Watch The French Lieutenant's Woman

The French Lieutenant's Woman is a 1981 British-American romantic drama film directed by Karel Reisz and adapted from the novel of the same name by John Fowles. The movie, set in Victorian England in the 1860s, follows the story of two parallel love affairs, one between a wealthy gentleman, Charles Smithson (Jeremy Irons), and a mysterious woman, Sarah Woodruff (Meryl Streep), and the other between the two actors who portray them in a film production of the novel.

The plot begins when Charles, a paleontologist, becomes fascinated with Sarah, a beautiful and enigmatic woman that he meets while walking on the coast of Lyme Regis in Dorset, England. Sarah is a social outcast, known locally as the "French Lieutenant's Woman," because of her supposed relationship with a French naval officer who abandoned her. Despite the criticism of his friend and fiancée, Charles pursues Sarah, and they begin a secret relationship.

As their affair progresses, Charles realizes that he is in love with Sarah, but she remains distant and refuses to reciprocate his feelings. Meanwhile, the actors portraying Charles and Sarah in a theatrical adaptation of the novel fall in love with each other and begin an affair. The lines blur between reality and fiction as the two relationships mirror each other and the actors struggle to come to terms with their own feelings.

The scenery and cinematography of the film is stunning, bringing the wild, windswept coast of England to life. The film was shot on location in Dorset, and the production team used the remains of old buildings and natural features to create the town of Lyme Regis in the 1860s. The score, composed by Carl Davis, is also exceptional, with its sweeping strings and haunting melodies perfectly complementing the story and setting.

The performances of the leads, Meryl Streep and Jeremy Irons, are captivating. Streep is incredible as Sarah, capturing both the mysterious allure and deep sadness of her character, while Irons delivers a nuanced performance as Charles, effortlessly conveying his intellectual curiosity and romantic longing. The chemistry between the two is palpable, and their scenes together are some of the most memorable in the film.

The supporting cast, including Hilton McRae as Charles' best friend Ernestina, are also excellent, providing depth and humor to the story. The film explores themes of love, class, and society's expectations, and it does so with intelligence and nuance. The French Lieutenant's Woman has been praised for its complex characters and themes, and it remains a beloved classic of the romantic drama genre.

In conclusion, The French Lieutenant's Woman is a beautiful and thought-provoking film that showcases the talents of its cast and crew. It is a timeless story that explores the complexities of love and the human condition, and it does so with depth, nuance, and stunning visuals.

The French Lieutenant's Woman is a 1981 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 9 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 64.