Maurice (1987) Reviews

Maurice (1987)
Member Rating:  
Director James Ivory brings his subdued, "Masterpiece Theater" style to a forbidden subject -- homosexual love. Maurice is based on E.M. Forster's suppressed 1914 novel that was held back from publication until after his death. The film takes place at Cambridge, before World War I, when homosexuality was outlawed in Great Britain. Clive (Hugh Grant), an aristocratic Englishman with a life of privilege, suddenly shocks his close friend Maurice (James Wilby) by declaring his love for him. Maurice is initially stunned by the pronouncement, but in the end finds himself giving Clive a passionate kiss and telling him that he loves him as well. Clive, in the stiff-upper-lip British manner, considers their love to be more of an intellectual concept, but Maurice becomes passionate about the affair. Clive, afraid of being exposed as a homosexual, backs off and breaks up with Maurice for marriage, family, and politics. Maurice is crestfallen, but then he has a passionate affair with Clive's gamekeeper, Scudder (Rupert Graves), and Maurice and Scudder decide to risk their reputations by openly living together as lovers. ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi

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Starring:
James WilbyHugh Grant, (more)
Director(s):
James Ivory
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD
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Average Ratings

(19 member reviews)  


Member Reviews


Andrew A.

Merchant Ivory often cross the threshold beytond good to great, and does so again with this brilliantly executed redition of a novel worthy of similar praise. The acting is good. But when you add the screenplay and directing, cinemetography, scenery, and costumes, you have a great film that becomes a significant part of film history. And, the storyline becomes part of what life can be like to many who have loved and learned, suffered and risen from the dead.

Yes   |   No


Dake C.

Merchant Ivory films are always a feast for the senses. Even if you don't relate to the story, you can't help but rejoice in the beauty of their film making. This film hit home with me for I am a gay man and have felt the pressure brought on by social stigma and unrequited love. With that said, Hugh Grant in a very early performance uses his beauty and his definitive acting skills to bring his character to life. This movie may be nearly 20 years old but the story is one of any lifetime. It takes place in the early 1900's but rings true for any generation. The film making is gentle, real and true. The performances are totally believable and the story transcends any generation. Even if you aren't gay, you can't watch this film and not be moved by their journey or there passion for each other. It may not be a film that is on everyone's mind but it definantly struck a chord with me.

Yes   |   No


Linda D.

Adapted from a novel by E.M. Forster who also brought Room With a View and Howard's End. The movie deals with the lives of several gay men during Edwardian times in England. The movie itself was fair, however the performance by Hugh Grant is by and large the best I've personally seen him give.

Yes   |   No


Russell C.

I have not watched a movie that I have enjoyed so much as this one in a very long time. The plot and actors are great, and the story is so true to life that it keeps you glued to the screen to see how things will develope. This is a must see for lovers and the ending is wonderful. I really wish there would be a Maurice II, as I would be interested in seeing how they make their relationship work with all the things they have against them. Rent it, you will not be disapointed!!!!

Yes   |   No


Paul H.

Awesome! Must see this!

Yes   |   No


LINDA J S.

I thought it was well done. you never know when or how love will find you. and what will you do about it when it does?

Yes   |   No


Darren K.

Wonderful, I loved this movie. Highly recommend.

Yes   |   No


Roy W.

I was impressed with the performances given by Hugh Grant and Rupert Graves, but James Wilby was a bit stilted. I also felt that the script could have used some fleshing out, especially in the early scenes. I have a feeling this could have been a much better movie if it were an hour longer. I would have liked to see the personal aspects explored more thouroghly early on, and the same is true of the societal aspects later in the film. The cinematography and costumes were beautiful, but they weren't enough to make me want to sit through the movie a second time. All in all, if you're looking for a gay film, and you have already seen the really good ones, this will do.

Yes   |   No


Justin S.

I thought the movie was horrible. The acting was terrible, all the actors were hard to understand, and the plot line was depressing. This movie is not worth renting.

Yes   |   No


Sue M.

This disc only contains the theatrical trailers, dierectors thoughts, etc. ...no movie!

Yes   |   No


 
 
 

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    Member Reviews
     
    Andrew A.

    Merchant Ivory often cross the threshold beytond good to great, and does so again with this brilliantly executed redition of a novel worthy of similar praise. The acting is good. But when you add the screenplay and directing, cinemetography, scenery, and costumes, you have a great film that becomes a significant part of film history. And, the storyline becomes part of what life can be like to many who have loved and learned, suffered and risen from the dead.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Dake C.

    Merchant Ivory films are always a feast for the senses. Even if you don't relate to the story, you can't help but rejoice in the beauty of their film making. This film hit home with me for I am a gay man and have felt the pressure brought on by social stigma and unrequited love. With that said, Hugh Grant in a very early performance uses his beauty and his definitive acting skills to bring his character to life. This movie may be nearly 20 years old but the story is one of any lifetime. It takes place in the early 1900's but rings true for any generation. The film making is gentle, real and true. The performances are totally believable and the story transcends any generation. Even if you aren't gay, you can't watch this film and not be moved by their journey or there passion for each other. It may not be a film that is on everyone's mind but it definantly struck a chord with me.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Linda D.

    Adapted from a novel by E.M. Forster who also brought Room With a View and Howard's End. The movie deals with the lives of several gay men during Edwardian times in England. The movie itself was fair, however the performance by Hugh Grant is by and large the best I've personally seen him give.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Read All 19 Reviews