Watch Hemingway & Gellhorn

Hemingway & Gellhorn is a 2012 historical drama film directed by Philip Kaufman, starring Nicole Kidman, Clive Owen and David Strathairn. The film is based on the true-life story of journalist Martha Gellhorn and her tumultuous relationship with writer Ernest Hemingway during the Spanish Civil War and World War II. The film kicks off with Hemingway (Owen) meeting and falling in love with Gellhorn (Kidman) while she worked as a journalist based in Key West, Florida. At that time, Hemingway was already a famous writer with several bestsellers under his belt. Their romance quickly blossomed, and the two of them decided to travel to Spain together to cover the Spanish Civil War.

In Spain, Gellhorn became the only woman correspondent to land among the troops in the front line, where she was soon joined by Hemingway. The two of them reported on the war together and fell even more deeply in love. However, Hemingway’s infidelities and ambition to be at the forefront of the world stage would soon cause conflicts in their relationship.

The second half of the film focuses on Gellhorn's visit to China where she also reported on the Sino-Japanese War. In China, she found herself in a relationship with Hemingway’s close friend, the famous Chinese General Chiang Kai-Shek, which lead to further complications.

Throughout the movie, we see the two of them grappling with their relationship while trying to balance their journalistic careers. They both want to be heard and recognized for their work, which often put them in direct competition with each other. Despite their differences, they continued to work together, but eventually, their love affair falls apart, largely due to Hemingway's refusal to commit.

The film takes viewers on a journey through history, highlighting the most significant moments of the Spanish Civil War and World War II. It also shows historical figures like Chiang Kai-Shek, and the rise of the fascist regime in Europe. Hemingway & Gellhorn uses archival footage of these events, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the film.

The relationship between Hemingway and Gellhorn is the heart of the film, and Kidman and Owen deliver a remarkably engaging performance. Kidman, in particular, offers an exceptional portrayal of Gellhorn's resilience, courage, and determination, and the movie offers a unique and compelling view of a woman in a male-dominated industry. Owen presents Hemingway as a deeply flawed character, a narcissistic figure who always had to be at the center of attention.

The supporting cast is also fantastic, with David Strathairn playing John Dos Passos, a close friend and confidant of Hemingway, who narrates the film in flashback. Parker Posey, Molly Parker, and Santiago Cabrera are also noteworthy in their respective roles.

Hemingway & Gellhorn is a beautifully shot and captivatingly told story that sheds light on a significant chapter in history. The film offers a glimpse into the world of literary legends, where Ernest Hemingway reigns supreme, and Martha Gellhorn struggles to find her footing. The film deals with the complicated nature of love, the cost of ambition, and the effects of war on the human psyche.

Overall, Hemingway & Gellhorn is an engrossing and emotionally charged movie that tells a story that needs to be told. Its combination of love, ambition, war, and history make it an excellent choice for anyone interested in a historical drama with a heartfelt side.

Hemingway & Gellhorn is a 2012 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 34 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.