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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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
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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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.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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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
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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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
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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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
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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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
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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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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10
AlonsinxxxApr 16, 2019
Great performance of Nicole Kidman and grat soundtrack. I highly recommend to see it.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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