Watch Where Angels Fear to Tread

The 1991 film Where Angels Fear to Tread is an adaptation of the 1905 novel of the same name by E.M. Forster. Directed by Charles Sturridge, the movie stars a talented cast of Helena Bonham Carter, Judy Davis, and Rupert Graves. The story begins with the death of Lilia Herriton's husband, leaving her a young widow with a young child. Living in turn-of-the-century Europe, Lilia's social status changes dramatically after her husband's death, and her mother-in-law, Mrs. Herriton, is set on taking the child away from her. However, a young man named Philip Herriton, Mrs. Herriton's son, has taken an interest in Lilia's well-being and decides to accompany her on a holiday in Italy.

As they reach Italy, the two fall in love, much to the chagrin of Mrs. Herriton, who is doing everything in her power to take Lilia's child away from her. Philip and Lilia decide that they do not need Mrs. Herriton's approval, and they get married, much to the delight of Lilia.

Their marriage, though, is short-lived as a tragedy strikes, leaving Lilia dead and Philip broken-hearted. As one tragedy leads to another, the rest of the family comes to Italy to deal with the situation. The Herritons soon find themselves confronted with difficult questions about love, sacrifice, and social norms, as their prejudices and societal expectations come into question.

The film explores various themes, such as the conventionalism of high society and how difficult it is to step out of it. It questions morality and societal norms and how they often lead to tragedy. Several characters grapple with personal issues throughout the movie, such as whether they should accept social conventions or follow their hearts. The film highlights how difficult it is to let go of one's past, as it can often hinder a person's ability to make choices that are good for them.

The strong casting of the movie captures the essence of each character, with Helena Bonham Carter playing the beautiful and naive Lilia, who is drawn to adventure and opportunity. Her acting and appearance perfectly capture the individuality of Lilia's character, making her sympathetic even to the people who oppose her. Judy Davis's character, Harriet, is initially hostile to the idea of her brother falling in love with Lilia. Davis delivers a powerful performance that portrays the character's inner turmoil excellently.

Rupert Graves portrays Philip, who plays an essential role in the movie's story arc. He is the socially awkward Herriton son who is attracted to Lilia's free spirit. Throughout the movie, Graves captures the character's growth from being a shy and introverted person to someone who is ready to express his feelings openly.

The direction of the movie is exceptional, with the movie's editing and camera work expertly portraying the complex relationships of the characters. The film also succeeds in creating the perfect backdrop for the story, as the stunning Tuscan countryside of Italy perfectly complements the film's themes of passion, love, and common social conventions.

In conclusion, Where Angels Fear to Tread is a beautiful and evocative film that explores the complexities of relationships and human nature. The film's exceptional direction, acting, and cinematography work together to make it one of the best cinematic adaptations of E.M. Forster's novels.

Where Angels Fear to Tread is a 1991 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 56 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.