Watch End Of The Affair, The

The End of the Affair is a period drama film directed by Neil Jordan and released in 1999. The movie is based on a novel of the same name by the British author Graham Greene, which was written in 1951. The film stars Ralph Fiennes as Maurice Bendrix, a self-absorbed writer living in London during World War II, and Julianne Moore as Sarah Miles, the married woman with whom he has a passionate but turbulent affair.

The story is set in London in 1946, but the film starts with a flashback to the year 1939, when Maurice and Sarah first meet at a dinner party. They are both instantly attracted to each other, but Sarah is married to Henry Miles (played by Stephen Rea), a civil servant who is dedicated to his work and not very passionate about his wife. Maurice tries to suppress his feelings for Sarah, but they eventually become lovers, meeting secretly in Sarah's luxurious apartment in the city.

Their affair is passionate but also fraught with tension, as Maurice becomes increasingly jealous and possessive of Sarah. Sarah, in turn, is torn between her love for Maurice and her loyalty to her husband and children. In the present day, Maurice is still tormented by the loss of Sarah, and he hires a private investigator to find out what happened to her after she abruptly ended their relationship two years earlier.

As the central characters' relationships grow more complex and the story unfolds, the film explores themes of love, betrayal, jealousy, loss, and redemption. The End of the Affair is a complex and ambiguous work, exploring both the beauty and pain of love, the tenderness and cruelty of human relationships, and the ways in which people are shaped by their experiences and emotions.

The performances of the lead actors, Ralph Fiennes and Julianne Moore, are outstanding in their depth and complexity. Fiennes brings a powerful mix of arrogance and vulnerability to his portrayal of Maurice, while Moore's Sarah is a hauntingly sympathetic figure, torn between her love for Maurice and her sense of duty to the man she married. The two actors have a potent on-screen chemistry that adds depth and resonance to the story.

Stephen Rea's subtle and empathetic performance as Henry Miles, Sarah's husband, is also noteworthy. Rea's character is a quiet, unassuming figure, but his love for Sarah is real and profound, despite his inability to express it fully. The film's supporting cast includes Ian Hart as Parkis, Maurice's friend and confidant, and Sam Bould as Lance Parkis, Parkis's son, who plays an important role in the story's resolution.

The film's production values are also top-notch, with meticulous attention to period detail and a rich, evocative musical score by Michael Nyman. Neil Jordan's direction is assured and sensitive, balancing the story's romantic elements with its deeper emotional and psychological themes. The End of the Affair is a film that rewards close attention and reflection, and its complex characterizations and moral ambiguities make it a challenging and compelling work.

Overall, The End of the Affair is a beautifully crafted period drama that explores the fragility and complexity of human relationships. Its hauntingly memorable performances, rich visual style, and intricate storytelling make it a cinematic gem that transcends its genre and stands as a profound meditation on love and loss.

End Of The Affair, The is a 1999 adventure movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes.