84 Charing Cross Road
A story about love and the love of books, 84 Charing Cross Road features Academy Award winners Anne Bancroft and Anthony Hopkins in stellar performances. Helen Hanff (Bancroft), a feisty New York writer, mails a letter to a small London bookshop requesting some rare English classics. Frank Doel (Hopkins), the reserved English bookseller, answers her request, beginning a touching and humorous correspondence that spans two continents and two decades.
Hanff's acerbic wit starkly contrasts Doel's aloof British demeanor, but their mutual love of books forms a bond that deepens with each passing year. Their intimate, richly detailed letters draw us into their lives as Helen and Frank share their dreams, hopes, sorrows and joys - and in doing so, develop a lasting and extraordinary friendship.
Member Reviews
Letters and antiquarian books - rdees
This beautifully charming film is wonderful for all the reasons pointed out by other reviewers here - the restrained subtlety of Anthony Hopkins's performance, the nutty energy of Anne Bancroft's characterization, and the remarkable bond between them - but for me the real treat is in watching a film composed almost entirely of letters, letters being written, received, and read. Letters read in voice over, letters read while typing, letters read aloud to others - never before has a film ever given letter writing such exceptional prominence. All the more remarkable, as it's a form of correspondence, not to mention of book buying, that is disappearing from our daily lives. The film is a wonderful testament to the connections one can make beyond expectations and geographical limitations, a bond of friendship, of affection, a love of literature and old books, and a rare look into the hearts of two kind and thoughtful people who discover something that is hard to put into words, something a lot like love, but remaining unspoken.Make this one part of your personal library - littlenap
I watch 84 Charing Cross Road every ten years. I'm never disappointed. In fact, as I get older, I am even more charmed by it.
There aren't many movies which have the courage to have in the lead role, a woman without a partner, a woman who lives a rich life without a man. Books and friendships are what fill her life. And her long distance relationship with her book seller, though deeply meaningful to both, remains quite formal.
And, of course, Ann Bancroft and Anthony Hopkins are soooo wonderful.Un Unusual Relationship - Bigmoviefan
Pay close attention to the face of Anthony Hopkins, as Frank Doel, when he found out that Helene would not be able to make the trip to London after all due to unexpected dental expenses. It was a brief moment in the film, but so much emotion passed through his face that it demonstrates again what a master he is at understated acting.
I hate to trivialize the relationship between the two principals as a romance, but friendship does not appear to be adequate. The other members of the shop are all fond of this eccentric American played by Anne Bancroft, but there is this special connection between two principals. Although they have never met in person, they probably understood more about each other through her choice of literature, and his efforts in satisfying her wishes.
I found Anne Bancroft speaking to the camera, and almost winking at times, jarring. Anthony Hopkins, however, never hit a false note in his performance.
Member Reviews
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Letters and antiquarian books - rdees
This beautifully charming film is wonderful for all the reasons pointed out by other reviewers here - the restrained subtlety of Anthony Hopkins's performance, the nutty energy of Anne Bancroft's characterization, and the remarkable bond between them - but ...Make this one part of your personal library - littlenap
I watch 84 Charing Cross Road every ten years. I'm never disappointed. In fact, as I get older, I am even more charmed by it.
There aren't many movies which have the courage to have in the lead role, a woman without a partner, a woman who lives ...Un Unusual Relationship - Bigmoviefan
Pay close attention to the face of Anthony Hopkins, as Frank Doel, when he found out that Helene would not be able to make the trip to London after all due to unexpected dental expenses. It was a brief moment in the film, but so much emotion passed through ...