The Remains of the Day 1993

In 1930s England, a devoted butler, James Stevens, pours his heart into serving the aristocratic Lord Darlington, while ignoring the latter's sinister inclinations. Two decades later, Stevens embarks on a poignant journey of self-discovery, reuniting with Miss Kenton, and confronting the consequences of his unwavering dedication to duty over personal longing.

In 1930s England, a devoted butler, James Stevens, pours his heart into serving the aristocratic Lord Darlington, while ignoring the latter's sinister inclinations. Two decades later, Stevens embarks on a poignant journey of self-discovery, reuniting with Miss Kenton, and confronting the consequences of his unwavering dedication to duty over personal longing.

Does The Remains of the Day have end credit scenes?

No!

The Remains of the Day does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of The Remains of the Day

Explore the complete cast of The Remains of the Day, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for The Remains of the Day

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Metacritic

86

Metascore

8.2

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

%

TOMATOMETER

review

0%

User Score

TMDB

74

%

User Score

Take the Ultimate The Remains of the Day Movie Quiz

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Awards & Nominations for The Remains of the Day

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Discover all the awards and nominations received by The Remains of the Day, from Oscars to film festival honors. Learn how The Remains of the Day and its cast and crew have been recognized by critics and the industry alike.


66th Academy Awards 1994

Anthony Hopkins
Nomination

Actor in a Leading Role

Anthony Hopkins
Emma Thompson
Nomination

Actress in a Leading Role

Emma Thompson
Nomination

Art Direction

Nomination

Costume Design

James Ivory
Nomination

Directing

James Ivory
Nomination

Music (Original Score)

Nomination

Best Picture

Nomination

Writing (Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published)

47th British Academy Film Awards 1994

Nomination

Best Film

James Ivory
Nomination

Best Direction

James Ivory
Win

Best Actor in a Leading Role

Nomination

Best Actress in a Leading Role

Nomination

Best Adapted Screenplay

Nomination

Best Cinematography

46th Directors Guild of America Awards 1994

James Ivory
Nomination

Feature Film

James Ivory

51st Golden Globe Awards 1994

Nomination

Best Motion Picture – Drama

Anthony Hopkins
Nomination

Best Performance in a Motion Picture – Drama (Actor)

Anthony Hopkins
Emma Thompson
Nomination

Best Performance in a Motion Picture – Drama (Actress)

Emma Thompson
James Ivory
Nomination

Best Director

James Ivory
Nomination

Best Screenplay

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for The Remains of the Day

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Read the complete plot summary of The Remains of the Day, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


In the somber aftermath of postwar Britain, a mysterious letter from the once steadfast housekeeper, Miss Kenton (Emma Thompson), triggers a transformative journey for Stevens (Anthony Hopkins), the meticulous butler of Darlington Hall. After the death of their former employer, Earl Darlington, the estate now falls under the ownership of retired US Congressman Jack Lewis, its luster dimmed by the Earl’s controversial connections to Nazi Germany.

As Stevens embarks on a quest to reconnect with Miss Kenton in the West Country, flashbacks to the 1930s reveal the complexities of their relationship. When Miss Kenton first joined Darlington Hall, Stevens’ unyielding dedication to service frequently clashed with her warmth and spirited nature. He faced personal turmoil as he grappled with his father’s deteriorating health while simultaneously managing a household entwined with political turmoil.

Stevens epitomized professionalism, even in the face of grave circumstances, such as when he dismissed two newly appointed German-Jewish maids under pressure from the estate’s political environment. This moment brought Stevens face-to-face with the stark realities of Nazi racial laws. Even as tensions brewed beneath the surface, there were glimpses of warmth exchanged between Stevens and Kenton, whose feelings began to surface through subtle gestures, despite Stevens remaining emotionally barricaded.

The pages of his life turned further when Reginald Cardinal, the godson of Lord Darlington, visited as a meeting between British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain and German Ambassador Joachim von Ribbentrop loomed. Stevens found himself torn as he observed the Earl chasing appeasement, ultimately clinging to his role rather than confronting the difficult reality of his employer’s actions.

With her relationship with Tom Benn evolving, Miss Kenton confronted Stevens with a pivotal choice: acknowledge her decision to marry or risk losing her forever. Stevens’ tepid response of mere congratulations led Kenton to ultimately leave Darlington Hall, teetering on the brink of war—a heartbreaking end to their intricate connection.

In 1958, as Stevens sought Kenton in her boarding house, his journey mirrored a quest for identity, resulting in a revealing dialogue with the perceptive Doctor Carlisle that touched on Lord Darlington’s controversial past. While he wrestled with loyalty and regret, Stevens also admitted to being charmed by the very ideologies he later criticized.

Upon their reunion, nostalgia pervaded the air as they reminisced about a shared history laced with ambition and loss. Kenton’s yearning for renewal illuminated the unfinished business of their past, even as Stevens continued to reflect on what might have been. Their parting served as a stark reminder of the unfulfilled desires that lingered in the air, thick with unspoken emotions.

As Stevens returned to Darlington Hall, weighed down by memories and the inevitable passage of time, the sprawling landscape unfolded around him. Together with Lewis, the act of releasing a pigeon into the sky symbolized his longing for freedom from the chains of the past. The camera gradually withdrew from the once-grand estate, painting a poignant picture of lost dreams and fading echoes, enveloped by the verdant hills that bore witness to their intertwined fates.

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Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for The Remains of the Day

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Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from The Remains of the Day. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.


Official Trailer

Cars Featured in The Remains of the Day

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Explore all cars featured in The Remains of the Day, including their makes, models, scenes they appear in, and their significance to the plot. A must-read for car enthusiasts and movie buffs alike.


Austin

1949

A40 Devon

Austin

1955

A90 Westminster

British

1934

Salmson S4C Close Coupled Saloon

Daimler

1939

Light Straight Eight

Ford

1959

Zodiac MkII

Hillman

1935

Minx

Hillman

1954

Minx Phase VII

Leyland

1938

Tiger TS8

Marmon

1926

D-74

Morris

1927

Cowley

Movie Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


class differencesbutlerhousekeepermanornazinazi sympathizerolder man younger woman relationshipestateanti semitismservantbritainpre wartripping and fallingmaster servant relationshipnazismbritishmaiddomestic servantcountry homedignityunrequited loveenglandstiff upper lipappeasementf ratedbutler costumeenglish butlerperiod dramarunny noseironingteacupromance novelbreakfast in bedcigarette smokingemployer employee relationshiphopkins and thompsongerman ambassadorsexual attractionart auctionbased on the novel of the same nameu.s. congressmanweeping womanformal dinnerflower bouquetfacts of lifepack of houndsjewish girlbird loose inside a houseping pong tablepost world war ii

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