The Hours
Paramount Pictures | Release Date: December 27, 2002
8.3
USER SCORE
Universal acclaim based on 224 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
185
Mixed:
22
Negative:
17
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User scoreBy dateMost helpful
10
smijatovAug 12, 2010
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is one of the masterpieces of the early 20th century, in my opinion.
Every aspect of the film works perfectly: make-up, costumes, editing, directing, the score and, of course, the acting.

Besides the perfect score by Philip Glass, one cannot but focus on the breath-taking performances that all of the actors have given us. Nicole Kidman is just mesmerising as Virginia Woolf and is literally unrecognisable. Very moving performances, that gives us a glimpse of what a genius' inner struggle could have looked like. Julianne Moore as well - perfect as the 50s housewife who goes through a life crisis of her own. Meryl Streep is just herself. Always good, with a devastating breakdown scene in her kitchen. The supporting cast is also spectacular - especially Ed Harris and Toni Collette.

And I must say that the film is very faithful to the book, which is praise-worthy. The screenplay was written so well, that one cannot but congratulate David Hare for it and wonder how he did not get more recognition for it, for he surely deserves it.
All in all - the best film of 2002, if not of the entire decade: 10/10.… Expand
4 of 4 users found this helpful40
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10
piolhosoApr 22, 2013
This film is beautiful and outstanding acting, Nicole's performance as Virginia Woolf is incredible. Love the train station scene.
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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10
EinarJ.Apr 27, 2008
After having read Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Wolfe, I decided it was time to watch the critically acclaimed, the Hours. I've heard of its supposed monotony and depressionista egotism. But, the performances are beautiful on nearly every After having read Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Wolfe, I decided it was time to watch the critically acclaimed, the Hours. I've heard of its supposed monotony and depressionista egotism. But, the performances are beautiful on nearly every level. Nicole Kidman transforms herself entirely, fearing her isolation, and her self-control. True, the characters reveal themselves as foolishly ignorant and self-important. Julianne Moore, with her crumbling visage, shows losing her artificiality which she copes with every day and plans for her own happiness and veers from any insanity. Meryl Streep portrays someone needing something, that she will never obtain for herself, almost crashing into the whole mess of things. All the characters portray that behind closed doors, things aren't as perfect as they seem. The script and score perfect the movie, along with the effectively chosen supporting cast. Classic beauty.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful
10
beingryanjudeAug 27, 2014
The Hours leaves you in awe. In awe of the brilliant performances, the impeccable writing and, certainly, the astounding direction. Literal excellence. Here's what perfection looks like. Bravo!
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
BonesMay 27, 2011
I just saw it and all I have to say is that I am really speechless.
a truly beautiful film.
one of the best films I've ever seen.
****
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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1
SteveApr 7, 2006
Typical overhyped Hollywood crap. "Let's stare at screwed up people for two hours while they talk about how screwed up they are" Oh, and they're better be gay people involved or someone might be offended. When will Hollywood get Typical overhyped Hollywood crap. "Let's stare at screwed up people for two hours while they talk about how screwed up they are" Oh, and they're better be gay people involved or someone might be offended. When will Hollywood get over themselves.… Expand
0 of 5 users found this helpful
10
fra92Mar 25, 2022
This is just one of my favorite movies. it's incredible, so sad and intense.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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7
Trev29Aug 5, 2013
A compelling intellectual film draped with dialogue that feels like poetry. Three excellent performances by three great actresses. The movie is dreary, but it has something to say.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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9
kyle20ellisMar 30, 2022
The novel is quite complex, and I think The Hours did a very worthy job of adapting it. One or two of the scenarios could have been more weighty and perhaps less clichéd and the pacing is occasionally a little slow, but overall The Hours is aThe novel is quite complex, and I think The Hours did a very worthy job of adapting it. One or two of the scenarios could have been more weighty and perhaps less clichéd and the pacing is occasionally a little slow, but overall The Hours is a stunning film, very elegant and beautiful. Not only that, it is a very poignant exploration of longing, desire and regret, conveying the lives of three women from three different eras.

The Hours looks exquisite- the film has amazing costumes, settings, cinematography and scenery. Even more impressive are the beautiful haunting score, magnificent screenplay, compelling story and strong direction. Not only that, the performances are marvellous. Nicole Kidman gives one of her best performances here, she is virtually unrecognisable as writer Virginia Woolf, the most developed and compelling character of the film. But Julianne Moore and Meryl Streep are also fantastic as the stifled 1950s housewife and the present-day lesbian book editor.

Overall, stunning film, where the pros well and truly compensate for the minor cons. 9/10 Bethany Cox… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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9
NandoP.Mar 4, 2003
A beautiful piece of art that puts you on the first row of the intense and uninterrupted drama of life of Virginia Woolf... and her legacy over the time. Even if you don't like the story of happiness conquered by intimate suffering and A beautiful piece of art that puts you on the first row of the intense and uninterrupted drama of life of Virginia Woolf... and her legacy over the time. Even if you don't like the story of happiness conquered by intimate suffering and fatal choices in life, it's almost impossible, I mean if you really love film, to not be touched by the sensitive and marvellous work of Nicole Kidman, Meryl Streep and Juliane Moore. Philip Glass and the curious screenplay are another two strong virtues of this masterpiece.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
JonatanD.Sep 20, 2005
This movie is brilliant, Kidman gave the best performance ever in a film, every move she made, every word she said every look she gave were so amazing acted, and that train scene just hilarius... Moore also shines and makes this movie This movie is brilliant, Kidman gave the best performance ever in a film, every move she made, every word she said every look she gave were so amazing acted, and that train scene just hilarius... Moore also shines and makes this movie amazing, that bath scene is really good... I liked Streep performance but its not her best thats a pitty she has very good lines "Why is everything wrong" i loved that one... Amazing screenplay and so beautifuly directed.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
NickA.Sep 8, 2006
Well where do you begin? Quite simply one of those movies that restores your faith in modern film. The performances of the three leads is irresistible although in all honesty the oscar should have gone to Julianne Moore who in my opinion Well where do you begin? Quite simply one of those movies that restores your faith in modern film. The performances of the three leads is irresistible although in all honesty the oscar should have gone to Julianne Moore who in my opinion gave the best performance of any actress in recent years. The director manages to bring the lives of the three together beautifully in an astonishing finale, the supporting cast are also wonderful and the score compliments this masterpiece beautifully, the themes it touches upon tug at your heart and leave you emotionally drained at the end but its worth it because cinema doesnt get any better than this. Put simply brilliant, sensational, a modern masterpiece.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
NadieJun 16, 2007
This movie makes you really believe that cinema is the 7th art form. The magnificent script is complemented by astonishing performances that are very well directed and edited to perfection. The cherry on top: Mr. Glass music.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
SamuelH.Apr 11, 2003
The Hours got the best ensemble in the SAG awards, probably because we don't see a single actor/ actress shine through the whole movie. Just like Chicago, Every cast members get at least some screen time. Nicole Kidman is just one of The Hours got the best ensemble in the SAG awards, probably because we don't see a single actor/ actress shine through the whole movie. Just like Chicago, Every cast members get at least some screen time. Nicole Kidman is just one of the actresses in this movie that's " It" Meryl Streep, Julianne Moore and Nicole Kidman form the perfect ensemble in expressing the fears, the purpose of living, and the reason of happiness in life. The three women's lives are all intertwined with David Hare's magnificent prose and Philip Glass' great score. Ignore what you hear about the homosexual content of this film, and people not understanding what is going on. We should acknowledge Stephen Daldry's great adaptation of Michael Cunningham's novel of the same title. … Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
DaniG.Nov 15, 2005
The best picture of the year.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
AlexR.Mar 20, 2006
This is one of the movies that either you get and love or you don
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
BernardoS.May 23, 2006
This is definetely my favourite movie ever. The performances and the script are flawless. It kept me looking at the screen without even blinking for the whole movie.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
WillPApr 27, 2009
Touching and thought-provoking. The three leads are fantastic, with an excellent supporting cast, particularly Toni Collette, Ed Harris & Miranda Richardson. The direction is great and the screenplay is perfect, especially the scene with Touching and thought-provoking. The three leads are fantastic, with an excellent supporting cast, particularly Toni Collette, Ed Harris & Miranda Richardson. The direction is great and the screenplay is perfect, especially the scene with Nicole Kidman and Stephen Dillane at the train station.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
KeithK.Mar 15, 2003
"The Hours" is nothing short of a masterpiece. It absolutely flies in the face of all expectations and challenges our very understanding of movies. For example, you know how in most movies, something happens? Well, "The Hours" bravely looks "The Hours" is nothing short of a masterpiece. It absolutely flies in the face of all expectations and challenges our very understanding of movies. For example, you know how in most movies, something happens? Well, "The Hours" bravely looks us in the eye (actually, "looking" implies more action than actually takes place, so think more metaphorically) and says, "I'm not just any movie." This is the most powerful and emotional film of this or any other year. It puts the "moving" in "moving picture," while also taking the "motion" out of "motion picture."… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
SamuelH.Apr 11, 2003
The Hours got the best ensemble in the SAG awards, probably because we don't see a single actor/ actress shine through the whole movie. Just like Chicago, Every cast members get at least some screen time. Nicole Kidman is just one of The Hours got the best ensemble in the SAG awards, probably because we don't see a single actor/ actress shine through the whole movie. Just like Chicago, Every cast members get at least some screen time. Nicole Kidman is just one of the actresses in this movie that's " It" Meryl Streep, Julianne Moore and Nicole Kidman form the perfect ensemble in expressing the fears, the purpose of living, and the reason of happiness in life. The three women's lives are all intertwined with David Hare's magnificent prose and Philip Glass' great score. Ignore what you hear about the homosexual content of this film, and people not understanding what is going on. We should acknowledge Stephen Daldry's great adaptation of Michael Cunningham's novel of the same title. … Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
SamuelH.Apr 11, 2003
The Hours got the best ensemble in the SAG awards, probably because we don't see a single actor/ actress shine through the whole movie. Just like Chicago, Every cast members get at least some screen time. Nicole Kidman is just one of The Hours got the best ensemble in the SAG awards, probably because we don't see a single actor/ actress shine through the whole movie. Just like Chicago, Every cast members get at least some screen time. Nicole Kidman is just one of the actresses in this movie that's " It" Meryl Streep, Julianne Moore and Nicole Kidman form the perfect ensemble in expressing the fears, the purpose of living, and the reason of happiness in life. The three women's lives are all intertwined with David Hare's magnificent prose and Philip Glass' great score. Ignore what you hear about the homosexual content of this film, and people not understanding what is going on. We should acknowledge Stephen Daldry's great adaptation of Michael Cunningham's novel of the same title. … Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
CaseyA.May 16, 2006
Easily one of the best movies of all-time.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
1jesper1Oct 31, 2011
A fine crafted drama picture which contains great performances from it's cast. The plot line never gets confusing and is blended together magnificently. Nicole Kidman's portrayal of Virginia Wolf is a miraculous accomplishment and we can feelA fine crafted drama picture which contains great performances from it's cast. The plot line never gets confusing and is blended together magnificently. Nicole Kidman's portrayal of Virginia Wolf is a miraculous accomplishment and we can feel the pain and frustration of Virgina through Nicole. Julianne Moore plays the depressed mother brilliantly well. Meryl Streep is also good, but gets easily overshadowed by Ed Harris, who does the performance of a lifetime.

In Small roles Toni Collette & John. C Reilly both shines radiantly.… Expand
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5
SpangleJan 8, 2017
The Hours tells the story of three women: Virginia Woolf (Nicole Kidman), Laura Brown (Julianne Moore), and Clarissa Vaughan (Meryl Streep). Woolf, obviously the well-known and greatly revered artist, is known for her struggles with mentalThe Hours tells the story of three women: Virginia Woolf (Nicole Kidman), Laura Brown (Julianne Moore), and Clarissa Vaughan (Meryl Streep). Woolf, obviously the well-known and greatly revered artist, is known for her struggles with mental illness and depression. The Hours shows her writing Mrs. Dalloway, a novel about a woman who appears happy on the surface, but she is really not happy. Laura reads the novel thirty years later in 1951 suburban California. In many ways, she is Mrs. Dalloway and the novel has a profound impact upon her life. However, it is Clarissa who lives out the life of Mrs. Dalloway in 2001 New York. A deeply dark and depressing film, The Hours may be a bit too emotionally distant to really resonate, but it is a compelling character study amplified by absolutely stunning performances across the board.

First, we have Virginia Woolf. Book ending the film with her suicide in 1941, director Stephen Daldry takes a reserved approach in telling the story of Woolf for much of the film, except at the end. Disappearing after a visit from a friend, Virginia is found by her husband at the train station, desperately trying to return to London. In this scene, Nicole Kidman honestly steals the show. Moore and Streep are brilliant, but damn. In talking to her husband, she spills her guts and explains the pain of living with the illnesses that she has. As he said that it is hard to manage her illnesses and moods, she heartbreakingly describes the pain of actually living with these issues. Undoubtedly manic depressive, Kidman's pained description of living with these problems is so powerfully acted, both in her delivery and tone, as well as being wonderfully written. Daldry has an issue with on the nose dialogue and this film certainly suffers from it in spots, but this monologue is nuanced, beautiful, and exquisitely executed all around with nothing but a close shot of Kidman to tell the tale. Of course, her story eloquently transitions to Laura Brown in 1951s California. Daldry pain stakingly creates these connections and, though Kidman does not share the screen with her counterparts, there is a match cut at one point. As Woolf "entertains" her friend's children, she lays down next to a dead bird and stares into it with reaction shots of both her face and the bird's. After a reaction shot of Kidman, the film transitions to a reaction and match cut of Laura laying on a bed. Daldry may be obvious and manipulative, but here, he is relatively subtle and uses the editing to tell the tale. A truly remarkable moment of the film.

Portraying the broken Laura Brown, Julianne Moore is brilliant. The most reserved performance of all of the characters, Laura floats by in life. Married to Dan (John C. Reilly) with one son and a daughter on the way, Laura is depressed. Reading Mrs. Dalloway, she no doubt sees herself in the film and, just as with Virginia Woolf, is at the very least bisexual. In 1950s America, however, this is unthinkable, especially in the suburbs. Contemplating suicide, she eventually opts to return to her life, have her child, and leave her family. Described as a "monster" by some and in direct conflict with the belief, expressed by her friend/crush Kitty (Toni Collette), that being a mother is what makes a woman, a woman, Laura can no longer live the lie. To live the lie is to die and she wants to live. Thus, she must leave to avoid being suffocated by a man she is not love and by children she did not really want. It is hard to defend Laura, honestly. Her actions are partially explained by her depression and lack of interest in the world, but hardly defensible. To leave your children is horrible and selfish. The scorn one earns for this is well deserved, especially after seeing scenes with her and her son Richard (Jack Rovello). Sensing that something is wrong when his mom leaves him at a friend's house, Richard panic-strickenly chases after her car. Though she does not kill herself, just as Mrs. Dalloway does not die, Richard knows his mom is still off. Dan, in classic John C. Reilly fashion, is unaware of anything. Moore's role in the film leads into the final segment with Clarissa Vaughn, portrayed by Streep. Now 2001, Richard is a grown man and a revered poet and author, but he is dying of AIDS. Cared for by past lover Clarissa, Richard is near death as Clarissa lives out the plot of Mrs. Dalloway.

Just as in the novel, the poet must die, but not Mrs. Dalloway. Richard, of course, does not survive the film, though Clarissa does. This is the section with the most prominent homosexuality as Richard is gay and separated by his ex-boyfriend Louis Waters (Jeff Daniels). Clarissa herself lives with her girlfriend Sally (Allison Janney) and daughter Julia (Claire Danes). Approaching a party that she is hosting to celebrate Richard's success in writing a novel (which took 10 years to write, she puts on a happy face for the world, but is deeply unhappy.… Expand
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10
IvanVecvilMar 10, 2013
Amazing movie who was robbed in the Oscars, instead Chicago, it should have won Best Picture. Perfect direction and performances of every each of the actor, mainly Kidman and Moore.
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9
ancientscreamAug 6, 2013
A film that really succeeds in its attempt to time slice and stitch multiple stories across time together unlike so many others that fail at this, solidified by a strong cast and acting at a high level Meryl Streeps performance wasA film that really succeeds in its attempt to time slice and stitch multiple stories across time together unlike so many others that fail at this, solidified by a strong cast and acting at a high level Meryl Streeps performance was mesmerising and Julianne's also superb, Kidmans prosthetic nose as Virginia Wolfe was a little distracting, yet she provides such a good performance she acts her way out of you noticing it after a while, Ed Harris pulls out an amazing perfomance in this film.

In fact to be honest this is one of those rare films in which every actor seems to have simultaneously magically brought their A game into a single confluence of genius. Fantastic work all round, everyone who worked on this film should rightfully be proud of it, great casting, fantastic writing with believable dialog, believable characterisations. A strong film in which both users and critics reviews are seemingly in agreement a good sign, if you only like action or violent films then don't view, if you want to see a portayal of the range and depth of human psychological existence and life then you will enjoy this film. Philip Greens soundtrack is masterful and moving, this film is what the 'art' of cinema was invented for, beware it may well move you to tears as real human existence can.… Expand
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8
FranzHcriticNov 5, 2014
A script that can balance out three different story lines efficiently is remarkable, and the acting by the three leads is as human as they are flawed. There is this uncomfortable atmosphere, intentional, to display the depth of the charactersA script that can balance out three different story lines efficiently is remarkable, and the acting by the three leads is as human as they are flawed. There is this uncomfortable atmosphere, intentional, to display the depth of the characters and how they feel. This is character study at its finest.… Expand
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8
darkbloodshed13Jan 28, 2020
The Hours is a film directed by Stephan Daldry and is about 3 different women in 3 different time periods and their struggling depression. This film is one of the most depressing films I have ever seen, and I mean that in the best possibleThe Hours is a film directed by Stephan Daldry and is about 3 different women in 3 different time periods and their struggling depression. This film is one of the most depressing films I have ever seen, and I mean that in the best possible way. It gives us relatable characters dealing with relatable problems. The story is presented in such a way that we have to feel exactly what they are feeling. Plus the music composition, which is done by Philip Glass, is used brilliantly. Add that to some great performances and you've got yourself a great film. However this movie does have one major flaw in that one of our leads, Laura Brown played by Julianne Moore, isn't given a reason to be depressed. She has a family, a husband who loves her and good friends. So why is she depressed? I have no clue. Yet this problem can easily be overlooked thanks to the other great stuff in this film. In conclusion if your looking for a true drama in every sense of the word than this is the film for you.… Expand
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3
FarnoodJJun 17, 2023
The film is suffering from some very big weaknesses in the storytelling. The dialogue, for instance, are pretty cheap most of the time. The character exposition is too much reliant on the speech that is otherwise mediocre at best.
TheThe film is suffering from some very big weaknesses in the storytelling. The dialogue, for instance, are pretty cheap most of the time. The character exposition is too much reliant on the speech that is otherwise mediocre at best.
The characterization is pretty weak. The little boy (who later becomes the AIDS diagnosed patient) acts like a mere house pet. Not developed at all. No wonder he is still a piece of meat in adulthood.… Expand
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9
Rcavey92212Jul 23, 2020
When I first saw this film I had no idea what i was in for, i dont think i completely understood it. Watching it all these years later it just completely blows me away. Directed by Stephen Daldry (Billy Elliot) and based on the bestseller.When I first saw this film I had no idea what i was in for, i dont think i completely understood it. Watching it all these years later it just completely blows me away. Directed by Stephen Daldry (Billy Elliot) and based on the bestseller. The Hours tells the epic tale of three women living in separate decades but connected. Nicole Kidman stars as Virginia Wolf the amazing writer who suffered from a deep depression that rules her days and nights. Julianne Moore is a housewife in the 50s obligated to her husband and hiding her true self and sexuality. Meryl Streep stars as a woman in a lesbian relationship organizing a party for her dying friend. The movie links their stories as they go through each day trying desperately to survive for the people they love. It's an amazing, epic, powerful film that explores a story we've never seen. Meryl Streep, Julianne Moore and Ed Harris deliver award worthy performances. But the film belongs to a mesmerizing Nicole Kidman who deservedly won the Academy Award. Allison Janney, Claire Danes, Stephen Dillane, Miranda Richardson, John C. Reilly, Toni Colette and Jeff Daniels also make for a solid supporting cast.

Budget: $25M
Box Office: $108.8M

9/10… Expand
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8
FilipeNetoFeb 14, 2021
There are few writers in the 20'th century who have had lives as troubled and tragic as Virginia Woolf. Born in a golden cradle, she was sexually abused by her older siblings to the point of becoming depressed and having developedThere are few writers in the 20'th century who have had lives as troubled and tragic as Virginia Woolf. Born in a golden cradle, she was sexually abused by her older siblings to the point of becoming depressed and having developed schizophrenia and a repressed bisexuality. A short life, which she decided to end by drowning in a river in 1941.

This film is not about this writer, but it does use her life and one of her most notable books, "Mrs. Dalloway", to tells a day in the life of three women from three different times: a day in the life of Virginia Woolf in 1923, a day in the life of a married woman in 1951 and a day in the life of a woman preparing a party in honor of a friend, about to die of AIDS, in 2001. One is the writer of the novel, another is a reader who will read it, and the other is a woman who, due to her attitudes, will embody the main character of the book.

It is a very profound, psychological, often dark film, that addresses fear and trauma, weaknesses, depressions and repressed homosexuality. The protagonists, for different reasons and in their own way, are depressed women, who suffer in silence while the world goes around them and try to play their social role and correspond to what everyone expects of them. However, there is always a moment of break, where the urge to throw the towel on the floor is irresistible. In spite of everything, the film is a little lukewarm, slow and almost half-enveloping. Another problem is the inability, on the part of the audience, to like the characters. I, at least, did not feel emotionally involved in the film.

The cast is headed by three grand actresses: Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman and Julianne Moore. The three fulfil their audience perfectly, with well-succeeded interpretations. However, as I said, they are distant performances, which put a wall between the audience and the film. It is nothing that takes merit from the actresses, but it does not help the film to become pleasant, and it is a film that I would hardly see again, if I had a choice.

Technically, it is a very well-made film, but it has discrete production values. It has a clear and well-built cinematography, good sets and costumes, which help us to see and distinguish the different times and contexts. I especially liked the period automobiles that were used, and the set of Virginia Woolf's house, full of decorative details and lovingly elaborated. And I cannot fail to highlight the wonderful soundtrack, particularly the suite "The Hours", composed by Philip Glass.… Expand
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4
KenRJul 26, 2021
Where is best to start with a complex, convoluted work like 'The Hours'? The Novelist Michael Cunningham tends to infuse his own homosexual view of relationships into his characters and the reader. TIME magazine's Richard Schickel'sWhere is best to start with a complex, convoluted work like 'The Hours'? The Novelist Michael Cunningham tends to infuse his own homosexual view of relationships into his characters and the reader. TIME magazine's Richard Schickel's perceptive review of this film version, leans toward being perhaps the most accurate; he summed it up as being; 'Agenda Driven'. Screenplay writer David Hare's jigsaw-like adaption makes excellent use of cinematic creativity - allowing bisexual director Stephen Daldry to juxtapose the inter-related time shifts beautifully indeed. It's via this technique we're best able to see director, writer, editor, and photographer, working so perfectly together.

David Hare is no stranger to the theme of suicide. His own written and directed (sadly, rarely screened) 1985 classic “Wetherby” ’85 is testimony to his sensitivity and skill with this subject. As for the variety of interconnected characters, there's an uncomfortable ambiguity that could make it difficult for some viewers to fully connect with them. Firstly, we have Julianne Moore’s Laura as a classic example: What earlier goals had this woman set for her life before marriage? She has what billions of less fortunate women the world over would gladly trade places for - a comfortable home, caring husband, an adoring 6 yr old son (marvelously played by young Jack Rovello), a daughter on the way, clothes, car, and money to spend. The only solid suggestion the writers offer for her intense suicidal tendencies comes during a visit by Kitty (Toni Collette) her female neighbor - Laura plants a passionate kiss square on the mouth of this very surprised woman - could Laura have been a lesbian all along? - Kitty, who had just finished telling Laura that she feels like a failure because of her inability to conceive, then looks up all doe-eyed at Laura and says 'you’re such a warm woman'...surprise! could it perhaps be that all these years Laura's neighbor may also have been a lesbian?. Perhaps we should look further.... A similar excuse is drawn up for Meryl Streep's Clarissa. She's in a lesbian partnership but cannot let go of strong feelings she holds for an old relationship she had with Richard (Richard is the now homosexual son of our above-mentioned Laura, and she had abandoned him and his sister years earlier!) This brings to question some theories on same-sex partnering...Is Richard really a homosexual or is he simply avoiding a serious relationship with Clarissa (the woman he constantly claims to love), could Richard's indecision be out of fear that Clarissa might also abandon him as his mother did?. Is Clarissa in fact a true biological lesbian? None of these issues are convincingly made clear.

How many may choose homosexual relationships, not for biological reasons, but from fear or misunderstandings? These choices have the potential to introduce serious dilemmas as people mature into deeper understandings of themselves. Here, we witness their decisions bring deadly consequences for all involved. Even Richard's male lover admits to Clarissa that he never felt freer than the day he left him! So, what does poor Richard get out of all this? - deadly AIDs and yet more suicide! This brings us to the unfortunate writer of the original novel (Mrs Dalloway) Virginia Woolf; (nicely played by an unrecognizable Nicole Kidman) If we look back over Woolf's life, she has tragically admitted she and her sister were abused by their half brothers ~ She was totally devastated by the death of her parents and brother ~ She also had a lesbian dalliance that soon petered out ~ In the film, Virginia goes on to admit the only time she ever felt fulfilled and at her happiest - was in her relationship with her beloved husband. Yet again, the novelist (Cunningham) rather bizarrely seems to be offering up suggestions that a lesbian relationship might still be her possible savior. Somehow this all has a tendency to look and feel like over-simplistic agenda based reasoning - rather than genuine relationship philosophy.

With stylish direction by Stephen Daldry ~ marvelous editing by Peter Boyle (AKF '92's neglected “Into the West”) ~ dressed to the hilt with so many stunning performances (too difficult to say who’s best) ~ then add Irish born director of photography Seamus McGarvey (known for the odd 'Harry Dean Stanton Partly Fiction') providing dazzling images ~ now wrap it all up in Philip Glass's haunting, insistently minimalist but melodic music score. What you end up with, could be one of the most compelling movies that you just may find all too difficult to watch again. The films surprising success could be attributed to all the above elements but, there have been many other powerful, introspectively themed movies that were unfairly neglected, why? The Hours could prove rewarding for those who can take the intensity - for others; the seconds, minutes, and hours might possibly seem like weeks.… Expand
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10
AlonsinxxxApr 16, 2019
Great performance of Nicole Kidman and grat soundtrack. I highly recommend to see it.
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6
geewahJan 13, 2021
Some great performances from the three main leads, but that doesn't save this movie from being a borefest at times.
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