Watch The Europeans
- 1979
- 1 hr 30 min
-
6.2 (1,178)
The Europeans, released in 1979, is a period drama film directed by James Ivory and based on a novel by Henry James. The movie takes place in 19th century Europe and tells the story of two American siblings, Eugenia and Felix, who travel to Europe to meet their relatives after inheriting a fortune. Lee Remick plays Eugenia, a sophisticated and charming woman who is fascinated by European culture and customs. Robin Ellis plays Felix, her younger and more naive brother, who is overwhelmed by the social expectations and etiquette of European high society.
Upon their arrival, they are welcomed by their distant cousin, Gertrude, and her husband, Robert. Gertrude is a wealthy, middle-aged woman who is trapped in a loveless marriage with an older aristocrat, and Robert is a bohemian artist who is at odds with the strict conventions of his social class.
As Eugenia and Felix begin to explore the city and attend various social events, they become entwined in the lives of Gertrude, Robert, and their circle of friends. Eugenia, in particular, becomes enamored with Robert and his unconventional lifestyle, with their flirtatious encounters causing quite a stir among their social circle.
As the story unfolds, tensions arise between the American siblings and their European relatives. Eugenia and Felix's unconventional behavior and lack of adherence to strict societal norms clash with the rigid expectations of their European counterparts, causing rifts in their relationships.
Meanwhile, Gertrude begins to question her own beliefs and desires as she becomes more aware of the limitations of her social status and her unhappy marriage. Robert, on the other hand, finds himself drawn to Eugenia and her carefree spirit, despite the potential consequences of their relationship.
Overall, The Europeans offers a nuanced portrayal of the societal hierarchies and conventions of 19th century Europe, and the ways in which they clash with American ideals of individuality and freedom. The film is a quintessential James Ivory production, with lavish sets and costumes, complex relationships, and subtle explorations of class, gender, and culture. It remains a compelling period drama that transports viewers to a bygone era of European aristocracy and American ingenuity.
The Europeans is a 1979 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2 and a MetaScore of 64.