The English Patient

86%

Tomatometer

94 Reviews

83%

Audience Score

50,000+ Ratings

The sweeping expanses of the Sahara are the setting for a passionate love affair in this adaptation of Michael Ondaatje's novel. A badly burned man, Laszlo de Almasy (Ralph Fiennes), is tended to by a nurse, Hana (Juliette Binoche), in an Italian monastery near the end of World War II. His past is revealed through flashbacks involving a married Englishwoman (Kristin Scott Thomas) and his work mapping the African landscape. Hana learns to heal her own scars as she helps the dying man. Read More Read Less

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The English Patient

What to Know

Critics Consensus

Though it suffers from excessive length and ambition, director Minghella's adaptation of the Michael Ondaatje novel is complex, powerful, and moving.

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Critics Reviews

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The English Patient | Rotten Tomatoes (1)

Nigel Andrews

Financial Times

If Minghella's debut feature Truly, Madly, Deeply was overrated -- a Ghost for the NW3 set -- this movie is a quantum leap towards cinema's potential for magic.

Feb 4, 2020

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The English Patient | Rotten Tomatoes (2)

Geoff Brown

Times (UK)

You can take your brain to The English Patient and you will not be insulted. Your eyes will not be offended either. This scarcely makes Minghella's film the best in the world; it just makes it loom large.

Feb 4, 2020

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The English Patient | Rotten Tomatoes (3)

Jay Carr

Boston Globe

Its wit, sophistication and artistry never are at odds with the fundamental pull of a powerful love story that out-Zhivagos Doctor Zhivago because it respects love's mysteries, admits it doesn't know the heart's boundaries.

Apr 27, 2018

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The English Patient | Rotten Tomatoes (4)

Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

... a 'Casablanca' for the 90s, directed with sweep, elegance, and grand passions by Anthony Minghella from his screenplay adaptation of Michael Ondaatje’s novel.

Nov 18, 2023

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The English Patient | Rotten Tomatoes (5)

Mark Johnson

Awards Daily

...from sweeping vistas, incredible performances, and one incredible score, Anthony Minghella’s The English Patient is one of the most beautiful films...

Jun 14, 2023

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The English Patient | Rotten Tomatoes (6)

James Wegg

JWR

Phantom of the Desert

Rated: 4.5/5

May 5, 2022

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Audience Reviews

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matthias s "The English Patient" really surprised me. I found it a bit slow and too long, but it was still very captivating. The story is deep and emotional, and the actors did a fantastic job. Ralph Fiennes and Kristin Scott Thomas had great chemistry, making their love story believable and moving. The film’s scenery was stunning and added to the overall mood. Even though it dragged in some parts, I can see why it got so many Oscar nominations. The cast was strong, and their performances made the characters come alive. Overall, it's a film with flaws but also many beautiful moments. Rated 3.5/5 Stars • Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 07/10/24 Full Review Castiel’s G The English Patient may be the saddest film I’ve ever seen. I didn’t expect to be so moved, and I was absolutely devastated by a love story about two imperfect people with WWII as a backdrop. Superb acting, Superb writing, Superb costumes, Superb directing. Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/18/24 Full Review Johannes S Beautifully shot, great acting. A bit slow, which might not be for everyone but worth watching. Rated 4/5 Stars • Rated 4 out of 5 stars 05/14/24 Full Review Kipher K Excellent movie.The pacing/timing may not be for everyone, but the theme, acting, and elements are excellent. Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/04/24 Full Review Luis M. D This movie can be described as a potent epic melodrama. The emotional strength grows considerably towards the end and that is certainly a plus. However, the fact that this movie uses and even abuses some formulaic cliches, is also something that must be told. But if you like big melodramas told in flashbacks, and enjoy romantic scenes shot in the desert, you probably will like this one. Rated 3.5/5 Stars • Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 04/15/24 Full Review David B sensationell from first minute to the last, brilliant cinematography Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/31/24 Full Review Read all reviews

The English Patient

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Cast & Crew

Anthony Minghella Director Ralph Fiennes Count Laszlo de Almásy Juliette Binoche Hana Willem Dafoe David Caravaggio Kristin Scott Thomas Katharine Clifton Naveen Andrews Lt. Kip Singh

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The English Patient

The English Patient: Official Clip - Always Loved You