Had the title not already been taken, and with Anthony Hopkins in the lead role, this film might have been called "The Remains of the Day". Both were released in 1993, and I was caught off guard watching Hopkins in roles that were so similar to each other in both stories. His character in 'Remains' if anything is even more walled off from his emotions, and one becomes frustrated seeing his character unwilling to express his feelings or even his thoughts on subjects of major import. He's somewhat more forthcoming as author C.S. Lewis in this film based on the writer's passionless life, until he meets an American poet who challenges his perceptions and gradually wins his heart.

I'm always leery of Hollywood treatments of real life stories because they almost never treat their subjects truthfully, either by omission or commission. I read with interest the review posted here on IMDb by user 'Eric-62-2', who excoriates the picture for the way it diminished the importance of Christianity in the lives of both Lewis and Joy Gresham (Debra Winger). Oddly, I had a sense of that while watching the film, as Lewis's Christian faith profoundly affected his works, while the film barely touches on the subject. One also gets a sense that Lewis's marriage to Gresham ended quite suddenly due to her cancer, while in reality, they had four years together before she succumbed to her illness.

It's probably fair warning for prospective viewers to have a box of Kleenex handy for this film, as there are any number of scenes that tug at the heart and leave one feeling despondent over the fate of Ms. Gresham and the son who will be left without a mother. A final scene in particular with Lewis and young Douglas (Joseph Mazzello) coping with their loss is particularly moving, though in the tradition of achieving something positive out of tragedy, the very final scene is one of Lewis and his son walking contentedly in a Golden Valley of their own making.

I will say that when I saw the rating of 7.4, someone will say that is a fairly decent rating. I personally think for this masterpiece, the rating should be higher, honestly the quality of the acting and cinematography makes it worthy to be in the top 250. I honestly did think that this film is just extraordinary, beautifully shot with wonderful locations, and matched perfectly by one of the most gorgeous music scores I have ever heard in my life, composed by George Fenton that never interfered with the calmness of the film. Richard Attenborough has directed many ambitious but beautifully made films like Oh!What a Lovely War, Cry Freedom and Chaplin, and I will say that Shadowlands deserves to be up there with his best, it is a heart-rending film of true love and the consequences that left me speechless(I am 17),that I don't think has had enough praise. The performances were just outstanding. Anthony Hopkins was phenomenal as CS Lewis, and I am glad he got some awards for his performance, honestly it was that good. Debra Winger is just perfection as Joy Gresham, a victim of the devastating illness bone cancer. The two leads' chemistry is the main reason why I love this movie, I confess I cried when Lewis held the dying Joy in his arms, the reason being it reminded me of Mimi's Death Scene in La Boheme. The child star, Joseph Mazello was a huge surprise as Douglas, a boy of wide imagination and deep feeling. The scene where he and Lewis are crying in each other's arms made my eyes well up with emotion, never until yesterday did I see Hopkins look so tender with anybody on screen, not even in The Elephant Man. As Warnie, Edward Hardwicke best known for his appearances as Dr Watson in the 80s-90s Sherlock Holmes series was remarkable, a minor character but one with feeling and understanding. The actors are helped by a poignant and well-written script, that at times does give clever nods to Lewis's literary genius. It is no wonder that Shadowlands got an award for best British film of the year, it is just beautiful. It is more steady paced than the Elephant Man, another film I am really fond of,and less involving in terms of action, but neither of these things are disadvantages, because i cannot deny what joy I felt watching this film. 10/10 Bethany Cox.

It's 1952. C.S. 'Jack' Lewis (Anthony Hopkins) is an Oxford University teacher and the author of 'The Chronicles of Narnia' books. He lives with his brother Warnie Lewis. Married American fan Joy Gresham (Debra Winger) comes to England with her young son Douglas to meet C.S. Lewis. The outspoken woman doesn't fit within the reserved academic atmosphere but Jack likes her spark. She has left her husband who wants a divorce to marry his third. He's also a drunk. They start a relationship.

It's a slower moving romance with a bit of comedy. These are two older characters in a mature relationship. It's an effective biopic but not that compelling for me. It could be interesting for C.S. Lewis fans or Richard Attenborough fans. Both Hopkins and Winger are great. I personally find it a bit too slow but still a fine watch.