Maurice

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3:26

Maurice

R

1987

2h 20m

Drama

Romance

LGBTQ+

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

82%

Tomatometer

34 Reviews

87%

Popcornmeter

5,000+ Ratings

In 1909, Maurice Hall (James Wilby) enters Cambridge, where he befriends wealthy Clive Durham (Hugh Grant). Clive confesses he is sexually attracted to Maurice, who realizes he is a homosexual when he begins to return Clive's feelings. The two embark on an intense but chaste affair to avoid tarnishing Clive's reputation, but eventually the relationship ends, and Clive marries Anne (Phoebe Nicholls). While visiting Clive, Maurice is drawn toward his friend's servant, Alec Scudder (Rupert Graves).

Critics Consensus

Maurice sensitively explores the ramifications of forbidden desire with a powerful love story brought to life by the outstanding efforts of a talented cast.

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Donald Clarke

Irish Times

07/31/2018

4/5

A triumph of the Merchant Ivory aesthetic. The cast are gorgeous. The passion is polite. The conclusion is a little surprising. Well worth reviving.

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Larushka Ivan-Zadeh

The Times (UK)

07/27/2018

4/5

This elegant, heart-rending romance is now ripe for the reclaiming as a gay landmark.

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Peter Bradshaw

Guardian

07/26/2018

5/5

Maurice is a candid, lucid, passionate film.

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Lauren Humphries-Brooks

Citizen Dame

04/25/2025

That's what I like about this film: It goes into the social and cultural ramifications of being a gay man.

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Michael Bronski

Gay Community News (Boston)

08/26/2022

Maurice feels stifled, held back by its own desire to please its expectant audience.

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Rene Jordan

El Nuevo Herald (Miami)

07/06/2022

A very frustrating movie. [Full review in Spanish]

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Jon E.

@jes30 Mar 24

One of the best films of the 1980s, and as rewarding as A Room with a View upon rewatch.

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Kalissa H

@kali_416 Sep 1

I liked the book better, but the movie is descent.

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Jacob B

@RT48293763 03/04/2025

Merchant/Ivory’s underrated gem.

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Alejandro E

@Alex970 12/20/2024

What is most welcome about this drama is how the dilemma of homosexuality, at a time when it is a criminal offence, is dealt with in a sensible and intelligent way. To know what a virginal Hugh Grant was doing back then.

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David Lee K

@RT17066284 04/28/2024

Impressive story about a forbidden love. Perfectly cast and set in the most beautiful scenery. What's not to like.

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Aria R

@RT24989447 02/07/2024

Just watched this movie for the 3rd time and I'm speechless.. I end up crying every time

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James Ivory

Director

James Wilby

Maurice Hall

Hugh Grant

Clive Durham

Rupert Graves

Alec Scudder

Denholm Elliott

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Simon Callow

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Maurice: Trailer 1

3:26

Maurice: Re-Release Trailer

2:21

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Synopsis

In 1909, Maurice Hall (James Wilby) enters Cambridge, where he befriends wealthy Clive Durham (Hugh Grant). Clive confesses he is sexually attracted to Maurice, who realizes he is a homosexual when he begins to return Clive's feelings. The two embark on an intense but chaste affair to avoid tarnishing Clive's reputation, but eventually the relationship ends, and Clive marries Anne (Phoebe Nicholls). While visiting Clive, Maurice is drawn toward his friend's servant, Alec Scudder (Rupert Graves).

Director: James Ivory
Producer: Ismail Merchant
Screenwriter: Kit Hesketh-Harvey, James Ivory
Distributor: Home Vision Entertainment
Production Co: Merchant Ivory Productions
Rating: R
Genre: Drama, Romance, LGBTQ+
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 18, 1987, Original
Rerelease Date (Theaters): May 19, 2017
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 5, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $45.9K
Runtime: 2h 20m
Sound Mix: Dolby Stereo
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.66:1)