Os Despojos do Dia

Uma história lenta, discreta e íntima de amor não cumprido, filmada com tanto sentimento e atenção que nos deixa sem fôlego. Uma obra-prima psicológica, perfeita a cada segundo, a cada tremor, a cada gesto ou olhar entre Anthony Hopkins e Emma Thompson. (03/04/2003)

Yes, Anthony Hopkins was phenomenal, as was Emma Thompson. Hugh Grant and Christopher Reeve also delivered great performances. But even with all that talent, the story itself is so slow and subdued—just about as dry as the English temperament can be. (24/12/2011)

The little things that move you, the gazes that see into the deepest corners of the soul, and only a gesture missing for a feeling of bliss. The perfect main duo of actors elevates The Remains of the Day to the most impressive heights, and even the absence of a final climax can't bring it down. (25/07/2005)

In short and without exaggeration, The Remains of the Day can be described as an exceptionally impressive and meticulously directed film, one of those essential titles that frame the development of a certain genre and become part of its golden fund. The psychological study of a man who elevated loyalty and strict fulfillment of his duties to an absolute goal and sacrificed his personal life, including the chance to start his own family, is set in the period of the 1930s and 1940s. The story takes place not only in the luxurious residence of the British aristocracy, where the traditional social life of the upper classes was held but also in high-level political meetings that became the preparation and prelude to World War II. The owner of the estate was one of the architects of the appeasement policy. The viewer can indirectly witness how the failure leading to millions of dead and devastated continents was born during the meetings of those who considered themselves the social elite. In any case, we can take away the experience of top-notch acting by Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson. Overall impression: 95%. (20/08/2014)

The politics of appeasement as seen through the lens of (non)romance, where seductive glances, sentences of mutual affection or any confession of feelings are out of the question. All the tensions that create sensuality are hidden in the simple addresses of "mister/miss" and distant compliments of a job well done. A character study of an individual seemingly devoid of opinions, emotions and personal life, very well written and very well acted. An individual whose personality is "I am here to serve". A sophisticated and subdued "just so" look at the great themes of life and history. Despite its apparent coldness (or is it because of it?), it is first and foremost about vivid characters and steaming emotions. And that, ironically, without any emotions at all; let alone steaming ones. (16/01/2024)