Hilary and Jackie (1998)

User Rating:

7.3/10   

Director:

Anand Tucker

Writers:

Hilary du Pré (book) and
Piers du Pré (book) ...

Release Date:

15 January 1999 (USA)

Genre:

Biography | Drama | Music

Tagline:

The true story of two sisters who shared a passion, a madness and a man.

Plot:

The tragic story of world renowned classic cellist Jacqueline du Pré, as told from the point of view of her sister, flautist Hilary du Pré-Finzi.

Plot Keywords:

Concert | Wedding | Sister Sister Relationship | Music Teacher | Wunderkind

Awards:

Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 4 wins & 19 nominations

Cast

Emily Watson	...	Jackie
Rachel Griffiths	...	Hilary
James Frain	...	Danny
David Morrissey	...	Kiffer
Charles Dance	...	Derek
Celia Imrie	...	Iris
Rupert Penry-Jones	...	Piers
Bill Paterson	...	Cello Teacher
Auriol Evans	...	Young Jackie
Keeley Flanders	...	Young Hilary
Grace Chatto	...	Teena
Nyree Dawn Porter	...	Dame Margot
Maggie McCarthy	...	Margaret
Vernon Dobtcheff	...	Professor Bentley
Anthony Smee	...	BBC Nabob

MPAA:

Rated R for language and sexuality.

Runtime:

121 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Iceland:L | USA:R (certificate #36170) | Netherlands:6 | Singapore:NC-16 (re-rating) | Singapore:PG (cut) | Argentina:16 | Australia:M | Chile:18 | Finland:K-12 | Germany:12 (w) | Hong Kong:IIA | Portugal:M/12 | Spain:13 | Sweden:11 | Switzerland:12 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:12 (canton of Vaud) | UK:15

Filming Locations:

Abbercrombe Square, Liverpool, Merseyside, England, UK

Company:

Arts Council of England

Trivia:

The film has never been released in France to avoid any litigation from the real life Daniel Barenboim.

Goofs:

Continuity: When a Japanese newspaper is shown publicizing Jackie's performance, the headline above the photo actually reported that the Japanese budget had been approved by parliament.

Quotes:

Jackie du Pré: [mid-recital] Excuse me ladies and gentlemen, I have broken my A string
[leaves stage]
Jackie du Pré: at least it wasn't my G string.

Movie Connections:

Featured in The 56th Annual Golden Globe Awards (1999) (TV)

Soundtrack:

Trio for Piano, Violin and Violoncello in D Major

an interesting study of a sibling relationship

Hilary and Jackie is a film that can be appreciated on many levels. The performances of Ms. Griffith and Ms. Watson as the title characters were superb, but so were the actors that played the parents and husbands, and the two young actresses playing them as girls were terrific. All the people in the film were interesting. The film gives insight into the life of a musical genius with its rewards and triumphs as well as conflicts and sacrifices. There is also a psychological aspect at the heart of this film. From the beginning the two sisters have a bond, almost a symbiotic relationship, yet there is also intense competition. To make the presentation even more interesting the relationship is presented in two "acts", the first told from Hilary's perspective and the second from Jackie's. Whose is more real? Does it make a difference? The final scenes as MS is taking its toll on Jackie are gripping. Both actresses were deserving of their nominations. This was great entertainment! Three and half stars!!!