 The Constant Gardener 2005  R, 129 min.
Genre: Drama / Thriller / Romance
Director: Fernando Meirelles
Cast: Ralph Fiennes, Rachel Weisz, Danny Huston, Hubert Kounde, Daniele Harford, Bill Nighy, Pete Postlethwaite, Gerard McSorley, John Keogh, Archie Panjabi, Richard McCabe, Donald Sumpter, Keith Pearson, John Sibi-Okumu, Nick Reding
Based on John le Carre's novel, activist Tessa (Rachel Weisz) uncovers the fact that a pharmaceutical company is testing its drugs on African natives. She tries to expose the conspiracy and is killed. Her widower, British High Commission diplomat Justin Quayle (Ralph Fiennes), takes on the investigation in pursuit of not only Tessa's murderer but the possibility of Tessa's unfaithfulness to him as well. Weisz won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, and the film received three additional nominations.
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The Duchess 2008  PG-13, 110 min.
Genre: Drama
Director: Saul Dibb
Cast: Keira Knightley, Ralph Fiennes, Charlotte Rampling, Dominic Cooper, Hayley Atwell, Simon McBurney, Aidan McArdle, John Shrapnel, Alistair Petrie, Patrick Godfrey, Michael Medwin, Justin Edwards, Richard McCabe, Calvin Dean, Hannah Stokely
In the 18th century, Lady Spencer (Charlotte Rampling) arranges for her beautiful 17-year-old daughter Georgiana (Keira Knightley) to marry the Duke of Devonshire, William Cavendish (Ralph Fiennes), and Georgiana becomes the Duchess. The couple produces two daughters, but Georgiana finds herself living with a husband who entertains mistresses. Meanwhile, Georgiana has adapted well to the royal lifestyle and has become an admired royal figure. Problems lie ahead when the duke takes Georgiana's best friend Bess Foster (Hayley Atwell) as his live-in lover, and an unhappy Georgiana begins an affair with the Earl of Grey (Dominic Cooper). The affairs cause conflicts and could become the items for scandal. The film received an Oscar for Costume Design and was nominated for another Oscar.
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Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World 2003  PG-13, 138 min.
Genre: Adventure
Director: Peter Weir
Cast: Russell Crowe, Paul Bettany, James D'Arcy, Edward Woodall, Chris Larkin, Max Pirkis, Jack Randall, Max Benitz, Lee Ingleby, Richard Pates, Robert Pugh, Richard McCabe
During the Napoleonic Wars, the HMS Sunrise is attacked by a much larger vessel, the French warship Archeron. But, the Sunrise escapes and Captain Jack Aubrey (Russell Crowe), with his ship undergoing repairs, decides to pursue the Archeron. The battle ensues, but the real story revolves around relationships of officers and crew of the Sunrise as well as the friendship of Capt. Aubrey and the ship's doctor, Stephen Maturin (Paul Bettany), as they face almost impossible odds. Nominated for 10 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, and won for Best Cinematography.
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 Notting Hill 1999 PG-13, 123 min.
Genre: Comedy / Romance
Director: Roger Michell
Cast: Hugh Grant, Julia Roberts, Richard McCabe, Rhys Ifans, Hugh Bonneville, Emma Chambers, James Dreyfus, Dylan Moran, Tim McInnerny, Gina McKee, Alec Baldwin, Clarke Peters, James Dreyfus, Henry Goodman, Lorelei King
The simple life of bookshop owner William Thacker (Hugh Grant) changes forever when a famous American actress, Anna Scott (Julia Roberts), browses in his London store. Their eyes meet, and sparks begin to fly–to the amazement and enjoyment of his friends and family. They get to know each other better, but forming a relationship isn't easy while under the scrutiny of not only family and friends but the press, as well.
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Persuasion 1995 PG, 103 min.
Genre: Drama / Romance
Director: Roger Michell
Cast: Amanda Root, Ciaran Hinds, Corin Redgrave, Susan Fleetwood, Phoebe Nicholls, Fiona Shaw, Judy Cornwell, John Woodvine, Samuel West, Sophie Thompson, Simon Russell Beale, Felicity Dean, Emma Roberts, Richard McCabe
Based on Jane Austen's novel, this is the tale of two 19th-century people, Anne Elliot (Amanda Root) and Captain Wentworth (Ciaran Hinds), who belong to different worlds in society but rise above criticism and pursue their romance and eventual happiness.
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| 1. The Constant Gardener (2005)
2. The Duchess (2008)
3. Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003)
4. Notting Hill (1999)
5. Persuasion (1995)
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