The English Patient | Rotten Tomatoes (2024)

86% Tomatometer 94 Reviews 83% Audience Score 50,000+ Ratings The sweeping expanses of the Sahara are the setting for a passionate love affair in this adaptation of Michael Ondaatje's novel. A badly burned man, Laszlo de Almasy (Ralph Fiennes), is tended to by a nurse, Hana (Juliette Binoche), in an Italian monastery near the end of World War II. His past is revealed through flashbacks involving a married Englishwoman (Kristin Scott Thomas) and his work mapping the African landscape. Hana learns to heal her own scars as she helps the dying man. Read More Read Less Watch on Fandango at Home Buy Now

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Critics Consensus

Though it suffers from excessive length and ambition, director Minghella's adaptation of the Michael Ondaatje novel is complex, powerful, and moving.

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Critics Reviews

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The English Patient | Rotten Tomatoes (1) Nigel Andrews Financial Times If Minghella's debut feature Truly, Madly, Deeply was overrated -- a Ghost for the NW3 set -- this movie is a quantum leap towards cinema's potential for magic. Feb 4, 2020 Full Review The English Patient | Rotten Tomatoes (2) Geoff Brown Times (UK) You can take your brain to The English Patient and you will not be insulted. Your eyes will not be offended either. This scarcely makes Minghella's film the best in the world; it just makes it loom large. Feb 4, 2020 Full Review The English Patient | Rotten Tomatoes (3) Jay Carr Boston Globe Its wit, sophistication and artistry never are at odds with the fundamental pull of a powerful love story that out-Zhivagos Doctor Zhivago because it respects love's mysteries, admits it doesn't know the heart's boundaries. Apr 27, 2018 Full Review The English Patient | Rotten Tomatoes (4) Sean Axmaker Stream on Demand ... a 'Casablanca' for the 90s, directed with sweep, elegance, and grand passions by Anthony Minghella from his screenplay adaptation of Michael Ondaatje’s novel. Nov 18, 2023 Full Review The English Patient | Rotten Tomatoes (5) Mark Johnson Awards Daily ...from sweeping vistas, incredible performances, and one incredible score, Anthony Minghella’s The English Patient is one of the most beautiful films... Jun 14, 2023 Full Review The English Patient | Rotten Tomatoes (6) James Wegg JWR Phantom of the Desert Rated: 4.5/5 May 5, 2022 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Castiel’s G The English Patient may be the saddest film I’ve ever seen. I didn’t expect to be so moved, and I was absolutely devastated by a love story about two imperfect people with WWII as a backdrop. Superb acting, Superb writing, Superb costumes, Superb directing. Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/18/24 Full Review Johannes S Beautifully shot, great acting. A bit slow, which might not be for everyone but worth watching. Rated 4/5 Stars • Rated 4 out of 5 stars 05/14/24 Full Review Kipher K Excellent movie.The pacing/timing may not be for everyone, but the theme, acting, and elements are excellent. Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/04/24 Full Review Luis M. D This movie can be described as a potent epic melodrama. The emotional strength grows considerably towards the end and that is certainly a plus. However, the fact that this movie uses and even abuses some formulaic cliches, is also something that must be told. But if you like big melodramas told in flashbacks, and enjoy romantic scenes shot in the desert, you probably will like this one. Rated 3.5/5 Stars • Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 04/15/24 Full Review David B sensationell from first minute to the last, brilliant cinematography Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/31/24 Full Review Peter B It's a movie I want to watch again and again, but sometimrs it's like reviving an old love affair, the rollercoaster of emotions is almost too much. Pitch perfect performances, finely intertwined flashbacks that highlight the director's mastery of time, and wonderful scenery. They really don't make 'em like that any more. Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/14/24 Full Review Read all reviews

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Cast & Crew

Anthony Minghella Director Ralph Fiennes Count Laszlo de Almásy Juliette Binoche Hana Willem Dafoe David Caravaggio Kristin Scott Thomas Katharine Clifton Naveen Andrews Lt. Kip Singh
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The English Patient

The English Patient: Official Clip - Always Loved You The English Patient: Official Clip - Always Loved You 3:00 The English Patient: Official Clip - I Promise I'll Never Leave You The English Patient: Official Clip - I Promise I'll Never Leave You 2:56 The English Patient: Official Clip - Cathedral Paintings The English Patient: Official Clip - Cathedral Paintings 2:22 The English Patient: Official Clip - Defusing a Bomb The English Patient: Official Clip - Defusing a Bomb 2:42 The English Patient: Official Clip - Why Were You Holding His Collar? The English Patient: Official Clip - Why Were You Holding His Collar? 1:48 The English Patient: Official Clip - Happy Christmas The English Patient: Official Clip - Happy Christmas 4:11 The English Patient: Official Clip - May I Have This Dance The English Patient: Official Clip - May I Have This Dance 2:12 The English Patient: Official Clip - The Major Who Takes Thumbs The English Patient: Official Clip - The Major Who Takes Thumbs 2:38 The English Patient: Official Clip - In Love with Ghosts The English Patient: Official Clip - In Love with Ghosts 2:08 View more videos

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Movie Info

Synopsis The sweeping expanses of the Sahara are the setting for a passionate love affair in this adaptation of Michael Ondaatje's novel. A badly burned man, Laszlo de Almasy (Ralph Fiennes), is tended to by a nurse, Hana (Juliette Binoche), in an Italian monastery near the end of World War II. His past is revealed through flashbacks involving a married Englishwoman (Kristin Scott Thomas) and his work mapping the African landscape. Hana learns to heal her own scars as she helps the dying man.

Director
Anthony Minghella

Producer
Saul Zaentz

Screenwriter
Michael Ondaatje, Anthony Minghella

Distributor
Miramax Films

Production Co
Miramax Films, J&M Entertainment

Rating
R

Genre
Drama, Romance

Original Language
English

Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 6, 1996, Original

Release Date (Streaming)
Nov 30, 2016

Box Office (Gross USA)
$78.7M

Runtime
2h 42m

Sound Mix
Dolby Digital, DTS, Surround

Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.85:1)
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