The Hours

The way the three stories are intertwined here is truly unique, not only in terms of content but also in the actual integration of the individual plotlines. Formally and in terms of acting, I found the film very appealing. However, I can't help but feel that, in the end, the film didn't really tell me that much. (20/12/2014)

If it weren't for Philip Glass's music, The Hours would have been at least half as good. But despite that, we are left with an incredible tour de force of acting from three actresses and one actor. It is a quite depressing experience to see all the heroines sail through a very sad day: sometimes incomparably so, sometimes completely the same. Above all, absolute concentration is a must, otherwise many might find the motivations of the heroines ridiculous and their reactions hysterical. On top of that, there should be a warning to cynics on the cover. At first, I had my reservations, big or small, but the gradual crescendo is breathtaking and leaves no room for doubt. With the twist, or the devastating final monologue, a very unique and oppressive impression remains in your heart. With distance, however, I sobered up a bit and made my rating slightly lower. The crescendo, despite its first-class ending, stutters slightly in some places, and as a whole, the film is perhaps a little elusive. Nevertheless, significantly positive impressions, not to mention my favorite of the fateful trio: Nicole Kidman. (04/02/2006)

An existential examination of the female mind in a state of uncertainty, doubt and dissatisfaction. A haunting subject filmed by a man better than a woman ever could. I couldn’t identify with the suffering characters in every moment, but I could see myself in ninety percent of the runtime. Stephen Daldry pulled off a miracle. With another viewing, I will probably raise my rating to five stars. It’s impossible to take it all in the first time. (02/08/2003)

I wouldn’t want to see this dubbed, the performances are fantastic. Nicole Kidman with her fake nose and wig is really unrecognizable and she is great as an introverted, depressed woman. But Julianne Moore is even better, she should have got the Oscar, it is “her” film. Her scene in the hotel is such an emotional barrage that it would be enough for one film on its own. But Daldry doesn't spare the audience and the film is emotionally gripping from start to finish. In short, The Hours is a hundred minutes of crackling emotion, perfectly enhanced by Phillip Glass's magnificent score. It's not very often that I get chills when I watch a movie these days, but it happened a lot with this film. I am really happy that films like this are still being made. It was a massive surprise, I didn’t expect much and it was so good! (01/07/2003)

An unquestionably effective film with great direction and superb performances (Julianne Moore!), but I was unable to relate to the characters. The women’s worldviews are portrayed so perfectly that I could not understand them. In short, my ideas simply don’t agree with this film. It took about two years and then she told him: Hey, I’m lesbian. Wow. (12/02/2011)