The English Patient (1996)

VHS COVER/SIDE

Length of film:  162 Minutes

Rated: R

Genre: Drama, War, Romance

Director: Anthony Minghella

Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Juliette Binoche, Willem Dafoe, Kristin Scott Thomas

IMDB Rank: 7.4/10

Part 1 Time: 66 Minutes

Part 2 Time:  96 Minutes

Where does the first part end? Katharine discovers Almasy’s love notes addressed to her folded within his book. Almasy finds the water canister buried in the sand.

Final line of dialogue on the first part:  “Katharine, water” states Almasy.

First line of dialogue on the second part:  “Geoffrey’s not in Cairo. He’s not actually a buffoon.” Katherine states to Almasy.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Minimal/Somewhat, Katharine and Almasy are still stranded in the desert, but do have enough water and some supplies to survive. Katharine has discovered Almasy’s true feelings towards her. Will Katharine and Almasy be rescued? What does this mean for Katharine’s marriage?

Which part is better? The film switches between prewar to wartime highlighting the the life events of Almasy and the various characters he comes into contact with. Part two is superior to part one since it shows Almasy and Katherine’s relationship/affair and its fateful conclusion.

Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress (Juliette Binoche), Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Best Costume Design, Best Sound, Best Film Editing, Best Music- Original Dramatic Score, Best Actor (Ralph Fiennes- Nominated), Best Actress (Kristin Scott Thomas- Nominated), Best Writing- Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published (Nominated)