The Wings of the Dove (1997)
Movie Info
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Cast
as Kate Croy
as Merton Densher
as Millie Theale
as Aunt Maude
as Susan
as Kate's father
as Lord Mark
as Journalist 1
as Journalist 2
as Butler
as Opium Den Lady
as Merton's Party Companion
as Eugenio
as Concierge
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Critic Reviews for The Wings of the Dove
All Critics (32) | Top Critics (9) | Fresh (27) | Rotten (5) | DVD (2)
Instead of piling on distracting historical details and background, Dove trusts the audience to notice behavioral clues and fill in the blanks.
The Wings of the Dove flies high in a year when a whole lot of mega-buck movies barely got off the ground. It's exquisite -- and very adult -- entertainment.
The problem is that once you posit an atmosphere of relative lubricity, most of the tension in the story disappears. Who in this movie would care if Kate carried on a torrid affair with Merton Densher?
All of this intrigue is played out against the most romantic of backgrounds.
The problem is this: We're given no reason to care about these two yearning hearts. Our only evidence of their love is a garish display of hormones.
Visually stunning? Absolutely! But I found the film's plodding pace relentlessly annoying.
Audience Reviews for The Wings of the Dove
Another very nice movie for romantic women of any age. Entertaining, and well put together, but sad. Helena Bonham is just lovely in this.
Super Reviewer
This is another outstanding movie based on a novel written by Henry James. It takes place in the early 1900's and you have everything in this that?s found in a modern day soap opera. The main character is Kate (Helena Bonham Carter), a young woman who is dependant on the whims of a rich aunt for her survival. Kate is a person that plays with other peoples life?s and feelings, She makes friends with a American who is dying, and this American is very rich, so she ploys her boyfriend to fall in love with her for her Money. A great twist of story. It will be enjoy by most. 4 Stars.
Super Reviewer
I was intrigued by the dynamics between the three main characters. Carter and Roache as the passionate young lovers from different social classes, while they definitely have a messed-up relationship, are enthralling to watch. The acting, colors, cinematography and dialog do somehow seem more alive than other films set in this period by Merchant and Ivory.
Super Reviewer
The Wings of the Dove Quotes
| Merton Densher: | My heart is sore pained within me, and the terrors of death are fallen upon me. Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and the horror hath overwhelmed me. And I said, "Oh that I had wings like a dove! For then would I fly away, and be at rest." |
| Merton Densher: | My heart is sore pained within me, and the terrors of death are fallen upon me. Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and the horror hath overwhelmed me. And I said, 'Oh that I had wings like a dove! For then would I fly away, and be at rest.' |
| Merton Densher: | Millie, what can I do to persuade you? |
| Millie Theale: | Don't! We're beyond that you and I. I love you--both of you. |
| Merton Densher: | I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry! |
| Millie Theale: | Do I look like I can climb a church scaffold? |
| Merton Densher: | You can do anything you want. |
| Millie Theale: | No anymore. I can't fool myself forever. |
| Kate Croy: | You're still in love with her. |
| Merton Densher: | I was never in love with her. |