There are few films that successfully manage to offer firm rebukes to certain ways of living life, without getting too depressing in the process. 'The Godfather' is one example of a film (or trilogy of films) that does succeed - in its case rebuffing a lust for money and power. 'Jean de Florette' and 'Manon des Sources' are also films that show that dishonesty ultimately ends in misery. And so to this small collection of films can now be added 'The Remains of the Day', which ultimately reminds its viewers of the cost to be paid for repressing one's true thoughts, feelings and emotions. The acting throughout the film is first class, with Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson generating some great on-screen chemistry; their characters truly testing and challenging one another to the limits. If I have a criticism of the film it is that I would have found it helpful to know a little more of Mr Steven's (Hopkins’) background, and even perhaps his childhood, to suggest why he was so, in a word, 'repressed'. Perhaps it was the cold relationship he had with his father, or perhaps he was simply too institutionalised - either way, it is sure that he didn't have a faith to which he turn. Reflecting upon the end of the film I can't help but be thankful for my own life as a Christian, and am reminded of the response to the psalm: "Our life, like a bird, has escaped from the snare of the fowler" - thanks be to God!