Wilde
Seen it?1997 | 118 min | Drama, History
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It earned strong reviews (71% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a box office loss. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for history buffs. If you loved Kiss of the Spider Woman or Braveheart, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 58 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: expect sex.
Oscar Wilde is a married playwright who has occasionally indulged his weakness for male suitors. After much toil, Wilde debuts 'The Importance of Being Earnest' in London, and a chat at the theatre with Lord Alfred 'Bosie' Douglas leads to a full-fledged romance. However, this affair leads to a legal dispute with Lord Alfred's oppressive father, the Marquess of Queensberry, and, given the local anti-gay laws, Wilde is jailed. Wilde's vast intellect helps him survive until he regains his freedom.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
71% on Rotten Tomatoes, 70 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
6.6 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$2 million worldwide on a $10 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 74K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Brian Gilbert
- Stephen FryOscar Wilde
- Jude LawLord Alfred 'Bosie' Douglas
- Vanessa RedgraveLady Speranza Wilde
- Jennifer EhleConstance Lloyd Wilde
- Gemma JonesLady Queensberry
- Judy ParfittLady Mount-Temple
- Michael SheenRobbie Ross
- Zoë WanamakerAda Leverson 'Sphinx'
- Tom WilkinsonMarquess of Queensberry
- Ioan GruffuddJohn Gray