Common Sense Media Review
By Rich Phippen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Period drama about lost love has sex and nudity.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The End of the Affair
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
THE END OF THE AFFAIR is set in 1940s London, where novelist Maurice Bendrix (Ralph Fiennes) runs into an old army friend, Henry (Stephen Rea), and his wife, Sarah (Julianne Moore). Unbeknownst to Henry, Sarah and Maurice started an affair two years before, carrying on until Sarah broke it off without giving a reason. Henry confides in Maurice that he suspects Sarah of being unfaithful and has hired a detective to follow her. As Maurice becomes involved with the investigation, his feelings for Sarah are reignited.
Is It Any Good?
This is a movie about adults for adults, making it fairly inaccessible for younger audiences. Despite a strong, mysterious opening, the movie descends into melodrama, and the resolution relies on a spiritual edge that doesn't match the tone of the rest of the story. Based on the novel by Graham Greene, the story feels better suited to page than screen.
Moore's understated performance and faultless English accent, coupled with Fiennes' convincing turn as a repressed, humorless writer make The End of the Affair perfectly watchable. But by the time it ends, this farcical love triangle is unlikely to warrant a second viewing.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the adultery in The End of the Affair. Do you think less of the lead characters for having an affair? What are the ramifications of adultery in the movie, and what might they be in real life?
Discuss how sex is depicted in the movie. What role does sex play in Maurice and Sarah's relationship? Talk about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
What role do faith and God play in the movie? How does Maurice and Sarah's relationship with God differ?
How are alcohol and smoking portrayed? Are they accurate for the time period?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 21, 2000
- On DVD or streaming : May 16, 2000
- Cast : Ralph Fiennes , Julianne Moore , Stephen Rea
- Director : Neil Jordan
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Columbia Pictures
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Book Characters
- Run time : 102 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : Scenes of strong sexuality.
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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