Withnail and I (1987)
93%RT Audience Score: 94%
Awards & Nominations: NA
Withnail and I is a cinematic masterpiece that captures the essence of a bygone era with its biting script, unforgettable performances, and brilliant comedic timing. Richard E. Grant’s portrayal of the titular character is nothing short of genius, and his chemistry with Paul McGann’s “I” is a joy to behold. The film’s exploration of the last throes of a friendship mirroring the seedy demise of the hippie period is both hilarious and poignant, and its sharp dialogue and finely judged pacing make it a true gem of ’80s British cinema. Whether you’re stone-cold sober or in the mood for some profanity-laden humor, Withnail and I is a must-see for anyone who appreciates intelligent, witty, and creative filmmaking.
Withnail and I is a hilarious and heartwarming film that perfectly captures the end of an era. Richard E. Grant and Paul McGann deliver unforgettable performances as two struggling actors who turn to alcohol to cope with their problems. The witty script from writer-director Bruce Robinson is biting and clever, and every line is delivered with impeccable timing. Whether you’re a fan of British cinema or just looking for a good laugh, Withnail and I is a must-see film that will leave you quoting its iconic lines for days. Just make sure you’re stone-cold sober when you watch it!
Production Company(ies)
Distributor
Cineplex-Odeon Films
Release Type
Theatrical
Filming Location(s)
MPAA / Certificate
Year of Release
1987
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Color:Color
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Sound mix:Dolby
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Aspect ratio:NA
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Runtime:1h 42m
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Language(s):English
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Country of origin:United States
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Release date:Release Date (Streaming): Jul 10, 2001
Genre(s)
Comedy
Keyword(s)
starring Richard E Grant, Paul McGann, Richard Griffiths, Ralph Brown, Michael Elphick, Daragh O’Malley, directed by Bruce Robinson, written by Bruce Robinson, comedy, R rating, box office performance, budget, reviewed by Joel Siegel, Peter Bradshaw, Variety Staff, Xan Brooks, Martin Hoyle, Dave Calhoun, Alex Denney, Stefan Pape, Leigh Paatsch, Paul Schrodt, Hilary Mantel, Simon Kinnear, Cineplex-Odeon Films, produced by Paul M Heller, Withnail, Peter Marwood, Monty, English countryside, artists, friendship, unemployment office, pub, holiday, flamboyantly gay uncle, tedium, torrential rain, 1969 England, hippie period, male friendship, British cinema, biting examination, misanthropic slackers, good taste, prosperity, streaming, stereo, sound mix
Worldwide gross: NA
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): NA
US/Canada gross: NA
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend:
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): NA
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): NA
Production budget ranking: NA
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Paul McGann – “I” (Peter Marwood)
Richard Griffiths – Monty
Ralph Brown – Danny
Michael Elphick – Jake
Daragh O’Malley – Irishman
Director – Bruce Robinson
Producer – Paul M. Heller
Writer – Bruce Robinson
Director(s)
Bruce Robinson
Writer(s)
Bruce Robinson
Producer(s)
Paul M. Heller
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (37) | Top Critics (9) | Fresh (34) | Rotten (3)
Withnail and I is more than passably diverting and surely preferable to mindless Hollywood summer movies. But it left me hungry to know much more about its characters and their era than the writer-director seems interested in providing.
May 9, 2022 | Rating: 2/4
Joel Siegel
Chicago Reader
TOP CRITIC
It’s much funnier, and sadder, watched stone-cold sober.
September 10, 2007 | Rating: 5/5
Peter Bradshaw
Guardian
TOP CRITIC
Set in 1969 England, it portrays the last throes of a friendship mirroring the seedy demise of the hippie period, delivering some comic gems along the way.
September 10, 2007
Variety Staff
Variety
TOP CRITIC
It is at once a coming-of-age comedy and a fond farewell to an era.
September 8, 2007 | Rating: 4/5
Xan Brooks
Guardian
TOP CRITIC
A modern classic? A brilliant vignette of a certain time and attitudes? A self-indulgent jeu d’esprit? One thing is certain: Richard E. Grant touched greatness.
September 7, 2007
Martin Hoyle
Financial Times
TOP CRITIC
A biting script from writer-director Bruce Robinson and performances from Richard E Grant and Paul McGann as two ‘resting’ actors, Withnail and ‘I’, that neither has surpassed.
January 26, 2006 | Rating: 5/6
Dave Calhoun
Time Out
TOP CRITIC
A brilliantly funny, enduring classic with an unforgettable performance from Richard E Grant.
April 22, 2021 | Rating: 5/5
Alex Denney
NME
British cult classic about two alcoholics; much profanity.
September 11, 2020 | Rating: 5/5
Stefan Pape
Common Sense Media
If you are in the right mood, it is simply impossible not to fall for this hilarious tale of two hard-living losers.
April 15, 2020 | Rating: 4/5
Leigh Paatsch
Herald Sun (Australia)
Certainly the funniest and possibly the truest comedy about male friendship.
October 17, 2018
Paul Schrodt
Esquire Magazine
Every line is sharp, and the whole film finely judged and well paced.
August 30, 2018
Hilary Mantel
The Spectator
A career high for all concerned, including ’80s British cinema.
September 30, 2014 | Rating: 5/5
Simon Kinnear
Total Film…
Plot
Two out-of-work actors spend their days drifting between their squalid flat, the unemployment office, and the pub, until they take a holiday “by mistake” at the country house of Withnail’s flamboyantly gay uncle.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Richard E. Grant’s performance as Withnail is considered one of his most iconic roles.
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