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An Ideal Husband

1999 · Movie · PG-13 · 97 min · ★ 6.5 · 76% critics

DramaComedyRomance

A respected politician’s comfortable life is shaken when a sharp social rival arrives with proof of an old wrongdoing and demands a favor in return for silence. With his marriage and career at risk, he leans on a seemingly carefree friend to navigate blackmail, high-society expectations, and a web of misunderstandings.

Based on An Ideal Husband

IMDb

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Details
Years
1999
Release date
1999-01-14
Language
English
Rated
PG-13
Runtime
97 min
Critic score
76/100
TMDB rating
6.5/10 (221 votes)
Budget
$14,000,000
About

You’ll likely enjoy this if you want a witty, manners-driven mix of romance, politics, and blackmail in posh Victorian society, especially if you like The Importance of Being Earnest; Not for you if you need fast pacing or broad, modern laughs.

Pros: Oscar Wilde wit; lavish period atmosphere; standout supporting charm | Cons: slow start; uneven ensemble impact; muted stage energy

Themes

  • blackmail
  • based on play or musical
  • securities, stocks and bonds
  • british politics
  • house of commons
  • commerce without conscience

Awards & recognition

  • London Film Critics Circle Award — Actor of the Year · 2000
  • National Board of Review Award — Best Supporting Actress · 1999
  • BAFTA Award — Best Adapted Screenplay · 2000 · nominated
  • BAFTA Award — Best Makeup and Hair · 2000 · nominated
  • Chicago Film Critics Association Award — Best Supporting Actress · 2000 · nominated
Show all 16 awards →
  • Chlotrudis Award — Best Supporting Actress · 2000 · nominated
  • Chlotrudis Award — Best Actor · 2000 · nominated
  • Chlotrudis Award — Best Actress · 2000 · nominated
  • London Film Critics Circle Award — Actor of the Year · 2000 · nominated
  • Satellite Award — Best Costume Design · 2000 · nominated
  • Satellite Award — Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy · 2000 · nominated
  • Satellite Award — Best Art Direction and Production Design · 2000 · nominated
  • Satellite Award — Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy · 2000 · nominated
  • European Film Award — Best Actor · 1999 · nominated
  • Golden Globe Award — Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy · 1999 · nominated
  • National Society of Film Critics Award — Best Supporting Actress · 1999 · nominated

Cast & crew

Directed by Oliver Parker