The French Lieutenant's Woman
Seen it?1981 | 124 min | Drama, Romance, History
Saturday SpecialWhy it’s a Saturday Special
It collected a shelf of major awards and it earned strong reviews (83% on Rotten Tomatoes). A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for romantics and history buffs. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Emotional (bring tissues), warm and romantic.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 4 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
In this story-within-a-story, Anna is an actress starring opposite Mike in a period piece about the forbidden love between their respective characters, Sarah and Charles. Both actors are involved in serious relationships, but the passionate nature of the script leads to an off-camera love affair as well. While attempting to maintain their composure and professionalism, Anna and Mike struggle to come to terms with their infidelity.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
83% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
6.5 out of 10
- AwardsVery strong
Won 1 Golden Globe: Golden Globe Awards: Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama. Won 3 BAFTAs: British Academy Film Awards: Best Actress in a Leading Role, British Academy Film Awards: Best Original Film Music, British Academy Film Awards: Best Sound. Also nominated for 5 Oscars, 2 more Golden Globes and 8 more BAFTAs. Plus 5 other awards.
- Box office & staying powerSolid
$27 million worldwide on a $8 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 114K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Karel Reisz
- Meryl StreepSarah / Anna
- Jeremy IronsCharles Henry Smithson / Mike
- Hilton McRaeSam
- Lynsey BaxterErnestina
- Emily MorganMary
- Penelope WiltonSonia
- Jean FauldsCook
- Charlotte MitchellMrs. Tranter
- Peter VaughanMr. Freeman
- Colin JeavonsVicar