Hilary and Jackie (1998)

89% of critics liked it
(44 reviews)
81% of users liked it
(6,260 ratings)

Perhaps inspired by the success of biopics like Shine and Amadeus, this film based on a true story -- and a book (entitled A Genius in the Family) -- also focuses on the destructive forces of being a musical genius. Hilary and Jacqueline du Pré are gifted sisters who grow up in England in the 1950s… More Perhaps inspired by the success of biopics like Shine and Amadeus, this film based on a true story -- and a book (entitled A Genius in the Family) -- also focuses on the destructive forces of being a musical genius. Hilary and Jacqueline du Pré are gifted sisters who grow up in England in the 1950s and compete for musical accolades and love. Hilary (Rachel Griffiths) is a talented flutist, but it's her younger sister, Jackie (Breaking the Waves' Emily Watson), who is the musical "genius" cellist. The film follows their sibling rivalry in musical competition and romance. Though extremely close as children, it is younger sister Jackie who eventually becomes the international star, marrying top pianist and conductor Daniel Barenboim. Hilary marries her true love, Kiffer Finzi (David Morrissey), and settles in a beautiful country home with her two children. But who is jealous of whom? Hilary receives an unexpected visit from Jackie, asking her sister for a chance to live a normal life and to sleep with Kiffer. Later, Jackie suffers from multiple sclerosis, and the sisters strive to repair the emotional damage of their long-standing rivalry. ~ Arthur Borman, Rovi

Play Trailer

Rating, Runtime: R, 2 hr.
Directed By: Anand Tucker
Written By: Frank Cottrell Boyce
Genres: Drama

In Theaters: Dec 30, 1998 Wide
On DVD: Jul 20, 1999
Studio: October Films

Critic Reviews

Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
An extraordinary film!
Judith Egerton, Courier-Journal (Louisville, KY)
No, it's not a movie about two first ladies married to adulterous husbands.
Forrest Hartman, Reno Gazette-Journal
One of the best films of the year. An emotionally gripping tale about obsession, family and love.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Shows the high price that must be paid by families with a genius in their midst.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Red L

Interesting biopic of two musical sisters. I don't follow the world of classical music, so I had never heard of Jackie du Pre. The movie does make you care for her and the waste of her life cut short by MS.
Gordon A

Worthy and cleverly structured biopic of a troubled sole struck down by MS. Emily Watson is excellent as always.
Joey N

A modest, occasionally gorgeous bio pic with fantastic performances by Emily Watson and Rachel Griffiths. The same story told twice device (pardon the rhyme) cleverly offers insight into Jackie's character. She's really not a self-involved bitch, she's understandably… More
A modest, occasionally gorgeous bio pic with fantastic performances by Emily Watson and Rachel Griffiths. The same story told twice device (pardon the rhyme) cleverly offers insight into Jackie's character. She's really not a self-involved bitch, she's understandably jealous of the simple life Hilary has going for her. It sounds rather obvious on paper, but it really comes through on film. I would have liked to learn more about Rachel Griffth's husband's character, but hey, there's not who the film chooses to focus on. Emily Watson is an amazing actress (see: Breaking the Waves) and she flaunts her stuff in a showy role, without overdoing it. To her credit, Rachel Griffiths plays her supporting role straight, and shines simply for taking the back seat.
Daniel P

This film tells the story of the famous cellist Jacqueline du Pre, but it's not your standard biopic. "Hilary and Jackie" shows the story from the two sisters' perspectives, devoting equal running time to both of their stories, and I actually found Hilary's… More
This film tells the story of the famous cellist Jacqueline du Pre, but it's not your standard biopic. "Hilary and Jackie" shows the story from the two sisters' perspectives, devoting equal running time to both of their stories, and I actually found Hilary's "ordinary" life just as riveting as her sister's. Emily Watson and Rachel Griffiths both give superb, layered performances (they were also both Oscar nominated) and Anand Tucker's direction is fluid without being too flashy. A fanstastic film, not normally the sort of thing I'd be interested in, it far exceeded my expectations.
Sunil J

The acting in this movie is perfect. I can't think of any other two actresses that could have been as effective.