Watch Five Finger Exercise

Five Finger Exercise is a 1962 drama film directed by Daniel Mann and adapted from a play by Peter Shaffer. The movie stars Rosalind Russell, Jack Hawkins, Maximilian Schell, and Richard Beymer. Set in the 1960s, the story follows the Harrington family, who are enjoying a summer holiday in a luxurious villa in the Italian countryside. Stanley Harrington (Schell), a German tutor, is hired by the well-to-do Mrs. Harrington (Russell) to teach her teenage son, Philip (Beymer). Stanley is an ambitious and confident young man who is eager to make his mark on the world. However, as the lessons progress, he soon realizes that the family's seemingly idyllic life is far from perfect.

As the days go by, tensions rise between Stanley and the Harringtons, who are struggling to maintain the façade of a happy family. Mr. Harrington (Hawkins) is a distant and reserved man who is struggling with his own demons. Mrs. Harrington is unhappy in her marriage and finds solace in the attentions of Stanley. Meanwhile, Philip is a troubled adolescent who is searching for his own identity and purpose in life.

As the dynamics of the household continue to shift, the once harmonious relationship between the family members begins to crumble. Stanley's ambitious nature and unorthodox teaching methods create tension between him and Mr. Harrington, while Mrs. Harrington's growing affection for him puts a strain on her relationship with her son.

The movie is a character-driven drama that explores themes of love, family, and identity. The interactions between the main characters are tense and fraught with emotion, drawing the viewer into their world and the issues they face. The performances by the cast are excellent, particularly Russell, who embodies the conflicted and complicated Mrs. Harrington with nuance and complexity. Schell gives a strong performance as Stanley, the confident and driven tutor, while Hawkins brings a reserved intensity to the troubled Mr. Harrington.

The film's direction is solid, with Mann effectively using the scenic Italian countryside as a backdrop for the tense relationships between the characters. The screenplay, adapted from Shaffer's play, is engaging and suspenseful, with well-written dialogues that steer the action forward.

What makes Five Finger Exercise stand out is its exploration of complex characters who are struggling with internal demons. This is a movie that doesn't rely on conventional plot twists or dramatic actions to engage the viewer. Instead, it draws the viewer in with its nuanced exploration of the characters and the intricate relationships between them. It forces the viewer to examine the human condition and the intricacies of emotions.

In conclusion, Five Finger Exercise is a masterclass in character-driven drama. The performances by the cast are excellent, the direction solid, and the suspenseful screenplay engaging. The movie is a powerful exploration of identity, family, and love, and is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted drama.

Five Finger Exercise is a 1962 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 49 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.