The Remains of the Day Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A butler’s rigid commitment to his job and a Nazi-sympathizing boss causes him to miss out on love with the head housekeeper, making the whole movie a very fancy ‘missed connections’ ad.

🍿 The Remains of the Day: Detailed Plot Synopsis

1950s: Stevens’ Road Trip

In postwar Britain, Stevens, the butler of Darlington Hall, receives a letter from Miss Kenton, a former housekeeper. The letter hints at her failing marriage and nostalgia for her time at the hall. Intrigued, and with Darlington Hall now owned by the American Congressman Mr. Lewis, Stevens embarks on a road trip to visit her. He takes permission from Lewis, who allows him the use of his Daimler.

1930s: Darlington Hall and Miss Kenton’s Arrival

The film flashes back to the 1930s when Miss Kenton arrives at Darlington Hall. Lord Darlington is using the hall for political meetings, aiming to influence European policy towards Germany. Stevens, a loyal and perfectionist butler, interviews her, emphasizing the importance of professionalism and the prohibition of fraternization among staff.

Growing Tension and Suppressed Feelings

Stevens clashes with Miss Kenton, but their relationship warms over time. Miss Kenton attempts to connect with Stevens, but his emotional repression proves to be a significant barrier. She catches him reading a romance novel, an intimate moment that reveals his hidden sensitivity but is quickly shut down. The growing romantic tension between them is evident, yet unacknowledged by Stevens.

Darlington’s Nazi Sympathies and Their Impact

Lord Darlington begins to show his pro-Nazi sympathies, leading to controversial decisions, such as the dismissal of two Jewish maids. Miss Kenton is deeply disturbed by this and threatens to resign. Stevens remains loyal to Darlington, even when he disagrees with his views. This loyalty and his commitment to service overshadow his personal feelings and moral concerns.

Miss Kenton’s Marriage and Departure

Frustrated by Stevens’ inability to express his feelings, Miss Kenton forms a relationship with another man, Tom Benn. She ultimately marries him and leaves Darlington Hall, much to Stevens’ unspoken regret. Before her departure, she confronts Stevens, expressing her frustration with his emotional coldness, but he remains unmoved, prioritizing his duty above all else.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Stevens (Anthony Hopkins): A meticulous and emotionally repressed butler whose unwavering dedication to service leads to personal sacrifices and missed opportunities.
• Miss Kenton (Emma Thompson): The spirited housekeeper who challenges Stevens’ emotional reserve and seeks a deeper connection.
• Lord Darlington (James Fox): The well-meaning but misguided lord who is drawn into Nazi sympathies, leading to his downfall.
• Lewis (Christopher Reeve): The American congressman who purchases Darlington Hall and represents a new, pragmatic perspective.
• Father (Peter Vaughan): Stevens’s aging father, who also works as a butler and whose declining health forces Stevens to confront difficult decisions.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Stevens: “In my philosophy, Mr. Benn, a man cannot call himself well-contented until he has done all he can to be of service to his employer.” – Stevens explains his dedication to service and the importance he places on his employer’s moral stature.
• Stevens: “What is any life if not a series of preparations for something yet to come?” – Stevens muses on his life, revealing his constant deferral of personal happiness for future fulfillment.
• Miss Kenton: “I gave my notice this morning.” – Miss Kenton says this to Stevens as a desperate attempt to see if Stevens would confess to her.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $15,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $23,237,911
• Worldwide Gross: $23,240,144

💥 The Remains of the Day Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I watched this film last night, and wow, it totally got to me. It’s like a slow burn of sadness. Anthony Hopkins is amazing, the way he plays a man who can’t show any feelings is incredible! There’s this one scene where Emma Thompson is trying to get him to admit he cares, and it’s just heartbreaking because you know he does, but he just can’t say it! Also, the whole Nazi thing in the background adds a layer of ‘what were they thinking’ to the whole thing. It’s not a feel-good movie, but it’s definitely one that sticks with you.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of period dramas”
  • “Those who appreciate nuanced character studies”
  • “Viewers interested in historical settings and social commentary”
  • “Lovers of British cinema”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Themes of repressed emotions”
  • “Brief discussion of Nazi sympathies”
  • “Mature themes of unfulfilled relationships”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A delicately wrought adaptation of Ishiguro’s novel. Hopkins delivers a masterclass in understatement, while Thompson provides a spark of warmth. It may be slow-paced, but the emotional depth resonates long after the credits roll. The movie is a poignant meditation on duty, regret, and the stifling effects of repression.
• The New York Times: “A superb adaptation. Ivory and Jhabvala perfectly capture the novel’s quiet intensity and moral ambiguities. Anthony Hopkins gives a career defining performance. The film is a haunting portrayal of a man who sacrifices personal happiness to his unwavering sense of duty. A masterclass in storytelling and acting.
• RogerEbert.com: “The Remains of the Day is a masterpiece. It’s a film about missed opportunities and the heavy price of conformity. Hopkins and Thompson are electric together. Ivory directs with grace and precision. The film creates a world that is both beautiful and tragic. A must-see for anyone who appreciates intelligent and emotionally resonant cinema.

Audience Reactions

Hopkins and Thompson’s on-screen chemistry is absolutely captivating; their performances are simply outstanding.: Viewers consistently praise the subtle, nuanced performances of Hopkins and Thompson, highlighting the film’s ability to evoke profound emotions despite its restrained approach.

The beautiful cinematography perfectly captures the atmosphere of the English countryside and the grand Darlington Hall.: The film’s visual beauty is a frequent point of praise, with many appreciating how the setting enhances the story’s mood and themes.

Overall Consensus: The Remains of the Day is a critically acclaimed drama, celebrated for its outstanding performances, elegant direction, and poignant exploration of duty, regret, and repressed emotions. It’s a must-see for fans of period pieces and character-driven stories.

Awards

1. BAFTA Awards (Best Actor)- 1994

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Anthony Hopkins prepared for his role by observing Cyril Dickman, a real-life butler who had served at Buckingham Palace for 50 years, learning the importance of quiet efficiency and emotional restraint.”
• “The film’s elegant setting, Darlington Hall, was primarily filmed at Dyrham Park in Gloucestershire, England, showcasing the grandeur of a historic English estate.”
• “Ruth Prawer Jhabvala’s screenplay stayed remarkably faithful to Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel, capturing the book’s understated emotion and complex themes, although some minor details were altered for cinematic pacing.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Remains of the Day?

The Remains of the Day is available for streaming on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video (purchase or rent) and Apple TV (purchase or rent). Check local listings for potential broadcast options. Physical copies (DVD, Blu-ray) can be purchased from major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Remains of the Day, you might like these similar films:

• Howard’s End (1992): Another Merchant Ivory production that explores class differences and repressed emotions in early 20th-century England.
• A Room with a View (1985): Also directed by James Ivory, it examines social conventions and personal desires in a changing Edwardian England, but with a more romantic tone.
• Gosford Park (2001): Features a similar upstairs/downstairs dynamic in a British country house setting, revealing secrets and societal tensions.
• Brooklyn (2015): Like Stevens, the main character is torn between duty and personal desire in a story about immigration and identity.

🛒 The Remains of the Day Related Products

• Kazuo Ishiguro Collection: Remains of the Day, Never Let Me Go, Klara and the Sun: Dive deeper into the world of Kazuo Ishiguro with this collection of his acclaimed novels. Explore themes of duty, love, and humanity through his distinctive prose.
• Downton Abbey: The Complete Collection [Blu-ray]: Relive the drama and elegance of Downton Abbey, a series praised for its similar themes of British aristocracy and the lives of servants during the early 20th century. High production values.
• Afternoon Tea Set for 4, Ceramic Teapot, Tea Cups, Saucers and Teaspoons Set with Tea Strainer, Vintage Tea Set: Enjoy the elegant British Tradition. Fine Bone China.
• Royal Albert Old Country Roses 100 Year Teacup and Saucer Set: Bring the refined elegance of a British manor into your home with this exquisitely crafted tea cup and saucer set. Perfect for enjoying a spot of tea in style.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Remains of the Day features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Opening Titles” – performed by Richard Robbins
• “The Photograph” – performed by Richard Robbins
• “Blue Moon” – performed by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Cinema Education – Schizoid Personality Disorder

Do you find Anthony Hopkins’ character in ‘The Remains of the Day’ intriguing? This video explores an in-depth analysis of his unusual personality and sheds new light on the character’s motivations.

The Remains of the Day (3/8) Movie CLIP – Room of Amateurs (1993) HD

This scene stood out to me in the movie. It’s a powerful moment where the characters engage in a discussion about international affairs and ethics. I’m curious to hear your thoughts on it.

A Racy Book – The Remains of the Day (5/8) Movie CLIP (1993) HD

I always find it fascinating to see the dynamics between characters in movies. This clip shows a moment of tension and unspoken attraction between the butler and the housekeeper.

✨ Rate