Onegin (1999)

43% of critics liked it
(21 reviews)
68% of users liked it
(5,643 ratings)

Another member of the Fiennes family leaves a mark in the film business, as Martha Fiennes makes her big-screen directorial debut with a screen adaptation of the verse novel by Aleksander Pushkin, with her big brother Ralph Fiennes in the leading role. Onegin (Fiennes) is a blase man who has grown… More Another member of the Fiennes family leaves a mark in the film business, as Martha Fiennes makes her big-screen directorial debut with a screen adaptation of the verse novel by Aleksander Pushkin, with her big brother Ralph Fiennes in the leading role. Onegin (Fiennes) is a blase man who has grown weary of the social whirl of his life in St. Petersburg in the 1820s. Onegin's wealthy uncle has recently passed on, bequeathing him a large estate in the country, where the financially embarrassed Onegin has now chosen to live. Onegin makes fast friends with his neighbor Lensky (Toby Stephens), who introduces Onegin to his fiancée Olga (Lena Headley). Olga in turn introduces him to her mother (Harriet Walker) and her younger sister, Tatyana (Liv Tyler). Onegin finds Tatyana interesting, and she is strongly infatuated with him, finding him coolly attractive and enjoying his straightforward way of expressing himself. Tatyana makes her feelings known to Onegin in a love letter, but he calmly rejects her advances. Lensky senses Tatyana's attraction to Onegin and talks to him about her; Lensky is shocked when Onegin says he regards her as unintelligent, and in a moment of anger Lensky challenges his friend to a duel. Neither man wants to kill the other, but both are too stubborn to back down, and Onegin ends up shooting Lensky, forcing him to flee to parts unknown. Six years later, a older and more humble Onegin re-encounters the married Tatyana and begs her for a second chance. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 46 min.
Directed By: Martha Fiennes
Written By: Michael Ignatieff, Peter Ettedgui
Genres: Drama, Romance, Musical & Performing Arts, Art House & International

In Theaters: Dec 17, 1999 Limited
On DVD: Jul 4, 2000
Studio: Samuel Goldwyn Films

Critic Reviews

Michael W. Phillips, Jr., Goatdog's Movies
Nearly perfect.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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

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Featured Audience Ratings

Morgan S

When I think back to much of the movie I suppose it was kind of boring, but truthfully I really enjoyed watching this movie, it was just a very relaxing movie wich was nice sense I was watching it at 3 in the morning. Yet it didnt put me to sleep. A semi-interesting plot wich is… More
When I think back to much of the movie I suppose it was kind of boring, but truthfully I really enjoyed watching this movie, it was just a very relaxing movie wich was nice sense I was watching it at 3 in the morning. Yet it didnt put me to sleep. A semi-interesting plot wich is really help up by the act, that at times can be cheesey but good. Ralph Fiennes is spectacular as always. If I could listen to any voice for the rest of my life it would be his. He is a complete gentleman! and HIs sexy smoldering eyes are only enhanced by his off redish colored hair. Ah I just love everything about him. Liv Tyler wasnt bad. All she did in this movie was pout and be sad but it worked. The costumes were fantasic I looved all the fur accets. See how they are in russia is deffinetly is a givven but it was used so well and not over the top. The cinematography is also quite good when it comes into play. If youre look for a movie to suggle up on the couch and just chill to, and you love ralph fiennes this is it. But if your not a huge Fiennes fan like me I guess the movie is really noting special, but i enjoyed it.
Luke B

It was boring, had me snoring, te de doo da. Extravagant in detail but thin in just about everything else. Woman loves man, man leaves, man comes back, loves woman, they don't get together. More about one womans pride and refusal to cheat on her husband if anything. It is bland… More
It was boring, had me snoring, te de doo da. Extravagant in detail but thin in just about everything else. Woman loves man, man leaves, man comes back, loves woman, they don't get together. More about one womans pride and refusal to cheat on her husband if anything. It is bland and contains no substance. The emotions it deals with are the most interesting aspects but everything looks so dreary. A duel half way through was magnificently filmed and really captured the tension of the moment, as well as being beautifully shot. Fiennes' reaction was brilliant and thoughtful, as is a lot of the acting in this film. It's just a shame that the film is as interesting as putting on a coat, and not a nice shiny coat with lights, just a normal brown coat. Doesn't even have a hole in it with an interesting story behind it.
Daisy M

Onegin was a charming and dramatic romance. It contained all of the elements of a great film. The acting was good. I could have only desire an extension of the romantic relationship with Onegin and Tatiana. There were very dramatic moments in the movie. The snow scenes were beautiful… More
Onegin was a charming and dramatic romance. It contained all of the elements of a great film. The acting was good. I could have only desire an extension of the romantic relationship with Onegin and Tatiana. There were very dramatic moments in the movie. The snow scenes were beautiful and I recommend this movie for those romantics at heart.
Leo L

A personal favorite.