The Hours (2002)

81% of critics liked it
(185 reviews)
83% of users liked it
(82,067 ratings)

Three women, separated by a span of nearly 80 years, find themselves weathering similar crises, all linked by a single work of literature in this film adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Michael Cunningham. In 1923, Virginia Woolf (Nicole Kidman) is attempting to start work on her… More Three women, separated by a span of nearly 80 years, find themselves weathering similar crises, all linked by a single work of literature in this film adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Michael Cunningham. In 1923, Virginia Woolf (Nicole Kidman) is attempting to start work on her novel Mrs. Dalloway, in which she chronicles one day in the life of a troubled woman. But Virginia has demons of her own, and she struggles to overcome the depression and suicidal impulses that have followed her throughout her life, as her husband Leonard (Stephen Dillane) ineffectually tries to help. In 1951, Laura Brown (Julianne Moore) is a housewife living in suburban Los Angeles, where she looks after her son Richie (Jack Rovello) and husband Dan (John C. Reilly). Laura is also an avid reader who is currently making her way through Mrs. Dalloway. The farther she gets into the novel, the more Laura discovers that it reflects a dissatisfaction she feels in her own life, and she finds herself pondering the notion of leaving her life behind. Finally, in 2000, Clarissa Vaughn (Meryl Streep) is a literary editor who is caring for Richard Brown (Ed Harris), a former boyfriend and noted author, who is slowly losing his fight with AIDS. Clarissa is trying to arrange a party to celebrate the fact that Richard has won a prestigious literary award, but is getting little help from Richard's ex-lover, Louis (Jeff Daniels). As she labors to help Richard through another day, he wonders if his life is worth the unending struggle. The Hours also features Toni Collette, Miranda Richardson, Allison Janney, and Claire Danes. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 1 hr. 54 min.
Directed By: Stephen Daldry
Written By: David Hare
Genres: Drama

In Theaters: Dec 27, 2002 Wide
On DVD: Jun 24, 2003
Studio: Miramax Films

Critic Reviews

Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader
David Hare's screen adaptation reduces Woolf and her art to a set of feminist stances and a few plot points, without reference to style or form.
Peter Rainer, New York Magazine
A puzzling and forbidding strangeness.
Joe Baltake, Sacramento Bee
The film manages to be cinematic and transporting even though we generally spend most of our time listening to people talk to one another (and themselves).
Eric Harrison, Houston Chronicle
A compelling, moving film that respects its audience and its source material.
Tom Long, Detroit News
As stunning an acting showcase as you'll find.
Robert Denerstein, Denver Rocky Mountain News
The acting, for the most part, is terrific, although the actors must struggle with the fact that they're playing characters who sometimes feel more like literary conceits than flesh-and-blood humans.
Nell Minow, Common Sense Media
Smart, thoughtful movie for older teens and up.
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
Daldry's screen version is well acted but too literal, failing to convey the complexity or the lyricism of Cunningham's seminal novel.
Michael Dequina, TheMovieReport.com
More than just Oscar bait; it's a veritable Oscar bait and tackle shop.
Nick Davis, Nick's Flick Picks
The Hours totally engrosses me... It somehow deepens the [book's] themes to see the bodies, scrutinize the faces, smell the money, feel the flatness of the screen.
Derek Adams, Time Out
A boldly realised, affecting work.
Darrin Keene, Film Threat
The film's true star is its script.
Rick Kisonak, Film Threat
Life may or may not be everything it's cracked up to be. This movie most definitely is.
Christopher Smith, Bangor Daily News (Maine)
If this movie is about how some choose not to live, it's also just as much about why others choose to go on.
Scott Nash, Three Movie Buffs
Does make you think, but it doesn't entertain.
Jeannette Catsoulis, Las Vegas Mercury
'In a sublime collaboration, David Hare and Stephen Daldry have created a delicate atmosphere of inchoate sadness.'
Jeffrey Overstreet, Looking Closer
It works like the best poetry, giving us room to explore ideas and issues instead of narrowing itself to simple moral lessons.
Steve Crum, Kansas City Kansan
Lost we become in story telling that emphasizes cuts and coincidences, leaving serious characterization gaps.
Tony Medley, tonymedley.com
A feminist diatribe and it's true to its core as it shows men as marginalized.

Read all 19 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

moon r

I had this for months and wouldn't watch it, afraid of what it might say while unclear as to what that might be. Well, its about living a life of quiet, inexpressible desperation. Yes, there are bits of feminist posturing done, all for one and one for all, "we are all… More
I had this for months and wouldn't watch it, afraid of what it might say while unclear as to what that might be. Well, its about living a life of quiet, inexpressible desperation. Yes, there are bits of feminist posturing done, all for one and one for all, "we are all brothers, er, sisters united", but the hefty chunk is about finding reason to persevere. Multilayered, extremely well written and performed, music by Phillip Glass, and class. I should've watched it before.
Candy R

The movie spans different times, following the lives of three women. Nicole Kidman plays Virginia Wolfe, quite unrecognisably.
Raymond W

The two hours it took to watch this astounding film, I was completely enraptured by the three stories in three different times which were seemingly unconnected but became beautifully interwoven near the end of the film, and by the powerful and impressive acting on display by the three… More
The two hours it took to watch this astounding film, I was completely enraptured by the three stories in three different times which were seemingly unconnected but became beautifully interwoven near the end of the film, and by the powerful and impressive acting on display by the three leads Nicole Kidman, Julianne Moore and Meryl Streep. Don't miss this film. The Hours will not be wasted.
paul s

For lack of a better phrase, The Hours is about Life. Of course life is one complex beast, full of contradictions and cross purposes; and really, when you think on it, life is about love - or the lack thereof (and since love is equally hard to pin down, one can see why life is often… More
For lack of a better phrase, The Hours is about Life. Of course life is one complex beast, full of contradictions and cross purposes; and really, when you think on it, life is about love - or the lack thereof (and since love is equally hard to pin down, one can see why life is often such a jumble). The Hours is full of people doing the "right thing" for the wrong reasons, with people doing harm by trying to be protective. In the end we all must question why we do what we do, whether it be for selfish reasons or simply our innate desire to connect with someone or to stand for something. I don't want stray too much into the why's or wherefores of The Hours, as I urge you to let the intertwining stories unfold before you, but I will say this - it is beautifully filmed, wonderfully encapsulating the three periods involved; the 20's, 50's and new millennium. At the core of the film you have three actresses all at the top of their game. Nichole Kidman as Virginia Woolf (and I hope I needn't say more about the writer... but even if you have no idea, the film does a wonderful job of filling in the backstory). Moving to the 50's you have Juliane Moore as a typical housewife (although one who seems disconnected with her time and place (think Betty Draper in Mad Men if you will) - knowing that there is a deep well of dissatisfaction within her that goes contrary to the American Dream, but not understanding why. She has a young son with another on the way, and yet, while she loves her son, she looks at him as if he's some biological specimen under a microscope - not truly engaged or attached. Finally, in the "present" you have Meryl Streep, who is cohabitating with Allison Janney while caring for her former lover, Ed Harris, who is dying of AIDS. An interesting triangle, and while Streep is her usual wonderful self, Harris steals the film. His character is a poet who also wrote a complex novel about life, love and observations. The connections between he and Woolf are subtle but equally as important as those between Woolf, Moore and Streep. In lesser hands the film might simply be as I have presented it, but Stephen Daldry gives us so much nuance (which I'm assuming was in the original novel, since it was a Pulitzer winner), that the film is much more than the sum of its plot points. The attention to detail is wonderful and even some of the smaller, supporting roles seem to be full blown characters in their own right (particularly those of Leonard Woolf (Stephen Dillane) and a neighbor of Moore's, wonderfully played by Toni Collette). There is a revelation that comes about 3/4 through the film, and I'm not revealing it here. I didn't see it coming and it was one of those wonderful moments that enlightens and gives a different spin on everything you've seen before it without seeming false or pretentious. This is a masterfully done film in both style and substance, with top shelf actors giving oscar worthy performances (with Kidman receiving one), ensconced in a wonderfully literate screenplay and a moving and haunting score by Phillip Glass.
Fernando Rafael Q

A heavy (very heavy) but contained drama, The Hours is an acting tour de force. Nicole Kidman excels in her career-defining portrayal of Virginia Woolf and Meryl Streep does not disappoint (she never does, obviously). Proof that Julianne Moore is at her best when she's subtle (I… More
A heavy (very heavy) but contained drama, The Hours is an acting tour de force. Nicole Kidman excels in her career-defining portrayal of Virginia Woolf and Meryl Streep does not disappoint (she never does, obviously). Proof that Julianne Moore is at her best when she's subtle (I still have an issue with the way she cries, though). Toni Collette and Ed Harris are also noteworthy. The score by Philip Glass is the perfect complement for this subtle, austere drama.
Jameson W

Absolutely fantastic! Watching The Hours was such a wonderful experience; it was one of those times where I felt like I experienced something unreal. I've seen a decent amount of movies, some good, some bad, but one of the things I love about watching films is that every once in… More
Absolutely fantastic! Watching The Hours was such a wonderful experience; it was one of those times where I felt like I experienced something unreal. I've seen a decent amount of movies, some good, some bad, but one of the things I love about watching films is that every once in a while you view something that completely takes you away, and surprises you like you never thought. It's usually impossible to describe why, but basically...film is powerful. The Hours is an incredible masterpiece! Everything about the film is excellent, bpecial mention has to go to the acting...The Hours is one of the absolute best displays of acting performances, ever...hands down. Nicole Kidman is stunning, Meryl Streep is perfect as usual, and Julianne Moore gives one of the best female peformances of all time. The three main actresses completely blew me away. The supporting cast was perfect also, not just very good, perfect. Toni Collete, Claire Danes, Jeff Daniels, Stephen Dillane, Allison Janney...they all are fantastic here, even when they may only have had a 5 or 6 minute scene. Ed Harris stands out as one of the strongest of the supporting cast! Also, the musical score by Phillip Glass is one of the best I have ever heard. It took the emotion to a whole other level. I recommend going into this film knowing as little about it as possible. I think it makes the experience so much stronger. The Hours is an incredible movie experience. I recommend it entirely!
Steven C

"The Hours" is an emotional sucker punch and an acting showcase unlike any other. Nicole Kidman, Julianne Moore and Meryl Streep are three of the best actresses from this generation and this picture proves it in spades. It's beautiful, lyrical, and transporting.
Thomas J

Watched this based solely on a friend's recommendation and I loved it!
Sarah G

This may very well become one of my favourite films after watching it the other night.The running time flew by very quickly. There is something incredibly powerful in this film that you just can't take your eyes off. Contains some of the best acting in cinema you're ever… More
This may very well become one of my favourite films after watching it the other night.The running time flew by very quickly. There is something incredibly powerful in this film that you just can't take your eyes off. Contains some of the best acting in cinema you're ever likely to see and a brilliant soundtrack. Just a perfect film for me.
Anthony L

An awesome portrait of depression shown through the lives of three women in three different areas, all connected by one book. It's not an idea you'd think would work if you saw it written down but thanks to the excellent script, beautiful (and theatrical) direction and… More
An awesome portrait of depression shown through the lives of three women in three different areas, all connected by one book. It's not an idea you'd think would work if you saw it written down but thanks to the excellent script, beautiful (and theatrical) direction and powerful performances, it works brilliantly. I'm cross with myself for not reading the book first but it still stands so well as a film. I can find little fault with it, maybe the music was a little over done at times and I wouldn't have said Nicole Kidmans performance was better than any of the other actors but I digress, to say this film really impressed me would be an understatement, It's just brilliant!
Jake .

Every once in a while you stumble unto something completely breathtaking, something that is the complete epitome of everything you admire. For me, this happened with The Hours. I picked up the book and read it a couple months ago, and that was just because I had nothing else too read.… More
Every once in a while you stumble unto something completely breathtaking, something that is the complete epitome of everything you admire. For me, this happened with The Hours. I picked up the book and read it a couple months ago, and that was just because I had nothing else too read. But, its absolutely amazing! I was kind of digusted with myself for not reading it sooner. The same thing happened again with the movie. The only thing I had every heard about it was that Nicole Kidman was in it, and had won an Oscar for her performance. Once again, I cannot believe that you do not see or here more! It is one of the most impressive and captivating things I've seen in ages. Its completely appealing in just about every way possible. The story is deadman, haunting, and emotional. It beautiful and stylish visually. Its even pleasent to the ears. The script is lyrical and poetic and the cast all give marvelous performances. The score is great on its own, but it also matches the movie wonderfully. Ironically, the storyline about Virginia Woolf was my favorite in the film, while it was the only one I found to drag a bit in the book. I honestly do not have a single complaint with this movie. Its spellbinding and masterfull, hands down a complete masterpiece all around.
Morgan S

with all the kissing that was NOT nessisary, and some confusion this was not the best movie that ive ever seen. Nicole Kidman almost scared me she was so not herself, especially with that nose! I accually thought that ED HARRIS was the best in this movie!
Lorenzo v

"Three Different Women. Each Living a Lie." The story of how the novel "Mrs. Dalloway" affects three generations of women, all of whom, in one way or another, have had to deal with suicide in their lives. <center>"Three Different Women. Each Living a Lie." The story of how the novel "Mrs. Dalloway" affects three generations of women, all of whom, in one way or another, have had to deal with suicide in their lives. <center>REVIEW</center> There is no greater homage to an author than to write in his style, to use his motifs and to further refine his ideas. One may continue to exploit the material, and then out of a great book comes a great film. Such is the case here: the characters of Virginia Woolf's novel are wonderfully twisted and spread over three different stories, proving their obsessions to be ever meaningful. I strongly recommend reading the book before seeing the movie, it sheds light on all of its little subtleties. The three women are played masterly by the leading actresses, with particular attention to details and mimicry. Their reactions are brilliantly captured on film, in a slow, lingering, sometimes broken fashion. This stresses the importance of little gestures and every-day actions, just as Woolf intended it. A woman's life in a day, and very good directing. A film pour les connoisseurs.
Ginny

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Tim S

Fantastic and beautiful film. Everyone is spot on. Very lovely ensemble, emotional piece that is presented more as a stage play, which it benefits highly from.
Curtis L

Had no idea what it was about when I got it, I just wanted to see Nichol Kidman's big nose. Pretty much the idea is that being a woman sucks, and you can either kill yourself, run away from everything or stick with it to the end. Not a bad idea, but not entertaining either.… More
Had no idea what it was about when I got it, I just wanted to see Nichol Kidman's big nose. Pretty much the idea is that being a woman sucks, and you can either kill yourself, run away from everything or stick with it to the end. Not a bad idea, but not entertaining either. P.S. how the heck did Kidman get an academy award for this when she had about ten minutes of dialog in it.
Jens S

So this is the huge The Hour back from the Oscars a few years ago. I must say I am a little disappointed, although it probably simply wasn't my kinda film. Yes, the cast includes plenty of names to dream of and their performances are outstanding, although Kidman is hardly more… More
So this is the huge The Hour back from the Oscars a few years ago. I must say I am a little disappointed, although it probably simply wasn't my kinda film. Yes, the cast includes plenty of names to dream of and their performances are outstanding, although Kidman is hardly more than a Supporting actress; the movie is carried by Streep and Moore just as much. The three stories of women in different times are also rather well linked. But did it touch me, make me care about what was going on? Not really. All three storylines have their strong moments, but all three also bored me at some points. Still not so sure what to think of it...
Jennifer X

i felt very confused by this movie. connections not strong enough and too little meaningful dialogue. julianne moore's performance reminiscent of far from heaven.
Red L

Have only seen this once. It is a movie you need to see more than once.
Michael G

Great performances. The Meryl Streep scenes are really boring though...