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THE END OF THE AFFAIR

What You Need To Know:

In THE END OF THE AFFAIR, a writer's jealous obsession with his ex-lover provokes him to have her followed by an investigator. Evidence suggests that she is having affairs with other men. The writer discovers, however, that he has been deceived by his own jealous hate. This hate is magnified when his ex-lover develops a terminal illness, leading him to acknowledge the existence of God but not to accept Him.

This movie contains several graphic, adulterous sex scenes. Knowing that pure, true love comes from God makes this immoral affair shallow, based on jealousy and a lack of emotional fulfillment. God is depicted as one who answers prayer when a character prays for healing, yet when the same character is separated from her adulterous partner, she blames God. God is questioned as to why he would give a young boy a birthmark on the side of his face, but when the mark miraculously disappears where a female character kissed him, God is given the credit. Finally, the central character acknowledges God, yet wants nothing to do with Him. Despite the fine acting and solid storytelling, the sexual content and nature of the story requires much caution.

Content:

(CC, RoRoRo, PaPa, C, Ab, L, V, SSS, NNN, A, MM) Christian elements and premise set within a predominantly romantic worldview with characters placing priority on selfish desires & being controlled by their emotions with positive & negative references to God including a woman praying to God, woman encourages man to talk to God but then the pair commit adultery, priest falsely accused of adultery, priest refuses to recognize adulterous woman's sin, recognition of God's hand in all situations made evident with miracles, & some positive references & acknowledgements of God; a few references to 'hell' & exclamations of 'God' bordering on profanity; mild violence including three flashbacks to man falling from second floor after an explosion receiving depicted head, chest & back wounds; stripping & numerous scenes of depicted & implied adultery; upper male & rear nudity, upper female nudity & partial nudity of male & female in several scenes; alcohol use; and, jealousy, obsession & hate.

More Detail:

In THE END OF THE AFFAIR, a writer’s jealous obsession with his married former lover provokes him to have her followed by an investigator. Suspicious evidence turns up, leading him to believe she has been having affairs with other men. He soon discovers, however, that the increasing jealousy and hate in his heart have only deceived him, leading him to discover the truth of the situation and to acknowledge the existence of God.

Ralph Fiennes, who also starred in the similar THE ENGLISH PATIENT, stars as Maurice Bendrix, an author wanting to research a politician named Henry Miles (Jordan regular Stephen Rea). At a cocktail party, Henry’s wife, Sarah (played by Julianne Moore of AN IDEAL HUSBAND), talks to Maurice, as Henry is too busy. Maurice proposes that the three of them go watch a movie based on one of Maurice’s books. Henry declines, but insists Maurice take Sarah, whom Henry hardly ever notices. The two proceed and, after returning to the Miles’ house, commit adultery. Henry comes home, and the two quickly act as though they were merely visiting.

While Maurice and Sarah continue their affair, the Second World War in England is occurring. The sound of exploding bombs can be heard often, and one day, while Maurice and Sarah are in bed together, an explosion occurs downstairs. Maurice gets up to check the damage and while peering over a railing on the second floor, another explosion goes off, knocking him down onto the stairs below. Sarah runs after him, finding him unconscious. After trying to wake him but to no avail, a distraught Sarah runs back upstairs and kneels alongside the bed, praying to God that Maurice will live. As she is praying, she vows to God that if He lets Maurice live, she will end the affair. Unbeknownst to her, Maurice comes up behind Sarah, calling her name. She tells him that “love does not end just because two people don’t see each other,” and she quickly leaves.

Two years pass by and Maurice sees Henry in a park. Henry appears forlorn, and Maurice offers to take him home. At Henry’s house, they discuss Sarah, whom Henry thinks is having an affair. He shows Maurice a business card for the Savage investigative firm, and considers having Sarah followed to find out if she is having an affair with another man. As the two discuss it, they hear Sarah enter. A jealous Maurice exits, while an uneasy exchange of glances takes place between Sarah and him. Maurice decides to have Sarah followed and hires Mr. Parkis (Ian Hart) and his young son from the agency. Sarah calls Maurice the following day to meet at a restaurant in order to discuss their past. The meeting ends quickly without resolution, and Maurice later discovers the vow that she made to God. Nevertheless, he talks with Sarah and the two begin their adulterous relationship again. When Sarah becomes terminally ill, Maurice directs his hate toward God. Finally, after an unexpected miracle, he tells God that he is tired of hating, but “leave me alone forever.”

Throughout THE END OF THE AFFAIR, references are made in favor of and against religion, resulting in a distorted view of the character of God and an outright refusal of Him by Maurice. With Maurice fueled by jealousy, bitterness, and anger there really is no charm or love between Maurice and Sarah. Maurice is shown to “love” her through an adulterous relationship, but doesn’t trust her. Henry’s character is one of a husband who doesn’t show love nor affection for his wife, and Sarah is depicted as a woman who breaks a vow to God and continues to commit adultery despite God answering her prayer.

This movie contains several graphic sex scenes, all adulterous. Knowing that pure, true love comes from God makes this immoral affair shallow, based on jealousy and a lack of emotional fulfillment. God is depicted as one who answers prayer when a character prays for healing, yet when the same character is separated from her adulterous partner, she blames God. God is questioned as to why he would give a young boy a large birthmark on the side of his face, but when the mark miraculously disappears where a female character kissed him, God is given the credit. Finally, the central character acknowledges God, yet wants nothing to do with Him. Despite the acting being credible, the sexual content and nature of this emotionally cold story requires the use of caution and discernment.

Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.


Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.