45 Years
2015, Drama, 1h 33m
209 Reviews 10,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
45 Years offers richly thought-provoking rewards for fans of adult cinema -- and a mesmerizing acting showcase for leads Charlotte Rampling and Tom Courtenay. Read critic reviews
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Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Kate Mercer
Geoff Mercer
Lena
Charlotte
George
Chris
News & Interviews for 45 Years
Critic Reviews for 45 Years
All Critics (209) | Top Critics (62) | Fresh (202) | Rotten (7)
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A drama of profound majesty sure to be marveled at for many years to come.
August 16, 2016 | Rating: 4/4 | Full Review… -
How many great movies could be written across the enigmatic, profound face of Charlotte Rampling? Hundreds? Thousands? At any rate, Andrew Haigh's 45 Years is one of them.
May 10, 2016 | Full Review… -
This story, which grows richer the more you think about it, is a rueful acknowledgment of the fact that few of us can.
March 4, 2016 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review… -
If the subject matter is familiar, Haigh approaches it in good faith - avoiding both sentimentality and cynicism, and seeking out fresh insight rather than settling for cliche.
February 19, 2016 | Rating: 3.5/5 | Full Review… -
The naturalistic approach of Haigh and his actors makes 45 Hours a memorable screen experience, filled with subtle details and clues to the relationship.
February 12, 2016 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review… -
To know is not the same as to possess, and at any rate, possession is never permanent.
February 4, 2016 | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for 45 Years
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Aug 09, 2016Pretty solid. Vanilla dramas like this really aren't my thing, but I can appreciate the good acting. Didn't think this was as amazing as all the critics claimed it was though.Stephen S Super Reviewer
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Jun 02, 2016One week before a couple's 45th wedding anniversary, the husband receives news that his first love's remains have been found preserved in ice on the mountains where she fell and died nearly fifty years ago. He is understandably shaken, and his wife is at first supportive and curious, but then increasingly insecure, especially when he starts obsessively reminiscing over his quixotic twenties instead of helping her plan their anniversary party. This quiet, if slow, drama is a stark, sad look at the emotional detritus that builds up over an aging life and the little heartbreaks and secret truths that can unravel a long marriage. Charlotte Rampling's gracefully lined face achingly captures Kate's passive aggressions, and she delivers a thirty-second actor's masterclass in that one-sided dialogue scene of her on the phone, confirming the party songlist with the event planner and deliberately avoiding "their song" only to capitulate in a subtle fit of anguish at the very end.Alice S Super Reviewer
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Feb 23, 2016It seems very odd to say that I would prefer to watch a conventional love story after viewing this film, but I whole-heartedly believe that. This is a very frustrating picture. "45 Years" follows an elderly couple about to celebrate their forty-fifth wedding anniversary, and while they are deeply in love, what comes into their lives is devastating for one of them. As a story is uncovered about a past lover, Geoff begins to recall everything they did together before he married his current wife. Explaining his past to her, emotions being to fly and the performances are what drive the rest of the film. Aside from great direction, a brilliant cast in Charlotte Rampling and Tom Courtenay, and dialogue that will have you believing what is being presented, this film feels a little unfinished. I do understand the praise around this film, but by the end, I felt myself wanting so much more, and most reviews do not touch on that. This couple is about to reach the peak of the their marriage and everything in the last frame was off for me. It was trying to give a huge emotionally payoff, but I was left empty and wanting to understand their feelings. That is the main plot of the story, and I do not feel it was explored enough. In he end, "45 Years" flows at a good pace and it's 97 minutes running time is the perfect length for this story. It is a nice watch, but nothing more.KJ P Super Reviewer
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Feb 21, 2016Rampling makes acting look so effortless and Courtenay is no slouch either in this focus on a long term marriage that begs the question - what do we really know about the people who share our lives and bed? Nice soundtrack as well. (2-20-16)John C Super Reviewer
45 Years Quotes
Kate Mercer: | You used to love your birdwatching. |
Geoff Mercer: | I did, yes. |
Kate Mercer: | It's funny how you forget the things in life that make you happy. |
Geoff Mercer: | You really believe you haven't been enough for me? |
Kate Mercer: | No. I think I was enough for you, I'm just not sure you do. |
Kate Mercer: | Would you have married her for real? |
Geoff Mercer: | I thought you didn't like theoretical questions? |
Kate Mercer: | Just answer me. |
Geoff Mercer: | Yes. |
Kate Mercer: | I'd like to be able to tell you everything I'm thinking. But I can't. |
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