The Importance of Being Earnest

The Importance of Being Earnest (2002)

  • 58% of critics liked it
    (113 reviews)

  • 71% of users liked it
    (31,531 ratings)

A superb cast brings Oscar Wilde's classic comedy of manners to life in the third big-screen adaptation of this hilarious look at fun, games, and dubious ethics among the British upper crust. Algernon Moncrieff (Rupert Everett) is a slightly shady, but charming gentlemen from a wealthy family… More

PG,
Directed By
,
Written By
Oliver Parker, Anthony Asquith, Oscar Wilde
Genres
Drama, Romance, Comedy
In Theaters
May 31, 2002 Limited
Miramax Films

Critic Reviews

  • Robert Koehler, Variety

    [An] utterly miscalculated film adaptation of Wilde's play.

  • David Ansen, Newsweek

    This may be a less than ideal "Earnest," but it still has delights...

  • Geoff Andrew, Time Out

    You might suppose that Oscar Wilde's theatrical evergreen is indestructible. But that would be to reckon without the intervention of 'writer'/director Parker, who really makes a pig's ear of this silk purse.

  • Peter Rainer, New York Magazine

    Wilde subtitled his masterpiece "A Trivial Comedy for Serious People." This movie seems intent on being a trivial comedy for trivial people.

  • Robert K. Elder, Chicago Tribune

    The Importance of Being Earnest resonates and inspires rapid-fire bouts of laughter, perhaps even a few giggles from the author himself, whom posterity has rewarded the last laugh.

Read all 13 critic reviews

See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes

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

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

Featured Audience Ratings

  • KJ P


    This adaptation of the classic play is a very nice tribute, keeping the dialogue and characters, very close to home. What I must comment on, is that the settings and outdoor scenes felt a little understudied. There is a particular scene that should have taken place in the living room,… More

  • ♥˩ƳИИ &


    Cast: Rupert Everett, Colin Firth, Frances O'Connor, Reese Witherspoon, Judi Dench, Tom Wilkinson, Anna Massey, Edward Fox, Patrick Godfrey, Charles Kay Director: Oliver Parker Summary: In this adaptation of Oscar Wilde's witty play about mistaken identities, Rupert… More

  • Cynthia S


    This movie has its moments, but despite an excellent cast the attempts to jazz up the content detracted rather than added to the enjoyment. The whole pre-Raphaelite fantasy thing creaked like a rusty door. The wit and charm of the original play still pokes through with Firth, Dench,… More

  • Robert C


    A good film, based on a great play. There are few who can match the writing skills of Oscar Wilde, especially when he is doing what he does best - social satire. The cast is impressive and (mostly) fun to watch. Though I found the music and Ms. Witherspoon is a bit off putting.… More

  • Candy R


    Great cast. Funny comedy about mistaken identities in 1890s England.

Read all 17 featured audience ratings

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