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The Browning Version Details

1994 Certificate 15 Certificate 15 (TBC)
  • Rated:
  • 70
  • from 343 members

Andrew Crocker-Harris (Albert Finney), a teacher of Greek and Latin at a private school, is dubbed the 'Hitler of the Lower Sixth' by his students. His rigidity and cruelty are the sad remnants of an extinguished passion for classical literature. But as he is poised to leave the school--forced into retirement by the headmaster .. Read more

Starring Albert Finney, Matthew Modine, Greta Scacchi, Michael Gambon
Director Mike Figgis, John K. Watson
Genres Drama

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The Browning Version

Andrew Crocker-Harris (Albert Finney), a teacher of Greek and Latin at a private school, is dubbed the 'Hitler of the Lower Sixth' by his students. His rigidity and cruelty are the sad remnants of an extinguished passion for classical literature. But as he is poised to leave the school--forced into retirement by the headmaster and made a cuckold of by the infidelities of his wife Laura (Greta Scacchi)--Crocker-Harris finds his love for learning rekindled by the interest and sympathy of a young student named Taplow (Ben Silverstone), who gives him Robert Browning's translation of Aeschylus' AGAMEMNON as a parting gift. Based on a Terence Rattigan play, THE BROWNING VERSION is a character study that finds pathos in British stodginess and makes a subdued plea for the nobility of teaching. Finney is the powerful centre of the film, portraying a man whom time and opportunity have passed by. As humiliations are piled upon his character, Finney registers nothing but silent resignation, even as he ratchets up his stoicism to face the next disappointment.

Starring Albert Finney, Matthew Modine, Greta Scacchi, Michael Gambon, Julian Sands, Ben Silverstone, Maryam d'Abo, Oliver Milburn, Jeff Nuttall, Belinda Low
Director Mike Figgis, John K. Watson
Studio PARAMOUNT HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Run time DVD: 1 hr 37 mins
Watch now: 1 hr 37 mins
Certificate DVD: Certificate 15, Watch Online: Certificate 15 (TBC)
Genres Drama
Language DVD: English
Watch Online: English
Released DVD: 05 Mar 2006
Watch now: 08 Apr 2009
Production year: 1994
Watch now £2.49
Format DVD
  • Critics' reviews of The Browning Version

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  • Considered dispassionately, Figgis' lavish update of Terence Rattigan's play must be judged redundant, even... read more on Time Out

    • Time Out
  • Most helpful member's review of The Browning Version

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  • 8 out of 8 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 4 stars

    FABULOUS PERFORMANCE

    THE BROWNING VERSION was a little surprising as I've long thought that Albert Finney has become somewhat jaded and stereotyped in his more recent films. This, however, was a really good performance. He didn't go for the sympathy vote - he just played it for what it was - an aging school master with a disasterous marriage whose hopes and asperations had withered. Greta Saachi was good supporting. Really enjoyed this - engrossing. the children's parts were good too.

      • A customer from DEVON
  • Most recent members' review of The Browning Version

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  • 1 out of 1 person found this review helpful

    Rated - 5 stars

    An absorbing British film

    If you like the modern action, noisy films, then this is not for you!! Sit back and enjoy a quality British piece with a good story and script. Albert Finney is superb- you can see the emotion in his face. He is supported by an excellent cast. Loved the locations in Dorset!!

      • Anne Jones from Dorset, England June 2009
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Rating breakdown

343 Member ratings
  • 100
47
  • 90
22
  • 80
87
  • 70
68
  • 60
47
  • 50
26
  • 40
18
  • 30
9
  • 20
14
  • 10
5

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    • The Browning Version
      Andrew Crocker-Harris (Albert Finney), a teacher of Greek and Latin at a private school, is dubbed the 'Hitler of the Lower Sixth' by his students. His rigidity and cruelty are the sad remnants of an extinguished passion for classical literature. But as he is poised to leave the school--forced into ...