A Room with a View (1985) Review in 2025
A Room with a View is a beautifully shot period drama about a young woman's journey to self-discovery and love in early 20th-century England.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This film is suitable for mature audiences and may not be suitable for young children due to some mature themes and language.
CineReview Recommendation
This film is highly recommended for fans of period drama and romance. It's a beautifully shot and engaging film that explores complex themes and emotions. However, it may not be suitable for young children due to some mature themes and language.
Spoiler Alert!
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The film follows Lucy Honeychurch, a naive and idealistic young woman who falls in love with George Emerson, a free-spirited and passionate man, while on a trip to Italy with her chaperone. However, her family's social status and her own sense of duty lead her to choose a more conventional and stable marriage with Cecil Vyse, a charming but emotionally unavailable man. As Lucy navigates her complicated relationships and societal expectations, she must confront her own desires and sense of identity.
Review Details
story9.00/10
The story is engaging and well-paced, with a strong focus on character development and social commentary. The film's exploration of themes such as class, identity, and love is thought-provoking and relatable.
acting9.00/10
The acting is superb, with standout performances from Helena Bonham Carter and Julian Sands. The cast brings depth and nuance to their characters, making the film's exploration of themes and emotions all the more compelling.
characters9.00/10
The characters are well-developed and complex, with nuanced performances from the cast. Lucy Honeychurch is a particularly well-written and relatable protagonist, and her journey to self-discovery is compelling and authentic.
direction9.00/10
The direction is masterful, with a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the material. James Ivory's use of cinematography and production design is exquisite, and the film's pacing is well-balanced and engaging.
cinematography9.00/10
The cinematography is stunning, with beautiful shots of the Italian countryside and the English countryside. The use of lighting and color is also noteworthy, adding to the film's overall mood and atmosphere.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The film's beautiful cinematography, engaging story, and nuanced characters make it a standout period drama. The performances from the cast are superb, and the film's exploration of themes such as class, identity, and love is thought-provoking and relatable.
Cons
The film's pacing can be slow at times, and some viewers may find the themes and characters to be overly complex. However, these are minor complaints in an otherwise excellent film.
Notable Quotes
"A room with a view is not just a place to sleep. It's a place to dream."
"I'm not a vegetarian because I love animals. I'm a vegetarian because I hate plants."
