Howards End Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two sisters, one house, a dead will, and an umbrella theft leads to a chain of chaotic events, proving that inheritance drama was intense even before reality TV.

🍿 Howards End: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Intertwined Fates of Three Families

Howards End explores the complex relationships between three families in Edwardian England: the wealthy Wilcoxes, the intellectual Schlegels, and the struggling Basts. The Schlegel sisters, Margaret and Helen, represent progressive thought and artistic appreciation, while the Wilcoxes embody traditional values and business acumen. Leonard Bast and his wife Jackie represent the working class, striving for a better life but facing societal barriers. The film begins with Helen’s brief engagement to Paul Wilcox, highlighting the initial interactions between the Schlegels and Wilcoxes. This encounter sets the stage for the exploration of class differences and contrasting worldviews that permeate the narrative.

Ruth Wilcox’s Unconventional Wish

A pivotal moment occurs when Ruth Wilcox befriends Margaret Schlegel and, on her deathbed, expresses her wish to leave Howards End to Margaret. This unconventional desire is met with resistance from the Wilcox family, who view Margaret as an outsider. The family’s decision to disregard Ruth’s wish underscores their adherence to societal norms and their discomfort with unconventional ideas. This act of defiance sets in motion a chain of events that further complicates the relationships between the families and highlights the themes of inheritance, legacy, and the clash between tradition and progress.

Margaret’s Marriage and Its Consequences

Following Ruth’s death, Henry Wilcox unexpectedly proposes to Margaret, leading to a marriage that further blurs the lines between the Schlegel and Wilcox families. Margaret’s decision to marry Henry, despite their differing values, reflects her desire to bridge the gap between intellect and practicality. However, this union also creates tension and conflict, particularly with Helen, who vehemently opposes the match. Margaret’s attempt to reconcile the opposing forces within her own life and within society forms a central theme of the film.

Leonard Bast’s Tragic Downfall

The Schlegel sisters’ attempts to assist Leonard Bast, a struggling clerk, have unintended and devastating consequences. Their well-meaning advice, based on information from Henry Wilcox, leads to Leonard’s unemployment and further descent into poverty. This highlights the limitations of philanthropy and the complexities of social reform. Helen’s passionate involvement with Leonard and her subsequent affair further complicates matters, leading to a tragic climax that underscores the consequences of class prejudice and societal expectations.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Margaret Schlegel (Emma Thompson): An intelligent and compassionate woman, Margaret bridges the gap between the Schlegel sisters’ intellectualism and the Wilcox family’s pragmatism, ultimately marrying Henry Wilcox.
• Henry Wilcox (Anthony Hopkins): A wealthy and pragmatic businessman, Henry represents the conservative values of the Edwardian upper class and eventually marries Margaret Schlegel.
• Helen Schlegel (Helena Bonham Carter): Passionate and idealistic, Helen champions social justice and develops a close relationship with Leonard Bast, leading to tragic consequences.
• Ruth Wilcox (Vanessa Redgrave): The ethereal and deeply connected matriarch of the Wilcox family, Ruth forms a bond with Margaret and desires for her to inherit Howards End.
• Leonard Bast (Samuel West): A struggling, intellectual clerk striving for self-improvement, Leonard becomes entangled with the Schlegel sisters and suffers from the consequences of their well-intentioned but misguided help.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Margaret Schlegel: “We are not concerned with the very poor. Only those who are near enough to trouble us.” – Margaret reflects on the specific segment of society whose plight occupies their attention, highlighting class awareness.
• Ruth Wilcox: “I can’t die till I see Howards End again.” – Ruth expresses her deep connection to the family estate, underscoring its importance as a symbol of heritage and belonging.
• Henry Wilcox: “The poor are always with us, and one cannot be universal.” – Henry expresses a detached, somewhat fatalistic view towards poverty, illustrating his capitalist mindset and lack of empathy.
• Margaret Schlegel: “You are a business man. You will never let yourself understand the weakness of money.” – Margaret challenges Henry’s materialist worldview, suggesting his inability to grasp the non-financial aspects of life and human connections.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $8 million
• Domestic Gross: $26.1 million
• Worldwide Gross: $26.5 million

💥 Howards End Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely drawn into the world of ‘Howards End.’ The story beautifully captures the nuances of Edwardian society, and the relationships between the characters felt so real. Emma Thompson’s performance was outstanding, and I especially loved the scenes at Howards End itself—the house felt like a character. This is one of the finest period dramas ever.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of period dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in social commentary”
  • “Those who appreciate literary adaptations”
  • “Admirers of Emma Thompson, Anthony Hopkins, and Helena Bonham Carter”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief scenes of violence”
  • “Themes of adultery”
  • “Death”
  • “Class prejudice”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A beautifully realized adaptation of Forster’s novel, ‘Howards End’ elegantly explores class and societal expectations. Emma Thompson’s performance is a standout, capturing the essence of Margaret Schlegel with grace and intelligence.
• The New York Times: “Ivory’s direction brings Forster’s characters to life with remarkable depth. ‘Howards End’ is a triumph of storytelling, delving into the complexities of human relationships amidst a changing social landscape. The cinematography and period detail create an immersive experience.
• Chicago Sun-Times: “A masterfully crafted film, ‘Howards End’ resonates with poignant themes of connection and understanding. The ensemble cast delivers exceptional performances, capturing the nuances of each character with authenticity. The musical score enhances the emotional impact.

Audience Reactions

Emma Thompson’s captivating performance: Viewers lauded Emma Thompson’s portrayal of Margaret Schlegel for its depth, intelligence, and emotional resonance, leading to her Oscar win.

The detailed and immersive historical setting: Audiences praised the film for its rich production design, authentic costumes, and stunning cinematography, which brought Edwardian England to life.

The poignant and thought-provoking themes: Many viewers appreciated the film’s exploration of class, morality, and the struggle for connection in a rapidly changing society.

Overall Consensus: ‘Howards End’ is widely praised for its excellent performances, beautiful production, and insightful exploration of complex themes. It remains a beloved classic of British cinema.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Actress)- 1993
2. Academy Award (Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium)- 1993
3. Academy Award (Best Art Direction-Set Decoration)- 1993
4. BAFTA Film Award (Best Film)- 1993
5. Golden Globe (Best Motion Picture – Drama)- 1993

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Emma Thompson won the Best Actress Oscar for her performance in Howards End, making it the only acting Oscar won for a Merchant Ivory film.”
• “The film was shot on location in various parts of England, including London and Oxfordshire, to capture the authentic Edwardian atmosphere.”
• “The production team went to great lengths to ensure the costumes and set designs accurately reflected the social classes and time period depicted in the film.”

🖥️ How to Watch Howards End?

Howards End can be streamed or purchased on various platforms. Check services like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and other digital retailers for availability. Availability may vary by region, so confirm before renting or buying. Some platforms may offer options to rent or purchase the film in HD or 4K.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Howards End, you might like these similar films:

• A Room with a View (1985): Another Merchant Ivory production based on an E.M. Forster novel, exploring social conventions and personal growth in Edwardian England.
• The Remains of the Day (1993): Also starring Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson, this film examines class, duty, and repressed emotions in pre-World War II Britain.
• Gosford Park (2001): A murder mystery set in a British country house, exploring class dynamics and upstairs-downstairs relationships.
• Downton Abbey (2010-2015): A television series depicting the lives of an aristocratic British family and their servants in the early 20th century, exploring similar themes of class and social change.

🛒 Howards End Related Products

• E.M. Forster Collection: A Room with a View / Howards End / Maurice (Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: This Criterion Collection Blu-ray set offers high-quality versions of three classic E.M. Forster adaptations, providing fans with a comprehensive and immersive viewing experience.
• Howards End (Penguin Classics): A new copy of the original novel with cover from the movie poster.
• English Tea Set for Adults, Tea Sets with Teapot, Coffee Cup Set Service for 6, Porcelain Teacup Set, Cups & Saucers Set with Gold Trim for Home Kitchen Wedding Gift: This English Tea Set captures the elegance and charm of the Edwardian Era, complete with delicate porcelain, gold trim, and refined designs reminiscent of the tea parties in the movie. Elevates your tea drinking experience with traditional style and sophistication.
• Edwardian Women’s Dresses for Cosplay: Authentic to the dress code of the movie.

🎧 Soundtrack

Howards End features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Bridal Lullaby” – performed by Percy Grainger
• “Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony” – performed by Ludwig van Beethoven

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Emma Thompson Wins Best Actress: 1993 Oscars

See Emma Thompson’s amazing reaction to winning Best Actress for Howards End at the Oscars! It’s such a genuine and heartwarming moment, definitely worth a watch.

Howards End (1992) bonus video.

Ever wonder what it was like on the set of Howards End? This behind-the-scenes video gives you a sneak peek with interviews from the cast – it’s super interesting to hear their thoughts on the film!

Critics’ Picks: Howards End – nytimes.com/video

Want to know what the critics thought of Howards End? A.O. Scott’s review for the New York Times is insightful and breaks down the film really well, it might change how you see it!

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