The Special Relationship

2010

The Special Relationship

Critics Consensus

No consensus yet.

86%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 21

63%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 2,332

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Movie Info

Screenwriter Peter Morgan (Frost/Nixon, The Queen) explores the complex relationship that developed between former American President Bill Clinton and former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Tony Blair as the two progressive statesmen strived to unite their countries toward a common goal. The growing bond between President Clinton and Prime Minister Blair is later solidified by the fact that their wives, Hillary Clinton and Cherie Blair, seem to have just as much in common as their powerful husbands.

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Cast

Michael Sheen
as Tony Blair
Dennis Quaid
as Bill Clinton
Hope Davis
as Hillary Rodham Clinton
Helen McCrory
as Cherie Blair
Adam Godley
as Jonathan Powell
Mark Bazeley
as Alastair Campbell
Chris Wilson
as Gordon Brown
Matthew Marsh
as Foreign Policy Advisor
Demetri Goritsas
as Strategist
Marc Rioufol
as Jacque Chirac
Nancy Crane
as Protocol Officer
Lara Pulver
as Intern
John Schwab
as Reporter
Kerry Shale
as Advisor to the Clintons
Eric Meyers
as American Journalist
Rufus Wright
as British Journalist
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Critic Reviews for The Special Relationship

All Critics (21) | Top Critics (4)

  • The relationship between Blair and Clinton never seems capable, dramatically speaking, of bearing the weight the film assigns to it.

    Aug 6, 2010 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review…

    Philippa Hawker

    The Age (Australia)
    Top Critic

  • The film is immensely entertaining, whether fair or not. Sheen is brilliant, as we have come to expect, but Quaid's Clinton is perhaps the greater surprise because he gets well beyond the charm.

    Aug 6, 2010 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review…

    Paul Byrnes

    Sydney Morning Herald
    Top Critic

  • Very astute.

    Jun 1, 2010

    Michael Phillips

    At the Movies
    Top Critic

  • It's smart and believable and very well-acted.

    Jun 1, 2010

    A.O. Scott

    At the Movies
    Top Critic

  • The Special Relationship does indeed focus on a friendship between two (admittedly powerful) dudes, but this is more than a mere episode of Entourage. For one thing, stuff happens.

    Oct 21, 2010 | Rating: 3.5/5 | Full Review…

    Simon Miraudo

    Quickflix

  • [The] glimpse of the real Blair was far more interesting than the clichéd version we saw throughout the film.

    Aug 16, 2010 | Rating: B- | Full Review…

    Matthew Toomey

    ABC Radio Brisbane
View All Critic Reviews (21)

Audience Reviews for The Special Relationship

  • May 07, 2012
    Michael Sheen steals the show, and turns in another excellent performance. The movie itself was a little under whelming for me...decent, but nothing overly exciting.
    Cynthia S Super Reviewer
  • Feb 05, 2011
    Could have been better I think but interesting. Wasn't as into Quaid's Clinton as I was the other main three actors - great performaces from them.
    Sunil J Super Reviewer
  • Dec 20, 2010
    A well made tv movie on the relationship between Blair and Clinton, Michael Sheen plays Blair for the third time with a well crafted performance, he is firmly in comfortable shoes and Quaid shines in his performance as Clinton too, a worthwhile watch for an I interesting period in history.
    Jon H Super Reviewer
  • Dec 08, 2010
    Michael Sheen reprises his role as Tony Blair from The Queen. This time we have more insight to Blair as presented through his relationship will US President Bill Clinton. Dennis Quaid is believable as Clinton, but Hope Davis shines as Hillary. Doesn't shy away from controversy and paints an even picture of Blair as an idealist, but ultimately a politician through and through.
    Anthony V Super Reviewer
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