Rupert Everett,
Colin Firth,
Frances O'Connor,
Reese Witherspoon,
Judi Dench
... see more 
A superb cast brings Oscar Wilde's classic comedy of manners to life in the third big-screen adaptation of this hilarious look at fun, games, and dubious ethics among the British upper crust. Algernon... read more
Directed by: Oliver Parker, Anthony Asquith
Release Date: May 31, 2002
Keywords:
colin firth,
reese witherspoon,
rupert everett,
oscar wilde,
judi dench,
Colin Firth ,
Reese Witherspoon ,
Rupert Everett ,
Judi Dench ,
Oscar Wilde
Your Rating
Flixster Reviews (1,491)
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January 26, 2012fb733768972This adaptation of the classic play is a very nice tribute, keeping the dialogue and characters, very close to home. What I must comment on, is that the settings and outdoor scenes felt a little understudied. There is a particular scene that should have taken place in the living ... read more
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February 13, 2011Cast: Rupert Everett, Colin Firth, Frances O'Connor, Reese Witherspoon, Judi Dench, Tom Wilkinson, Anna Massey, Edward Fox, Patrick Godfrey, Charles Kay
Director: Oliver Parker
Summary: In this adaptation of Oscar Wilde's witty play about mistaken identities, Rupert Evere... read more -
November 2, 2010This movie has its moments, but despite an excellent cast the attempts to jazz up the content detracted rather than added to the enjoyment. The whole pre-Raphaelite fantasy thing creaked like a rusty door. The wit and charm of the original play still pokes through with Firth, Den... read more
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October 20, 2010A good film, based on a great play.
There are few who can match the writing skills of Oscar Wilde, especially when he is doing what he does best - social satire.
The cast is impressive and (mostly) fun to watch. Though I found the music and Ms. Witherspoon is a bit off put... read more -
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February 11, 2008A casualty of being married had me watch this one. It fits the chick flick model, of being cute yet pointless. However, It wasn't painful to watch...but I kept wishing that zombies would pop out that Rupert Everett would fight or have sex with.
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January 23, 2007The play is better. This has very little to offer, except for Miss Prism, who is amazing.
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May 28, 2006Lighthearted and enjoyable. Certainly wont go down as classic, but for a rainy Sunday afternoon it's perfection. MMMMMMMM
Critic Reviews
March 26, 2009
Robert Koehler, Variety
November 1, 2007
David Ansen, Newsweek
This may be a less than ideal "Earnest," but it still has delights... Full Review
August 7, 2004
Peter Rainer, New York Magazine
Wilde subtitled his masterpiece "A Trivial Comedy for Serious People." This movie seems intent on being a trivial comedy for trivial people. Full Review
July 20, 2002
Robert K. Elder, Chicago Tribune
The Importance of Being Earnest resonates and inspires rapid-fire bouts of laughter, perhaps even a few giggles from the author himself, whom posterity has rewarded the last laugh. Full Review
June 6, 2002
Andrew Sarris, New York Observer
Though Mr. Parker's The Importance of Being Earnest is pleasant enough in its casting and performances, it doesn't work as it should. Full Review
May 31, 2002
Joe Baltake, Sacramento Bee
The film, despite the gratuitous cinematic distractions impressed upon it, is still good fun. Full Review
May 31, 2002
Stephanie Zacharek, Salon.com
Rupert Everett gets Wilde in his bones, but this well-cast adaptation somehow feels obvious and overblown. Full Review
May 31, 2002
Steven Rosen, Denver Post
In trying to make Earnest more of a visual romp than it needs to be, [Parker] almost stomps the Wildeness out of its literary wit. But he doesn't. The good humor and lively acting survive. Full Review
May 30, 2002
Jay Boyar, Orlando Sentinel
The ingenuity that Parker displays in freshening the play is almost in a class with that of Wilde himself.
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The Importance of Being Earnest
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