Hilary and Jackie (1998)

Director:

Anand Tucker

Writers:

Hilary du Pré (book) and
Piers du Pré (book) ...

Release Date:

15 January 1999 (USA)

Genre:

Biography | Drama | Music

Tagline:

The true story of two sisters who shared a passion, a madness and a man.

Plot:

The tragic story of world renowned classic cellist Jacqueline du Pré, as told from the point of view of her sister, flautist Hilary du Pré-Finzi.

Plot Keywords:

Concert | London England | Jerusalem | German Flute | Family Relationships

Awards:

Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 4 wins & 19 nominations

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

Emily Watson	...	Jackie
Rachel Griffiths	...	Hilary
James Frain	...	Danny
David Morrissey	...	Kiffer
Charles Dance	...	Derek
Celia Imrie	...	Iris
Rupert Penry-Jones	...	Piers
Bill Paterson	...	Cello Teacher
Auriol Evans	...	Young Jackie
Keylee Jade Flanders	...	Young Hilary (as Keeley Flanders)
Grace Chatto	...	Teena
Nyree Dawn Porter	...	Dame Margot
Maggie McCarthy	...	Margaret
Vernon Dobtcheff	...	Professor Bentley
Anthony Smee	...	BBC Nabob

MPAA:

Rated R for language and sexuality.

Runtime:

121 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Iceland:L | USA:R (certificate #36170) | Netherlands:6 | Singapore:NC-16 (re-rating) | Singapore:PG (cut) | Argentina:16 | Australia:M | Chile:18 | Finland:K-12 | Germany:12 (w) | Hong Kong:IIA | Portugal:M/12 | Spain:13 | Sweden:11 | Switzerland:12 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:12 (canton of Vaud) | UK:15

Filming Locations:

Abbercrombe Square, Liverpool, Merseyside, England, UK

Company:

Arts Council of England

Trivia:

The film has never been released in France to avoid any litigation from the real life Daniel Barenboim.

Goofs:

Continuity: In the Russian newspaper the title above the Jackie's photo states "About Lenin, about October"

Quotes:

Jackie du Pré: [mid-recital] Excuse me ladies and gentlemen, I have broken my A string
[leaves stage]
Jackie du Pré: at least it wasn't my G string.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in The Tracey Fragments (2007)

Soundtrack:

Sonota for Violoncello in F Major

Entertaining and moving story of two real-life sisters.

It is a pleasure to see a film that has believable characters and an engrossing story which both entertains and enlightens. "Hilary and Jackie" tells the story of two sisters, Hilary and Jacqueline Du Pre, from their early years as devoted sisters and fledgling musicians, through their divergent life choices as professional soloist and housewife.

Jacqueline's career as cellist takes off just as Hilary decides to marry and raise a family on a rural farm. The music is integral to the development of the story. Director, Anand Tucker, uses it to comment on the action, much as the piano performances were used in "Shine". The digital stereo sound highlights the richness of the music combined with emotionally gripping sound effects.

Emily Watson shines as Jacqueline in a varied and multi-faceted performance that may well earn her another Academy Award nomination. As the quieter more sensible Hilary, Rachel Griffiths is also effective in a less showy but subtle portrayal.

The key dramatic sequence comes at the film's center where Jacqueline leaves her husband, pianist and conductor, Daniel Barenboim, to stay with Hilary and her family. The surprising favor and request she asks of her sister will not be revealed here. Suffice it to say, this is not a film for children.

The powerful final scenes will remain long in memory. The fine music should encourage those not familiar with the careers of Du Pre and Barenboim to sample their recordings. Put this fine film on your must-see list.