and Jackie

Perhaps inspired by the success of biopics like Shine and Amadeus, this film based on a true story -- and a book (entitled A Genius in the Family) -- also focuses on the destructive forces of being a musical genius. Hilary and Jacqueline du Pré are gifted sisters who grow up in England in the 1950s and compete for musical accolades and love. Hilary (Rachel Griffiths) is a talented flutist, but it's her younger sister, Jackie (Breaking the Waves' Emily Watson), who is the musical "genius" cellist. The film follows their sibling rivalry in musical competition and romance. Though extremely close as children, it is younger sister Jackie who eventually becomes the international star, marrying top pianist and conductor Daniel Barenboim. Hilary marries her true love, Kiffer Finzi (David Morrissey), and settles in a beautiful country home with her two children. But who is jealous of whom? Hilary receives an unexpected visit from Jackie, asking her sister for a chance to live a normal life and to sleep with Kiffer. Later, Jackie suffers from multiple sclerosis, and the sisters strive to repair the emotional damage of their long-standing rivalry. ~ Arthur Borman, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
121 mins

Complete Cast of Hilary and Jackie


Director(s):
Anand Tucker
Writer(s):
Frank Cottrell Boyce
Producer(s):
Nicholas KentAndy Paterson
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R(Profanity, Adult Situations, Sexual Situations)
Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

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    Leslie A.

    I enjoyed Hilary and Jackie more than I expected to, due to both a genuinely moving true life story involving sibling rivalry (and love) and the disability and premature death of a passionate and gifted artist. For students of acting, the performance of Emily Watson is inspired, particularly as her physical and mental health degenerates. No surprise that she received an Oscar nomination. It will also want to make you listen to the entire Elgar cello concerto (Jackie's signature piece).

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    Albert R.

    Emily Watson and Rachel Griffiths were splendid. I found the story tragic and some of the subject matter a bit hard to take, but it is based on the autobiographical novel by Hillary Du Pre. I found the sibling rivalries and nuances did ring true to life and I may be the rare exception, but I thought the depiction might just be an honest one. Brilliantly acted, and that is why the high rating for me. A bit of a bizarre story, and definitely questionable subject matter that is integral to being true to the book, but I think It could have suggested or intimated in places rather than shown us. Why can't we have movies that "hint at," rather than "show all?" Sad.

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    Ron C.

    This movie far exceeded my expectations. There's a lot to enjoy here, especially two of my favorite actresses portraying a loving but highly unusual relationship between two sisters. The way the stories are told seperately, yet intertwined, went a long way towards explaining some of Jackie's behaviour. Enjoy!

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