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Poster for The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover

The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover

Seen it?

1989 | 124 min | Crime, Drama

Sunday Safe Bet

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It earned strong reviews (85% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had little lasting buzz. 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 crime-drama fans. If you loved A Clockwork Orange, start here.
The mood
Dark and gritty.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 4 min.
What might put you off
Rated NC-17: expect violence and sex.

When churlish mobster Albert Spica acquires an upscale French restaurant in London, he dines there nightly, effectively scaring off the clientele with his bad manners. His wife, Georgina, is especially disgusted by him, and soon begins an affair with regular guest Michael. Despite their best efforts to keep it secret, Spica learns about their trysts, and he plots a terrible revenge.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    85% on Rotten Tomatoes, 62 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.3 out of 10

  • AwardsBelow par

    3 wins and 1 nomination from smaller awards and festivals

  • Box office & staying powerSolid

    $8 million worldwide on a $2 million budget

  • Buzz & cultural impactBelow par

    Not enough engagement data yet

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Peter Greenaway

  • Michael GambonAlbert Spica
  • Richard BohringerRichard Boarst
  • Helen MirrenGeorgina Spica
  • Alan HowardMichael
  • Tim RothMitchel
  • Ciarán HindsCory
  • Liz SmithGrace
  • Gary OlsenSpangler
  • Ewan StewartHarris
  • Roger Ashton-GriffithsTurpin