<< Return to previous page

This handsomely crafted portrait of a pair of sisters whose peaceful, meticulously orchestrated lives are seriously affected by the arrival of a young houseguest. Set in the tightly knit Cornish fishing village in the mid 1930's, the character driven piece centres on the relationship between sisters Janey (Maggie Smith) and Ursula (Judi Dench) Widdington, who live in an immaculate little cottage, tended to by their no-nonsense housekeeper, Dorcas (Miriam Margolyes).

They've acquired the timehoned rhythm of an old married couple which is about to be jarred out of sync when the semi conscious body of a young man washes ashore following a violent storm. Unable to speak English, the mystery man is cared for by the two sisters which has a profound effect on the infatuated Ursula, opening up complicated, long locked-away feelings that go beyond maternial instinct.

Director:

Charles Dance [1],

Starring:

Judi Dench [63], Maggie Smith [34], Miriam Margolyes [10], Natascha McElhone [14], Freddie Jones [13], David Warner [35], Daniel Bruhl [8],

Screen Formats:

Widescreen 2.35:1

Subtitles:

English

Language and Sound:

English 5.1 Dolby Digital

Members get full screen trailers, critic reviews, member reviews and more.

• Sign up for a free trial