Rating: 
Summary: "...I have brothers , I've got some sisters too "
Review: Once upon a time Madonna tried to describe the bounding between siblings with her funky tune Keep It Together . " Brothers and sisters , they 've always been there for me... " she sang because apparently "...we have a connection " . On Hilary And Jackie , director Tucker talks about exactly the same theme yet in a far more specific and at the same time complicated way . The family of Jaqueline DuPre has said in the past that this movie doesn't describe the gifted artist as she really was. Did the producers and screenwritters twisted the truth in order to make her film-biographie more intreresting ? That's not a question for us to answer . All we can do is judge Hilary And Jackie for it's artistic point of view and it's ability to move us. It tells the life of a woman trapped by her own music talent in a way of life she doesn't like . She never seems to be sure whether all those people who surround her see something more in her than Jackie the musician . Do they see Jackie the person ? She feels certain only concerning her sister's love.She is trying to confirm that love by asking her to do even the most extreme things ( let her sleep with her husband ) . The film is been seperated in two parts , one talking about how Hilary saw things through her own eyes and one about how Jackie did . Emily Watson is excellent as always as Jackie while Australian actress Rachel Griffiths displays a great deal of talent too in her first major lead role .She creates a down-to-earth Hilary who never stops feeling compation about her sister's problems . Overall , the movie does raise the question if someone who creates such beautiful music can be so tortured and depressed inside ? It's hard to teel actually yet this is more about the story of a talented , sensitive woman than it is about the relationship between people and music . On final analysis , Hilary And Jackie is a truly touching drama , rich in details which waits for you to discover it .
Rating:
Summary: EXCELLENT PERFORMANCES FROM WATSON AND GRIFFITHS
Review: The sad tale of renowned and unusual cellist Jacqueline du Pre and her sister Hilary. Emily Watson is excellent here as Jackie, and Rachel Griffiths is her reliably talented self as Hilary. The film moves rather slowly and is not the most beautifully told, but it does illustrate a sense of unconditional and boundless sisterly love between Hilary and Jackie, although it elevates Hilary to near martyrdom for her putting up with some of Jackie's more outrageous and selfish demands, but it also shows Hilary being the only person there for Jackie in her last days when multiple sclerosis claimed Jackie's life, both figuratively and literally.
Rating: 
Summary: AS CLOSE AS TWO SISTERS CAN BE...
Review: This is an outstanding film with bravura performances by all the actors and actresses who grace it. Emily Watson is dazzling as world reknowned cellist, Jacqueline Du Pre, and Rachel Griffiths gives a heartwarming portrayal of Hilary, the more grounded Du Pre sister. British director Anand Tucker does a masterful job of capturing and exploring the often complex and symbiotic relationship between these two sisters, one of whom reaches heights in the music world of which most may only dream. Most of the film is bifurcated in that it is told from the perspective of each of the sisters, with the same scenarios being viewed through the eyes of one sister at any given time. The film opens with a scene of the young sisters playing on the beach, with an enigmatic adult figure on the shore whom the younger of the sisters, Jackie, approaches. They speak, but what transpires between the young Jackie and this solitary figure is only made manifest at the conclusion of the film. The viewer is then thrust into the Du Pre household, where it is clear that their lives revolve around music, with Jackie playing the cello and Hilary the flute. A pivotal moment in the film occurs when Hilary is invited to participate in a televised children's concert, and Jackie is not. Jackie is told by their mother that if she wishes to get such an invitation that she must play better. This is an edict which Jackie takes to heart and adopts with abandon, becoming relentless in her devotion to the cello, until it is she, and not Hilary, who becomes the one in demand and the one to whom slavish attention is given. This is a portend of things to come. Therein lies the seed for the subtle rivalry which is to last their entire lives, though they remain as close as two sisters can be. Jackie goes on to become one of the world's most renowned cellists. That Hilary sublimates herself to her sister is obvious, even when ballroom dancing together, as it is Jackie who leads Hilary. This was to remain the pattern for most of their respective lives. While the shy and seemingly insecure Hilary eventually marries a man who makes her feel special and important, it is Jackie who continues to dazzle, even in the marriage arena, marrying a world class pianist with whom she makes beautiful music, until she is struck by a fatal illness. As Jackie's world spirals out of control, Hilary is leading the placid life of a country squiress, having children and playing at local concerts, happily married to a man who is clearly devoted to her. Jackie intrudes on their idyllic life, and in her frenetic fashion turns their world upside down during a visit sans her husband, when she obviously horns in on Hilary's husband. What happens next is sure to shock even the most jaded of viewers. As Jackie grows more successful in the music world, her personal life spirals out of control. Her passion for the cello is often countermanded by the pains she takes to try to divest herself of the demanding instrument that seemingly controls her life, as her passion and musical genius begin to consume her to the exclusion of all else. Her tortured soul is finally set free, when she succumbs to her fatal illness, a lonely and tragic figure at the end, mourned most of all by Hilary. This is a movie that music lovers and anyone who loves a beautifully directed and well acted film will enjoy. --This text refers to the VHS Tape edition
Rating:
Summary: All in the filmmaking
Review: I have read the reader reviews and comments and agree with those who were much moved by this film. Just want to add or reiterate that if you see this movie fresh, without any knowledge of this story beforehand and judge it by the work of the director and actor alone, as I did, I believe the movie will hold you in its grip continuously as the film unfolds. It is a superbly crafted film.
Rating:
Summary: A Powerfully, Riveting Movie Which Left Me Wanting More
Review: Embarrisingly, I have to admit that the only reason I ended up watching this movie in the first place was that I happened to stumble upon it during one of my "there's nothing on but this seems somewhat interesting" kind of moods. Sufficed to say, I was hooked from the first five minutes. I had no past knowledge of the story line or even of the cellest Jaqueline Du Pre. The movie was simply captivating, from the music (and this is coming from someone who'd rather listen to Smashing Pumpkins then Elgar)to the connection between the two sisters Hilary and Jackie. I have two brothers but no sisters and it was different to see two sisters who knew eahother so well they seemed to be able to read eachother's minds. Kiffer was definatly the comic relief to an otherwise seriously toned movie. He had me nearly doubled over in laughter when he walzted into Hilary's home "to make a nuisance of himself". I will admit, however, that the scene where Hilary allowed Jackie to sleep with her husband was somewhat disturbing. Never in my wildest nightmares could I imagine allowing one of my best friends (being as to how I have no sisters)to sleep with my husband whom I loved very dearly and had children with. It goes against my morals. However, I understand perfectly that to edit out that part would be taking away from the magic of the story so by no means do I wish they had removed it. It was a crucial part to Jackie's deteriorating health, in my opinion at least, and had a necessity to be shared. In a nut shell, this movie left me breathless. After watching it for the first time, I immediatly went on the lookout for it again on my satilite and upon finding it, proceeded to tape it. I am now looking forward to hopefully one day owning the soundtrack (as it is the music I like best out of the whole film)and perhaps even the book written by her siblings after all the good reviews I have heard about it. To the film making company in charge of adapting this movie, I say thank you for your selection. To the actors and actresses who made the story come alive, I say bravo. Bravo.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful movie- Emily Watson deserved the Oscar
Review: Hilary and Jackie duPre are sisters that love music and movement, which their mother inculcates into them from infancy on (the mother's own love of music is detailed in the book but omitted in the film). Hilary, the oldest, plays the flute and wins first place honors at every competition she enters. Jackie, however, usually comes in 2nd or 3rd, if she even places at all. Perhaps it's Jackie's desire to out-do her sister, or maybe she just yearns the applause and parental adulation Hilary gets; either way, Jackie practices her cello night and day until she surpasses Hilary's talent, and it is she who now wins all the trophys and her parents praise. Hilary quietly and resignedly fades into the shadows of Jackie's new limelight, and this switch in personality types forms the women they are to become. As adults, Hilary is withdrawn and quiet; where she once shone as a first place musician, she now is unsure of her talent and plays with much less conviction. Jackie, however, continues to flourish, and is asked to play on a tour of Europe which brings her the fame and global adulation she seems to desire. But, as soon as Hilary meets her future husband, who proposes almost immediately, Jackie becomes jealous and tries to sabatoge the wedding. It goes through, though, and Jackie returns to being the grand cellist the world knows her to be. Some years and 2 kids later into the marriage, however, Hilary and her husband receive a surprise visit from Jackie. During an evening conversation, Jackie confesses to Hilary that she wants to sleep with Hilary's husband, depsite the fact the she (Jackie) is now herself a married woman. What drives this girl to appear seemingly selfish? Unbelievably, there is an exlpanation, but you won't find it here. Get the movie or the book "A Genius in the Family" to find out. The first half of the movie is told from Hilary's viewpoint, and the second half from Jackie, who is struck down with MS at and early age. A fabulous movie about how when all is said and done, the Beatles were right: "All you need is love".
Rating:
Summary: A powerful story and two inspired performances
Review: Films as intelligent and well crafted as this are hard to come by. "Hilary and Jackie" is an exceptionally well done character study of two real life sisters. Jackie (Emily Watson) is a world-class cellist and Hilary (Rachel Griffiths) lives a normal middle class life. The story is rich in character development depicting the sisters starting from their childhood when both were musical prodigies. Now that they are adults, they envy each other's life. The story follows Jackie's career and explores the sisters' relationship, including the deep resentment and enduring love they have for one another. Director Anand Tucker does a wonderful job of presenting the story. He induces great feeling from each scene and lays the raw emotions on the screen without embellishment whether pure or turbulent. Emily Watson was superb in the lead role. Her's was an extremely complex character and her command of the range of emotions Jackie required was phenomenal. Lovers of classical music will appreciate the rich soundtrack and Watson's realistic cello renditions. Watson was nominated for best actress by the Academy in 1999 for this performance and I felt she was most deserving of the prize that ultimately went to Gwyneth Paltrow for "Shakespeare in Love". Paltrow's performance was clever and charming, but had nowhere near the power Watson delivered in this film. Emily is such a talented actress, however, that I have little doubt eventually there will be some other envelope with her name inside. Rachel Griffiths also gave a career performance as Hilary and she was nominated for best supporting actress, an award I felt she won hands down. Griffiths' tortured performance was gut wrenching and inspired. She played Hilary with deep sensitivity and handled her emotional conflicts brilliantly. The Academy's choice of Judy Dench was again perplexing as the Shakespeare juggernaut rolled on. For those viewers who appreciate a powerful and disturbing drama, great acting, complex characters, terrific classical music and extraordinary character development, this film is a must. I rated it a 9/10. Don't miss it.
Rating:
Summary: Sister, Sister
Review: Ah, the beauty of sibling rivalry. From the fragile years of childhood to the tumultuous twenties and the shaky bridge of middle-age, this is an epic of two women on the verge of being legendary. This movie depicts the unrelenting and sometimes vulgar competition to be more or less complicated than the other, to be more talented, more beautiful and more successful, lasting a lifetime and beyond. It examines the twisted devotion between real-life sisters Hilary and Jacqueline du Pre, rivaling musicians and completely diverse women in their motivation to find happiness in their molded lives. From the beginning, their mother hands Hilary a flute and Jackie a cello, and together they relentlessly play note after note, concerto after concerto, even original music that their mother composes. She immerses them in amateur talent competitions, Hilary displaying an acute aptitude for the flute and Jackie looking on in deep-rooted envy, her cumbersome instrument weighing heavy in her hands. When Hilary wins her woodwind division, Jackie begins her mission for excellence, rehearsing pieces in her head and even on her arm. Her unearthly skill becomes apparent and, in time, she outshines Hilary and leaves her sister trailing in her brilliant afterglow. As the story commences, the first half of the film becomes Hilary's side of the story, her point of view to the events that transpire. Hilary's aspiration for music wanes as she reaches adulthood, her capabilities as a musician put under a microscope by a callous and unyielding instructor. She forgets her objective for excellence when she meets Kiffer, a young and ambitious conductor who is scouting specifically for her talent to put in a showcase concert. She is enamored by his quirky sense of humor and romantic sentimentality and agrees to marry him when he proposes. Not long after the joyous news spreads, Jacqueline arrives home after an extensive philharmonic tour to discover that her sister has stumbled upon a happiness that she relentlessly searches for and in due time envies. From this first half of the film, Jacqueline is made out to be a self-indulgent and incorrigible brat, an emotional vampire and a manic-depressive. When the second half begins and the film does a reversal of roles, we begin to see why Jacqueline is such an extreme character and why she is somewhat volatile and self-destructive. The performances from Emily Watson and Rachel Griffiths as the indelible duo are a spring rain versus an annihilative hurricane. Jacqueline is undoubtedly the whirlwind of despair as the tortured talent, the golden child of impeccable and preternatural endowment depicted in Hilary's autobiographical account "A Genius In The Family". Anand Tucker has justifiably extolled Jackie with all the colorful reenactments he choreographs of some of her most memorable performances in concert halls around the world. Emily Watson emulates the wily and seductive characteristics of du Pre's exhibitions with the greatest of ease. She sits resolutely in her concert chair, her brow furrowed in unbearable ecstasy as her ochroid tresses whip wildly about her, her spindly arms and wiry fingers moving masterfully upon the delicate strings of her lavish and superbly crafted instrument. She is a radiant spectacle to behold in her vibrant ballgowns and long, lustrous locks, cradling her cello as if it were a red-hot lover or violently slicing her bow across it in an unbridled rage. Rachel Griffiths rounds out the dramatics as the solid and self-reliant Hilary, an astute and rational woman. She favors the simple life, choosing domesticity over the eccentric and frenzied lifestyle that her sister leads. She is Jackie's voice of reason, her soothing sedative when Jackie's stress levels begin to overflow. She embraces her without question, as anyone would with family, but is a bit gullible, being taken advantage of and grudgingly accepting of her sister's penchant for dramatics. When Kipper begins to consistently object, she is forced to be candid with Jackie and in the end sends her away. This is an excellent movie as far as direction and cinematography, but one will be slightly skeptical about the real-life relationship between the du Pres, especially pertaining to what Hilary allows Jackie to have at a certain point in the film. This is obviously for dramatic purposes but still makes an interesting story more intriguing by far. If you want more insight, read Hilary's book. Either way, you'll become absorbed by the fascinating life of a bewitching and remarkably gifted woman.
Rating:
Summary: Powerful drama
Review: Somehow this film reminds of Cries and Whispers - maybe becuase that one was also about sisters. I found this one to be quite good,a well-paced drama with powerful cinematography. I also think that an important issue was raised that a genius in something can be quite and ordinary person in their personal life. So, whether it's true or not that Jaqueline de Pre had the life as depicted, the point is (in my opinion) that a talented person could be not of a very sublime behavior. I'd recommend for seriou film watchers.
Rating: 
Summary: Ignorant film...
Review: When I heard, through musical grape vines, of a movie being made on Jackie du Pre, my curiosity was pinched. I made assumptions on the films content and all in all, expected a totally different film from what I sat through on a cold winter's night in '98. I should have been more prudent...especially when the film was titled, Hilary and Jackie. The film focuses around the relationship of the two sister's, each one supposedly telling their own story, Hilary from her pathetic corner of the world and Jackie from the grave. The movie progresses or rather, degenerates to an end that gives no memorium, no regard for a talent for the ages. For those who do not know of Jacquline du Pre's genius, I suggest you go to the music section of this website and type in Elgar Cello Concerto in the search. Then, you will find a list of links connecting you different albums. Peruse through the endless artists, orchestra's, and directors. You will find her. Click on du Pre. This is what the film should have been.
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