- Release date: 1997
- Runtime: 108 min
- Genre: Drama
- Starring: Emma Thompson, Phyllida Law, Gary Hollywood, Arlene Cockburn ... See all
- Director: Alan Rickman
- Plot: The film centers on four pairs - Frances is a recent widow who wants to get away from Scotland to Australia with her teenage son Alex to escape her memories,... Read more
User Reviews
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Critics Reviews
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Ms. Thompson and Ms. Law play mother and daughter on screen in The Winter Guest, and their resemblance adds realism to their emotional wrestling match.
Mr. Rickman gives his actors plenty of time to compose the mood of their scenes, which are driven almost entirely by dialogue.
... Full Review
| Jan 16, 1998San Francisco Chronicle
STILTED DIALOGUE Unfortunately, as lively as these two actresses are, they can't breathe life into the often stagnant ``Winter Guest'' and its stilted lines (``A person needs to be needed; if you don't need me, you could lie'').
Alan Rickman, a talented actor displaying considerably less talent in his directing debut, hasn't found a way to tell the story cinematically.
... Full Review
| Jan 16, 1998San Francisco Chronicle
Rickman is an actor of rare talent himself, and he uses his insights to extract good performances out of his actors here.
All of this is nicely acted, and the interactions between Law and Thompson could easily have made up the entire film.
... Full Review
Urban Cinefile
The Winter Guest is a rare treat - a beautiful cinematic experience and a must-see for lovers of a complex, intelligent film, that is etched into the psyche.
There is little that is judgemental in Rickmans film, much that is wise.
... Full Review
| Dec 30, 1997Hartford Courant
Wednesday December 24, 1997 "The Winter Guest" is a beautiful, deeply moving film that teams Emma Thompson with her mother, veteran actress Phyllida Law, and marks an auspicious film directorial debut for actor Alan Rickman .
But when all their strands start pulling together you appreciate just how effective the strategies of "The Winter Guest" really are.
... Full Review
News
Alan Rickman steps behind the lens to direct fellow luvvies Emma Thompson and her mum, Phyllida Law, in a screen adaptation of the play of the same name. ... Full Article
Winter in Scotland is as muted as a wake.The country's so far north, the sun is slow to rise and early to set, and a day can be blindingly bright or always seem like twilight. ... Full Article

The Winter Guest Trailer (1997)
Alan Rickman - The Winter Guest Interview Part 1


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