Maurice (1987)

"Maurice" is based on a novel by E.M. Forster, one of the most famous English authors of early 20th Century. Out of the six novels that he wrote, five were graced with very successful and prestigious film adaptations (A Passage to India, Where Angels Fear to Tread, Howard's End, A Room with a View and Maurice). In fact three (Howard's End, A Room with a View and Maurice) were adapted by the same creative duo: director James Ivory and producer Ismail Merchant (a couple in real life). Forster, a closeted gay, wrote the novel in 1913–1914, and revised it in 1932 and 1959–1960. Although it was shown to selected friends, such as openly gay writer Christopher Isherwood (who wrote the novels on which the films "Cabaret" & "A Single Man" were based, as well as his recently made-into-film memoir "Christopher and His Kind), it was only published in 1971 after Forster's death. The way the story would end was of great concern to Forster and he had prolonged discussions with Isherwood over it. They decided on a happy end, which was a decision that was as much political (for the elevation of gay self-esteem) as it was literary.

The film was a labour of love for the creative couple of Merchant & Ivory. Having just scored big with "Room with a View" (8 Oscar nominations, 3 wins and worldwide success), they were given a free hand and a healthy budget for such a "delicate" subject. The film debuted in the Venice film festival in 1987 and was enthusiastically received, managing to win major awards: best actor (for both its leads) best director and best score. A few months later, it was also nominated for an Oscar (costume design).

The story: Two English school friends find themselves falling in love at Cambridge. To regain his place in society, Clive (Hugh Grant) gives up his forbidden love, Maurice (James Wilby) and marries. While staying with Clive and his wife, Maurice finally discovers romance in the arms of Alec (Rupert Graves), the gamekeeper.

It was Hugh Grant's first major role. My personal favourite, though, was Rupert Graves as Alec Scudder the gamekeeper.

The (sort of) review: I had seen the film when it was first released, with a gay friend, and we were both ecstatic. Then the very next day I went and saw it again with straight friends. I was still ecstatic, while they were mildly positive about it. Since then I have seen it 7 times in total and I'm sure I'll see it again soon. Needless to say, I really like it. In fact, it had such an enormous emotional resonance for me, that I won't even attempt a cool and detached critique. At worst, it's a gay Downton Abbey. At best, it's a life-affirming experience.

Grade: 10/10

Here's a montage of romantic moments from the film: