I typically dislike remakes, particularly when the earlier version—the 1951 adaptation starring Michael Redgrave—is such a strong dramatic work. However, Albert Finney seemed like just the right person to take on this role and present his own view of this grumpy professor of ancient languages at a public school as he approaches retirement. Mike Figgis has modernized Rattigan’s writing to place it in the 1990s, but the basic storyline hasn't changed. He is married to a younger woman, Laura (Greta Scacchi), who finds him tiresome and is drawn to Frank (Matthew Modine). This American man is slowly adjusting to life in Britain and struggling with his wife’s affair. "Crocker-Harris" (Finney) knows about her infidelities—he's not the first, and what follows is a slow rethinking of his existence. A life lacking a pension, respect from colleagues, appreciation from students, or affection from his spouse. The young Taplow (Ben Silverstone) also plays an important role in this story; he’s one of the few students who holds his teacher in esteem. Maybe it's because he wants to switch to science next term, or perhaps he recognizes something vulnerable in the older, solitary man? As that final day and speech draw near, events reach a powerfully unresolved climax. Finney is excellent here, as is Michael Gambon, playing the headmaster preoccupied with cricket and appeasing the wealthy parents who keep the school running, along with Silverstone. The update does sexualize some of the characters in a way that feels somewhat superfluous, but overall it's a well-made film that stays true to an original story about privilege, importance, tradition, age, change—and bicycles.

Source on TMDB