Withnail and I

1987

Withnail and I

Critics Consensus

No consensus yet.

94%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 33

94%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 43,083
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Movie Info

Screenwriter Bruce Robinson made his directorial debut with this British comedy. Withnail (Richard E. Grant) is an unsuccessful, pill-popping actor; "I," or Marwood (Paul McGann), is Withnail's roommate and another equally underemployed actor. The time is 1969: Withnail is fast becoming a burned-out relic of the '60s, while Marwood is trying to reassimilate into society. The two take a trip to the country in hopes of rejuvenating themselves, but things go from worse to even worse. Given the intimacy and insight of the screenplay and dialogue, one shouldn't be surprised that Bruce Robinson (who adapted the film from his own novel) based Withnail & I on his own experiences. The film proves that certain "Age of Aquarius" types were just as bollixed-up in Britain as they were in America.
  • Rating:
    R
  • Genre:
    Comedy, Drama
  • Directed By:
    Bruce Robinson
  • Written By:
    Bruce Robinson
  • In Theaters:
     wide
  • On Disc/Streaming:
  • Runtime:
  • Studio:
    Cineplex-Odeon Films

Cast

Richard E. Grant
as Withnail
Paul McGann
as Marwood
Richard Griffiths
as Monty
Ralph Brown
as Danny
Michael Elphick
as Jake
Daragh O'Malley
as Irishman
Michael Wardle
as Issac Parkin
Una Brandon-Jones
as Mrs. Parkin
Noel Johnson
as General
Irene Sutcliffe
as Waitress
Llewellyn Rees
as Tea Shop Proprietor
Robert Oates
as Policeman 1
Eddie Tagoe
as Presuming Ed
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Critic Reviews for Withnail and I

All Critics (33) | Top Critics (5) | Fresh (31) | Rotten (2)

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Audience Reviews for Withnail and I

  • Oct 27, 2018
    What elevates this British comedy above being a mere series of funny situations is Richard E. Grant, who embraces his role with a hilarious performance and makes this a hysterical film full of memorable lines and moments, even if some of the gags lack a proper punch line.
    Carlos M Super Reviewer
  • Apr 06, 2013
    seemingly no beginning, middle or end & more a segment of goings on. veritably infectious due to quality acting and a sense of what once was captured
    Sanity Assassin ! Super Reviewer
  • Jan 15, 2013
    An almost surreal British comedy taking place in the '60s, Withnail and I is hilarious and strange, driven by great performances from the entire cast, especially Richard E. Grant as Withnail and Richard Griffiths as Monty. Very funny in an odd sort of way.
    Joey S Super Reviewer
  • Jan 15, 2013
    Utter hogwash from start to finish.
    Jack H Super Reviewer
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