Based on the tell-all memoir by du Pré’s sister Hilary, played here by Rachel Griffiths, the director Anand Tucker’s beautifully composed drama explores the tensions of creative genius spiced by terrible illness, sibling rivalry and adultery.

| Nov 9, 2023

It is a nice little film that resembles 1996’s “Shine” in many ways and in some ways outdoes it, but overall lacks a little sentiment that is desperately needed at times.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Oct 4, 2023

Told from both women's points of view, this fascinating, if sometimes overwrought, tale packs a wallop. Watson's bravura performance shows us the agony, the ecstasy and the ruthlessness of genius.

| Mar 3, 2018

This is an actors' film, and the actors are actually rather good. That may not make it a fashionable movie, but it's not a negligible achievement.

| Jun 18, 2012

| Original Score: A- | Sep 7, 2011

Eye-grabbing performances from Emily Watson and Rachel Griffiths, who portray celebrated British cellist Jacqueline Du Pre and her older sister, Hilary, distinguish this ambitious but flawed biography, the debut feature from Anand Tucker.

Full Review | Mar 26, 2009

Watson's performance is virtuoso: passionate, sensitive, impressionable and sometimes grotesque; and she's well matched by the subtle Griffiths and vibrant Morrisey.

| Jun 24, 2006

No, it's not a movie about two first ladies married to adulterous husbands.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Jul 7, 2004

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | May 14, 2003

| Original Score: 4.5/5 | Feb 8, 2003

As exhilarating, passionate and profound as the music it celebrates.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Oct 15, 2002

One of the best films of the year. An emotionally gripping tale about obsession, family and love.

Full Review | Original Score: 5/5 | Aug 23, 2002

A good, if draining, film.

| Apr 17, 2002

| Original Score: 3/4 | Mar 19, 2002

Shows the high price that must be paid by families with a genius in their midst.

| Mar 3, 2002

| Original Score: 3/4 | Feb 27, 2001

| Original Score: 7/10 | Jan 1, 2001

The film is a triumph that deserves the same roaring applause from motion picture audiences that Jackie received from her musical ones.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Jan 1, 2000

The acting by Emily Watson and Rachel Griffiths, playing Jackie and Hilary, respectively, as adults, is first-rate.

Full Review | Jan 1, 2000

A thought-provoking and poignant ode to Jackie du Pre's life.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Jan 1, 2000