Ghosts (1987)
A searing BBC adaptation of Ibsen's classic play, powered by extraordinary performances from Judi Dench, Michael Gambon, and Kenneth Branagh.
Ghosts - Movie Information
- Original Title: Ghosts
- Release Year: 1987
- Directed by: Elijah Moshinsky
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, TV Movie
- Runtime: 1h 44m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 14, 1987 (United Kingdom)
- Alternative Titles: Spettri (IT)
- Production Companies: BBC
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Ghosts - Plot
Helene Alving leads an outwardly contented life. On the eve of the 10th anniversary of her husband's death, she is about to open an orphanage as a memorial to him. To mark this occasion, her bohemian painter son Oswald has returned from Paris. Helene plans to take the opportunity to tell Oswald the truth about his father. But ghosts of the past erupt during an eventful evening, bringing the facade of civilised family life crashing down.
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Ghosts - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Elijah Moshinsky
Main Cast
- Judi Dench
- Michael Gambon
- Kenneth Branagh
- Natasha Richardson
- Freddie Jones
Writers
- Michael Meyer
Producers
- Louis Marks
Ghosts - FAQs
Is Ghosts (1987) based on a true story?
Ghosts is not based on a true story. It's an adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's landmark 1881 play of the same name. Ibsen's work is a work of fiction, though it drew on the social and moral tensions of 19th-century Norwegian society, exploring themes of duty, hypocrisy, and inherited sin.
Who are the main actors in Ghosts?
The cast is genuinely remarkable. Judi Dench leads as Helene Alving, with Michael Gambon as Pastor Manders, Kenneth Branagh as her son Oswald, Natasha Richardson as Regina Engstrand, and Freddie Jones as Jacob Engstrand. It's a powerhouse ensemble bringing Ibsen's drama vividly to life.
What is Ghosts (1987) about?
Ghosts follows Helene Alving, a widow preparing to open an orphanage in her late husband's memory. When her son Oswald returns from Paris, long-hidden family secrets begin to unravel over a single dramatic evening, exposing the moral compromises and inherited sins lurking beneath a respectable facade.
What themes does Ghosts (1987) explore?
The film digs deep into themes of hypocrisy, moral duty, inherited guilt, and the suffocating weight of societal expectations. It also confronts infidelity, euthanasia, venereal disease, and the tension between religious convention and personal truth — bold territory that made Ibsen's original play deeply controversial in its time.
Who directed Ghosts and who wrote the screenplay?
Elijah Moshinsky directed this BBC production, bringing a measured, theatrical intensity to the material. The screenplay was written by Michael Meyer, a celebrated Ibsen scholar and translator whose deep familiarity with the playwright's work lends the adaptation exceptional fidelity and dramatic clarity.
When was Ghosts released and where was it made?
Ghosts was released on June 14, 1987, in the United Kingdom. It was produced by the BBC and is a British production. The film was produced by Louis Marks and shot by cinematographer Clive Thomas, giving it the intimate, stage-influenced visual quality typical of prestige BBC drama of that era.
Is Ghosts (1987) an adaptation of Ibsen's play?
Yes, absolutely. Ghosts is a direct adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's 1881 play Gengangere. Ibsen's work was scandalous upon its release for tackling subjects like infidelity, incest, and euthanasia head-on. This BBC version, with its stellar cast, remains one of the most acclaimed screen interpretations of the play.
What are some films similar to Ghosts (1987)?
If Ghosts resonated with you, you might enjoy other intense family dramas like Glengarry Glen Ross (1992), Little Women (1994), Lantana (2001), or Head-On (2004). Films like The Magnificent Ambersons (1942) and Jules and Jim (1962) also share that same preoccupation with family legacy and moral consequence.
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