Synopsis
Two young gentlemen living in 1890s England use the same pseudonym ("Ernest") on the sly, which is fine until they both fall in love with women using that name, which leads to a comedy of mistaken identities...
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Cast
- Rupert EverettAlgernon “Algy” Moncrieff
- Colin FirthJohn “Jack” Worthing
- Reese WitherspoonCecily Cardew
- Judi DenchLady Bracknell
- Tom WilkinsonDr. Chasuble
- Frances O'ConnorGwendolen Fairfax
- Anna MasseyMiss Laetitia Prism
- Edward FoxLane
- Patrick GodfreyMerriman
- Charles KayGribsby
Recommendations
- 90
Washington Post
The real importance of "Earnest" is the thrill of brilliant repartee. And as we laugh, an amazing thing happens: Oscar Wilde comes alive. - 75
Chicago Sun-Times
The important thing about "The Importance" is that all depends on the style of the actors, and Oliver Parker's film is well cast. - 75
Miami Herald
Hearing Wilde's pithy lines in her mouth -- ''London society is full of women of the very highest birth who have, of their own free choice, remained 35 for years'' -- is worth the ticket price. In the end it's Dench who reminds us of the importance of enjoying Oscar Wilde. - 70
Rolling Stone
Everett, whose scenes with Firth are a droll delight, nails every sly laugh. And Witherspoon adds her own legally blond American sparkle to this British party. - 70
The A.V. Club
The film seems content with the more modest ambitions of a romantic comedy, albeit one with unusually potent wit and intricate construction. The old Ealing could never have afforded Parker's deluxe treatment of the material; the new Ealing seems to have forgotten the benefits of economy. - 60
Newsweek
This may be a less than ideal “Earnest,” but it still has delights, not least of all Anna Massey’s Miss Prism, Cecily’s dotty tutor, and Tom Wilkinson’s Dr. Chasuble, her clergyman admirer. - 50
Baltimore Sun
These actors have a firm playful grasp and a palpable affection for their characters' befuddled dignity and attraction. They understand what Wilde meant by the importance of being earnest. - 40
New York Magazine (Vulture)
Parker "opens up" a play that was perfectly wonderful closed down. Wilde subtitled his masterpiece "A Trivial Comedy for Serious People." This movie seems intent on being a trivial comedy for trivial people.
