The House of Mirth (2000) Review in 2025
The House of Mirth is a 2000 drama film based on Edith Wharton's novel of the same name. The movie follows the life of Lily Bart, a beautiful and charming socialite, as she navigates the complexities of high society in early 20th-century New York.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
No, due to mature themes and complex social issues.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is worth watching for fans of period dramas and historical fiction. However, viewers who prefer more fast-paced and action-oriented films may find it slow and indulgent.
Spoiler Alert!
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The movie explores the themes of social class, morality, and the constraints placed on women in the early 20th century. Lily's struggles to maintain her independence and autonomy are hindered by the societal expectations placed upon her, leading to a tragic conclusion.
Review Details
story7.00/10
The story is engaging and well-developed, exploring the complexities of high society in early 20th-century New York. However, the pacing can be slow at times, and some plot points feel underdeveloped.
acting8.50/10
The acting is superb, with Gillian Anderson delivering a nuanced and captivating performance as Lily Bart. The supporting cast is also excellent, with standout performances from Dan Aykroyd and Eric Stoltz.
characters8.00/10
The characters are well-developed and complex, with Gillian Anderson delivering a standout performance as Lily Bart. However, some supporting characters feel one-dimensional and underutilized.
direction7.50/10
Terence Davies' direction is thoughtful and atmospheric, capturing the essence of the novel. However, some scenes feel overly long and indulgent.
cinematography8.00/10
The cinematography is stunning, capturing the opulence and grandeur of high society. However, some scenes feel overly reliant on period-specific costumes and settings.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The House of Mirth is a beautifully shot and engaging film that explores the complexities of high society in early 20th-century New York. Gillian Anderson delivers a standout performance as Lily Bart, and the supporting cast is excellent.
Cons
The pacing can be slow at times, and some plot points feel underdeveloped. Some scenes feel overly long and indulgent, and the cinematography can be overly reliant on period-specific costumes and settings.
Notable Quotes
"A woman's life is not her own, but a social instrument, a tool to be used by her family and society."
"The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it."
