The Hours (2002) Review in 2025
The Hours is a drama film that explores the lives of three women connected by Virginia Woolf's novel Mrs. Dalloway. The movie delves into their struggles with identity, marriage, and mortality.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
No, due to mature themes and complex content, this movie is not suitable for family viewing.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is a must-watch for fans of drama, literature, and strong performances. It's a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant film that will leave you reflecting on the complexities of human experience.
Spoiler Alert!
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The film weaves together the stories of Clarissa Vaughan, a modern-day woman struggling to come to terms with her identity, Laura Brown, a 1940s housewife grappling with her marriage, and Virginia Woolf, the author of Mrs. Dalloway, as she navigates her own mental health struggles. The movie's climax revolves around the characters' connections to Woolf's novel and their own experiences with identity and mortality.
Review Details
story9.00/10
The story is engaging and well-structured, exploring the complexities of the characters' lives and their connections to Woolf's novel. The narrative is layered, and the pacing is well-balanced.
acting9.50/10
The acting is phenomenal, with Kidman, Moore, and Streep delivering performances that are both subtle and powerful. The chemistry between the leads is undeniable, and their performances are a highlight of the film.
characters9.50/10
The characters are well-developed and complex, with each woman bringing her own unique struggles and perspectives to the story. The performances are outstanding, with Kidman, Moore, and Streep delivering nuanced and emotional portrayals.
direction9.00/10
The direction is superb, with Daldry bringing a sense of intimacy and emotional depth to the film. The cinematography is stunning, capturing the beauty of the characters' inner worlds.
cinematography9.50/10
The cinematography is breathtaking, with a focus on muted colors and natural lighting that adds to the film's emotional impact. The camera work is subtle yet effective, capturing the characters' inner turmoil.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The Hours is a masterfully crafted film that explores the complexities of human experience with sensitivity and nuance. The performances are outstanding, and the cinematography is breathtaking.
Cons
The film's pacing can be slow at times, and some viewers may find the themes and content too mature.
Notable Quotes
"It's not the dying that matters, it's the living."
"Time is the night-side of the soul."
"What a lark! What a plunge!"
