1998 Movie
Dir. Anand Tucker · United Kingdom · English
Two sisters, bound by music, is torn by genius and fame in this tragic, heartwrenching biopic
Comparisons are easy between friends and within peer groups, but the comparison that is most immediate is that between you and your sibling, especially when they wound up more successful than you are. Hilary and Jackie captures that experience between two real-life musical sisters, but the comparison is so much more difficult as Jackie shot to cellist superstardom, even with under the same musical beginnings as her less known sister Hilary. It’s flawed, but it’s deeply personal, diving into their shared anxieties from two different lives, and it’s surprisingly well-rounded, perfectly halved between the sisters’ perspectives led excellently by Rachel Griffiths and Emily Watson. Hilary and Jackie is not comfortable to watch, especially during Jackie’s later years, but it’s a daring portrait of a difficult, but still loving, sibling relationship.
The tragic story of world-renowned cellist Jacqueline du Pré, as told from the point of view of her sister, flautist Hilary du Pré-Finzi.
"Eye-grabbing performances from Emily Watson and Rachel Griffiths, who portray celebrated British cellist Jacqueline Du Pre and her older sister, Hilary, distinguish this ambitious but flawed biography, the debut feature from Anand Tucker."
— David Stratton
Growing up, flautist Hilary du Pré has an excellent bond with her cellist sister Jacqueline, bonded by the love of music in their respective fields. However, after Jackie’s genius playing lands her in the international spotlight, their rivalry starts to tear them apart.
Being based on real people, Hilary and Jackie drew controversy for Jackie’s portrayal from her family, friends, and loved ones, with the real-life Hilary having to write an op-ed defending the film. Part of the controversy makes sense, with the film only depicting the tough moments of Jackie’s multiple sclerosis. However, watching this 25 years later, the controversy feels a bit undeserved, especially since it’s clear that it’s been shaped from Hilary’s perspective.
Whoever decided to cast Rachel Griffiths and Emily Watson as sisters? Thank you.
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Isabella Endrinal is a curator at A Good Movie to Watch. She's now free from the corporate night shift. Previous articles have been published in outlets such as NANG Magazine. She's currently catching up on some classic films… if she isn't coping with the fact that the Haikyu anime will end soon.
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