Today is Labor Day, the bittersweet combination of a day off from work (yay!) and the end of summer (boo!). Originated by the Central Labor Union twelve years earlier, this day was made a federal holiday back in 1894, to recognize and give a day of rest to the working citizens of this country.

Remains of the Day is about the many years of service given by Mr. Stevens, the head butler of Darlington Hall who appears to never take a day of rest. Stevens is unwavering in his duty to Lord Darlington, so much so that he not only forsakes any romantic attachments, but also lacks any emotional display, even when his father passes away during an important political conference taking place at the Hall. For Stevens, it is more important to see to his butlery duties and to make sure that the conference is uninterrupted.

He also shows no emotional response when Lord Darlington, in the run-up to the Second World War, dismisses two young servants from the Hall because they are Jewish. The girls had been sent from Germany, and their fate without a secure job in England hangs heavy in the air. And while Stevens seems fond of Darlington’s housekeeper, Miss Kenton, he never breaks his formality with her. Upon learning of her engagement to another, he drops a bottle of wine – the only mistake we ever see him make, and the closest he ever comes to revealing his true feelings.

As Stevens reflects back on his life of service, he is forced to question what price he has paid for upholding the dignity and duties of a proper English butler. It’s a good reminder that when you go back to work tomorrow, it’s just a job. Don’t forget that you have a ‘real’ life too.

Remains of the Day (1993)
DVD Date of Release: November 2001
Based on The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro

Posted Mon, 01 Sep 2008 06:22:59 and filed under DVD of the Week, Movies, DVD, Adaptation Reviews. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.