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JANORM wrote on 07/19/2009:

This is an exercise of LOVE in one of the most hedonistic modes of hypocracy that so firmly exsisted during the last decades of the so called Victorian Era. The exsistance of same gender love was the bane of that era's firm exsistance. This film traces this love as told by the author in this vein of life. The whole story is brought to the silver screen by the genius of director James Ivory. Although the movement of this film can be tedious, its exporation of the authors intentions, provides the audience with a full view of the conditions of society in this class of people. The emotional turmoil of the major characters is explored very fully to the very extent of the surrounding circumstances. Portrayals by the individual actors was nothing short of superb and fantastic, adding innumerably to the story line. This film is destined to became a classic and should be added to your collection. LOVE CAN BE THRALLED BUT NEVER DENIED!!! NJMJr!

Amos Lassen wrote on 02/02/2009:

Moral Hypocrisy

Amos Lassen and Cinema Pride

E.M. Forster wrote "Maurice" in 1941 but we were not allowed to read it until 1971 when it was published posthumously. In 1987 the artistic director James Ivory brought it to the screen in a sumptuously photographed film and what a movie it is. Keeping in mind that 1987 was still relatively early for the advent of gay film, Ivory gave us a look into a world almost heretofore not seen on the silver screen. "Maurice" is set in Pre World War I England and tells of the coming of age of two men who met at Cambridge University and fall in love. Clive (Hugh Grant) and Maurice (James Wilby) face a struggle with their hearts in the confines of a rigid society and its moral hypocrisy. Clive eventually gives into society after he witnesses the treatment and social out casting endured by another gay student but Maurice struggles with his sexuality and chooses the more difficult but honest style of life. Ivory deals with his favorite theme of individuals who are in situations which are bound by the conventions of strictness and attempt to break free from them. The movie portrays convincingly the inner struggle of two young men coming to terms with their homosexuality at the time when to practice it was a crime,
The novel had been suppressed for 50 years because homosexuality was such a controversial topic and was published a year after the death of the author. Looking at it now, it seems rather tame compared to some f the other things we have.
Maurice is an earnest and friendly guy who meets Risley, an aristocrat and a genius and Clive, a student and devotee of Greek philosophy. They establish a platonic relationship to hide their inner feelings. As years pas they each choose to pursue their sexual orientations in their own ways. Risley is sent to prison for seducing a guard, Clive marries and Maurice seeks medical help to understand his feelings. The cure comes in admitting what and who he is and this happens when he has sex wit the gamekeeper at Clive's estate and the two build a life together. The fact that they come from different backgrounds—different social classes and educational backgrounds make this seems far-fetched and this underscores shallowness in the Character of Maurice. You must ask yourself if it is reasonable for Maurice to throw everything awa--”social standing and all that goes with it” for lust. Even with this hard to take ending, the movie is beautiful and is important as a marker in the history of gay cinema. Perhaps if the movie and the book had not dealt with social standing, the entire business would have been more palatable. As it stands now it seems to be contrived. Nonetheless, it should be seen and appreciated for what it does do and not be discounted for what it doesn't.

Musss7 wrote on 05/25/2008:

One of the best movie I ever watched! Of course for a person who like romanctic stories (just like me), Maurice will be one of the best selection. It is a beautiful story with good cast and perfectly well done. I love the setting and the language they used in this story. Very classic. I'm impressed to know that this movie was actually done in late 80's because it is really perfect in all aspects. Wilby had done well as Maurice, Grant too perform well as Clive and Graves is the best for Alec's character. Watching Maurice make me think how suffer it was being a gay in that time if compared to now. Gays nowadays just could tell others about their sexuality and some state also give permissions for gay marriage. Yes, we're lucky to live in an open world today. Although I felt angry and dissapointed to watch Clive turning his back on Maurice, I do realised that Clive just want the best for Maurice. But still, I agree with Maurice who then go on with his life and fortunately met Alec. Gays should realised that although some of us comfortable to be open to others but some maybe not. Maybe we will fall in love with someone who is still in closet. We should understand their feelings and give time to them. For the person who is still in closet, you do not need to be open with all people but at least to people that significant to you. Just remember, you may lie to others but not to yourself. I'm satisfied when the ending is happily gay ever although my tears fall to see Clive suffer alone. Thanks to the background music that always playing with the viewers mood. Overall, I considered Maurice as one of the must see gay movie for everyone who wants to understand more about gay's feelings, hopes and conflicts...

jaylee (jaylee1814@hotmail.com) wrote on 05/11/2006:

This an classic upper class movie with all the class distinction and all the silliness and rules and behaviour of the the upper class too. E M Forester took the mick out of class and their rules.

So Maurice falls in love with his best friend who awakens his gay feelings and then denies him true love. Clive decides to go straight and hides his sexuality in marriage. He denies himself real love for fear of what may happen to him if he is outed. Maurice finds in hard to come to terms with losing Clive and he finds refuge in the arms of Clive's gamekeeper.

This film has been digitally remastered and looks better than the original movie and it keeps it's promise made years ago by giving us over 30 minutes of extras footage, which show that the whole book was filmed. it gives us the missing chapters between his boyhood and going to Cambridge. I wished they had remastered the extras and put them in the film to give us a great extended director's cut of the movie.

We see the alternative beginning which shows the segment of Gladis and Maurice trying to feigh ths relationship. We also see Maurice's fascination with his friend Dicky and a whole lot more. We see more the intimate scenes with the gamekeeper and more of the telling off Maurice give Clive at the end of the book.

The interviews with the stars and filmmakers make this film double DVD worth buying again.

Fahr451 wrote on 05/04/2005:

A movie that speaks to those of us who lived a large part of our lives in the closet, for fear of societal disapproval. This movie, which shows quite nicely, where our society gets it's homophobia from, is elegantly done. This is definitely a keeper.