Rating: 
Summary: Outstandingly good film
Review: I think this is a really great film with fantastic performances! The story is captivating (although I understand and partly share the worries of viewers and readers as to whether it is too soon for such a film to be released) and not only were the two leading actresses brilliant but every single other actor, too. I found it an excellent idea to present the story (and even in some cases the same scene) from two different points of view, because only then you yourself can choose how to feel towards people or situations rather than having the director or the sciptwritter making that choice for you. Emily Watson imitated Jacqueline Du Pres better than I had ever thought possible! Before I saw the film I had read reviewers arguing whether Watson's or Griffith's performance was better, but I could really not make that comparison: they were both brillinat! My only objection for the film I am definitely going to see again is that there are some small yet important differences compared with the book in an attempt to justify things and paint a nicer portrait of Jackie. Much though I like and admire Jacqueline Du Pres' music, I, on the whole, prefer things to be as close to the original as possible.
Rating:
Summary: An introverted writer's treat into human realism
Review: I know a good human story when I hear it. In real life, people are flawed and not perfect and never will be. Human desires are real as is jealousy and rivalry. This film is one of the so very few today to display that aspect.
Rating: 
Summary: fascinating film but is it for everyone?
Review: I highly recommend this film to other artists because I found that it raised many interesting questions regarding the art/artist relationship, particularly in one scene between du Pre and Barenboim. However, I could see how this film could have somewhat limited appeal even though I thought it to be absolutely of the highest calibur. The directing is supberb, and all the actors deliver convincing performances.
Rating:
Summary: Emily Watson is brilliant
Review: This was a terrific, multilayered film. I enjoyed it thoroughly
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely amazing!
Review: First of all, I'd like to blow a raspberry to all of you critics of this wonderful movie. Perhaps, you wouldn't even know a good movie if it came up and bit you!Hilary and Jackie was an AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL movie... and yes, the characters at times were a little hard to like. I applaud the screenwriters and directors for keeping it that way instead of turning it into some type of Americanized fairy tale with flawless characters. If you read the book written by Hilary du Pré and her brother Piers (which I highly recommend you do) you could understand this better. There is so much that could not ever fit into the movie but is just as important. Emily Watson and Rachel Griffith had two very commanding performances in here that it often made the other actors seem like amateurs... However, they fit together so well and it was believable. If you look at pictures of Jackie, you can't help but see the uncanny resembelance between her and Watson. This is one of the best films I have ever seen. Not only did I buy the book but I also purchased the CD which has recordings of Jacqueline du Pré and her oh-so-famous Elgar concerto. Hilary and Jackie maybe labelled as a "chick movie" or something else, but I don't believe you can fit it in any type of genre. I think that this is a very intelligent movie and that it has honestly changed the way I think in many aspects. Through the second viewing of Hilary and Jackie, I found myself in tears. I see A LOT of movies and a movie that makes me cry has got to be one hell of a movie! Do yourself a favour and buy this movie, please. It is definately worth it if you can appreciate the classical music, subtle comedy and understand the striking depth. If you're looking for a movie in which you can watch without ever thinking- skip this masterpiece and rent something with Pauly Shore in it.
Rating:
Summary: A music lovers delight, MS patients nightmare.
Review: I was a music major in college when I heard that cellist Jacqueline DuPre was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and that she may never play again. About six months later, I got word from a neurologist that I should face the fact that my playing days were over due to the same reason. I can certainly relate to this film. I have read the book and am slightly disappointed with the film version, but I do recommend reading the book first. But please do not deny yourself the pleasure of the music and the excellent performances. A warning to anyone with Multiple Sclerosis: the form of MS portrayed in the film, though accurate in relating to Jacqueline DuPre's case, is extremely rare and happened before currently available treatments. Don't let it scare you, but you will find it interesting that she obviously had symptoms long before anyone suspected the disease.
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Summary: Gut-wrenching story of gifted cellist du Pre and sister
Review: This excellent video introduced me to the human Jacqueline du Pre, then to her exquisite cello music played as never heard before, then to her real-life story. The movie may disappoint some who read or have read the book ('Hilary and Jackie' in the US, 'A Genius in the Family' in Europe), and I was annoyed at the far too many liberties taken with the story in the book, e.g., transposition of events, of characters, etc. but the film is excellent on its own and not to be taken too literally in some parts. Cast is first-rate, music is superb. I confess that I wept during the last 15-20 minutes of the film, and sobbed during the last few chapters of the book. SEE THE FILM. READ THE BOOK. LISTEN TO AND BUY THE CD and OTHER du Pre CDs! Share this genius' music with kith and kin!
Rating:
Summary: Interesting, disturbing movie.
Review: The book upon which this film was based was in fact written by Jackie du Pre's brother and sister. Both Piers and Hilary thoroughly supported the film and acted as consultants on the project. Neither one apologizes for the content of the story, nor for the actions of all those involved. They simply present their story as being that of a family, perhaps flawed, perhaps selfish, but just a family, much like many others. However, unlike other families, as they point out repeatedly, the du Pre family had a genius among them. Hilary and Piers emphatically repeat that they loved their sister; they just chose to present their life together as a family, warts and all. I love this film because the people are flawed. As in life, no one is perfect; no one is a saint. As much as one can argue that Hilary, Jackie et al. are mean or selfish, their love for each other enabled their mean conduct. Jackie knew what she could do to her sister, and Hilary knew what she could handle. They were so close that hatred was the same as love among them. Because Hilary could allow her sister to have an affair with her husband, and allow this information to become public, in spite of any embarrasment she herself might feel, should tell us that her relationship with her sister, was just that, a relationship between her and her sister; this should also tell us that she really doesn't care what other people think of her actions. Jackie du Pre was Hilary's sister, not yours and not mine. Perhaps if the viewer from San Diego was in Hilary's situation, with her background, her life experience, he/she might very well behave in the same way as Hilary did. No one can say. I don't think Hilary would honestly expect others to understand her position. However, I do believe that her attempt should be well noted. As for the cliche love aspect of the story which will not assuage or "suck in" the "intellectuals," or the seasoned art house film connoisseurs, it is now no longer any wonder to me why great artists are never understood in their lifetime; why women like Jackie continue to suffer today. One could argue that emotional intensity on all levels, is at the base of every great artist's soul; not everyone can understand that fire; not everyone can understand Jackie du Pre's passion for the cello etc. However, when any expression of love, no matter how slight, is considered cliche or trite, I seriously wonder about the person who offers such an observation. Then again, perhaps this person would feel that he/she could produce a better movie than Hilary and Jackie and would act all of the roles better than the chosen actors. He/she could do all of this from his/her armchair and spend his/her valuable time writing slanderous reviews for Amazon.com. I'm sure that this person will find Emily Watson spending her valuable time doing the same thing, in between her time spent filming Angela's Ashes.
Rating: 
Summary: Compressed version of original movie
Review: I watched the original movie in the theater and read the book. I rented the video tape last night watched the movie again. And I found that many things are missing from the original movie. Especially the part when the two sisters were young. For example, I remember the Jackie's screaming when she found the Cello in the morning on her 5th birthday. Where are all those things gone ? Very disappointing video production. I remember that the original movie lasted at least 2 hour and 15 min. The video is merely 2 hour and 1 min. I would like to ask video producers that they should contain everything that was in the original movie. I would recommend not buying this one at this moment. I hope that they would release some "director's cut" or "original cut" version in the near future.
Rating:
Summary: Confusing
Review: I enjoyed the film but found it distracting when the story jumped from sister to sister, however I read the book and then the film fell into place.
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