The Americanization of Emily (1964) Review in 2025
A romantic drama about a U.S. naval officer who falls in love with a British woman, set against the backdrop of World War II.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This movie is suitable for mature audiences, as it deals with themes of war, love, and loss. It may not be suitable for young children.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is worth watching for fans of romance and drama, especially those who enjoy period pieces set during World War II. However, it may not be the best choice for viewers who prefer more action-oriented films or those who are looking for a more modern romantic comedy.
Spoiler Alert!
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The movie follows Charles Edward Madison, a U.S. naval officer who is sent to England to supervise the production of a new torpedo. He meets Emily Barham, a British woman who is a nurse, and they fall in love. However, their relationship is put to the test when Charles is ordered to return to the United States, and Emily is forced to choose between her love for Charles and her duty to her country.
Review Details
story8.00/10
The story is engaging and well-paced, with a strong focus on the romance between the two leads. However, the plot is somewhat predictable and lacks a strong twist or surprise.
acting9.00/10
The acting is excellent, with James Garner and Joan Crawford delivering standout performances. The supporting cast is also strong, with some nice turns from actors like Jack Warden and Ziva Rodann.
characters8.50/10
The characters are well-developed and relatable, with James Garner and Joan Crawford delivering strong performances. However, some of the supporting characters feel somewhat one-dimensional.
direction8.00/10
The direction is solid, with Martin Ritt bringing a sense of realism and authenticity to the film. However, the pacing could be tighter in some places.
cinematography7.50/10
The cinematography is decent, with some nice shots of the English countryside. However, the film's visual style is somewhat dated and lacks a strong sense of style.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The Americanization of Emily is a well-crafted romantic drama with strong performances from its leads. The film's themes of love, loss, and patriotism are timely and thought-provoking, and the cinematography is decent.
Cons
The plot is somewhat predictable, and the pacing could be tighter in some places. Some of the supporting characters feel somewhat one-dimensional, and the film's visual style is somewhat dated.
Notable Quotes
"I'm not a patriot, I'm a patriot's wife."
"You can't have a million-dollar dream with a minimum-wage work ethic."
