Still holds up nicely after all this time with its study of class structure in 1910 London amidst the introduction of the automobile.
Great acting by all, especially Hopkins as Henry Wilcox, Emma Thompson as Margaret Schlegal, Helena Bonham Carter as her younger sister Helen, and Vanessa Redgrave as the first Mrs. Wilcox.
The look and atmosphere of the film is spot-on in terms of 1910 details including the houses, the cars, the country, the city, and the settings for the three classes featured.
The script is well-adapted by Ruth Prawer Jhabvala from E.M. Forster’s novel. The speeches reflect character, themes, and conflicts realistically.
The music of Richard Robbins runs throughout the picture underscoring the atmosphere and conflicts, keeping up the emotionality of the characters in particular.
The direction is solid and the ending unfolds seamlessly, but dramatically leading to a surprisingly harmonious just deserts ending. Quite a feat after the pace of the rest of the movie. A satisfying ending and unique resolution.
Howards End was one of the best movies of the 1990s and it deservedly won three AAs. The double disc Criterion Collection version (shown above) has lots of interesting extras. highly recommended.