W.E.

3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (48 customer reviews)
Madonna's beautifully crafted film tells the story of a lonely New Yorker who begins to explore the ultimate love story: King Edward VIII's abdication of the throne for the woman he loved.
  • Starring: Abbie Cornish, Andrea Riseborough
  • Directed by: Madonna
  • Runtime: 1 hour 59 minutes
  • Release year: 2012
  • Studio: The Weinstein Company
Play trailer
 
 
 
 

24 hour rental

1-Click® $3.99

Buy movie

1-Click® $4.99

Learn more about renting and buying

 
 
 
 
 
 
[Send us Feedback]
Have a promotion code? View Balance
New to Amazon Instant Video? Watch your videos on the Kindle Fire HD and hundreds of other devices. See how to watch on your computer, tablet, phone and TV.

Enjoy Unlimited Streaming with Prime Instant Video: Stream over 30,000 movies and TV episodes on virtually any TV with compatible streaming devices starting under $100. Shop now.


Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought


Product Details
Synopsis: Madonna's beautifully crafted film tells the story of a lonely New Yorker who begins to explore the ultimate love story: King Edward VIII's abdication of the throne for the woman he loved.
Starring: Abbie Cornish, Andrea Riseborough
Supporting actors: James D'Arcy, Oscar Isaac, Richard Coyle
Directed by: Madonna
Genre: Drama, History, Romance
Runtime: 1 hour 59 minutes
Captions and Subtitles: Details
Release year: 2012
Studio: The Weinstein Company
MPAA Rating: Rated R for some domestic violence, nudity and language
ASIN: B007Z9QWVK (Rental) and B007Z9QY1S (Purchase)
Rights & Requirements
Rental rights: 24 hour viewing period Details
Purchase rights: Stream instantly and download to 2 locations. Details
Format: Amazon Instant Video (streaming online video and digital download)

Theatrical Release Information
  • US Theatrical Release Date: Feburary 03, 2012
  • MPAA: Rated R for some domestic violence, nudity and language
  • Production Company: Semtex Films
  • Filming Locations: Cap d'Antibes, Antibes, Alpes-Maritimes, France | Debenham House, Addison Road, Holland Park, London, England, UK | French Riviera, Alpes-Maritimes, France | Hughenden Manor, Buckinghamshire, England, UK | Kensington, London, England, UK

Customers Who Viewed This Item Also Viewed


Customer Reviews

The music, cinematography and costuming were excellent. Movie Gal  |  12 reviewers made a similar statement
It's a weak plot device and might have worked if the modern story had any substance whatsoever. James Beswick  |  8 reviewers made a similar statement
The British establishment was extremely forgiving towards Edward and deeply sympathetic to fascism. Carolyne P. Mas  |  3 reviewers made a similar statement
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Amazon Instant Video
After seeing Madonna's love letter to controversial Wallis Simpson "W.E" get savaged by the mainstream media, I was somewhat apprehensive about the film. The love affair between Simpson and King Edward VIII is a stunning and momentous true-life story that resulted in him abdicating the crown and becoming a lifelong exile from the country he had served. It is unparalleled in terms of historical significance. What a fantastic subject! I knew that Madonna had a particular interest in Simpson's side of the story, so this seemed a novel approach to a somewhat familiar tale. From advance previews, it seemed that the film was positioned to be a sweeping romance so I didn't really expect a by-the-numbers historical biography. And in truth, I learned little new about the pair that I hadn't seen in countless other representations. But even taken on its own terms, I don't know that "W.E." really accomplishes what it set out to do. It's not all bad, by any stretch, but the movie keeps the viewer at arm's length throughout.

In a strange decision, Madonna and her co-writer Alek Keshishian filter the famous love story through the eyes of a modern woman (Abbie Cornish). Cornish plays a rather expressionless upscale housewife tortured by an extravagant lifestyle and an inattentive husband. Just to elicit some sympathy for her plight of complete freedom and wealth, her husband is made out to be a cackling caricature of evil. Cornish is obsessively fixated on Wallis Simpson in a very creepy way (Simpson stories play non-stop on the radio and TV, she spends every waking moment studying memorabilia from the time period, and she has imaginary conversations with her idol). Of course, this aloof and troubled married woman is like catnip to a museum security officer (Oscar Isaac) and we all know where that is headed. In a fugue state, we see flashbacks to the courtship between Simpson and the King. Luckily, the scenes from the past are certainly more compelling than the contemporary plot thread which did not elicit my interest at all.

Andrea Riseborough and James D'Arcy are actually quite good in the titular roles and any opportunity to escape into their world is a welcome one. However, if you want solid history, this isn't going to provide it. It's a bare bones examination of the political climate, the other members of the monarchy, or anything of substance. The more controversial aspects of the pair are mentioned, but dismissed as sheer rumor without any introspection. Okay, fine, than hopefully this is a stunning romance. Well, not really. I never felt the real chemistry between these two. In fact, Simpson (especially in their courtship) seems to be manipulating the relationship from the start. I'm willing to believe this was a tremendous love story in real life, but this screenplay never convinces me in the film. And when we're supposed to view Simpson with great empathy at what she's sacrificed, her supposed misery and suffering just hasn't been well established.

And yet, for its faults, I must admit that this is one gorgeous movie! The shot compositions are interesting, the sets are extravagant, the Oscar nominated costumes are lovely, the orchestrations are lush and beautiful. Technically, "W.E." is extremely impressive. The film's shortcomings have little to do with the actors. If half of the movie hadn't been spent in modern times, this might well have been an entirely more satisfying experience. I didn't hate the movie by any means, I think it fell short of its potential and the narrative framing device was a particularly egregious mistake. About 2 1/2 stars, I'll round up for what might have been. KGHarris, 4/12.
Comment | 
Was this review helpful to you?
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
2.0 out of 5 stars Not exactly illuminating September 6, 2012
Format:Amazon Instant Video|Amazon Verified Purchase
A fairly well made picture but it is certainly revisionist history. I have no doubt that Wallis Simpson saw things this way but, as they say, I think there is more to this story. Her previous marriages had a great impact on this romance, for example, but they are not included. The fact that she fought him on the subject of abdication was glossed over. She certainly never expected to spend the rest of her life in exile but she entered history as a mean spirited gold digger. This movie doesn't change that.
Comment | 
Was this review helpful to you?
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Amazon Instant Video|Amazon Verified Purchase
Andrea Riseborough rescues this film, providing a portrayal of Wallis Simpson that elevates her storyline from two-dimensional melodrama to fine art. The historical part is well shot and for the most part quite engaging although doesn't really offer anything particularly new. The theme of the film is that the rich and famous aren't worth associating with and it's better to get connected with true salt-of-the-earth types which may be true but seems somewhat forced given the historical context.

The modern day B-story is a disaster. Abbie Cornish gets routinely beaten up by her husband, mirroring Wallis' opening scene, and there's little explanation about how these two women are connected other than their dismally abusive spouses. Supposedly an auction of Wallis and Edward's personal items provides the flashback opportunity for Cornish's character who's for no reason obsessed with their history. It's a weak plot device and might have worked if the modern story had any substance whatsoever. And the predictably feminist angle that Madonna injects feels out of place in the historical storyline and creates risably thin detestable men in the modern plot.

This isn't a bad film and has elements of being a great movie. The score is atmospheric if slightly overbearing at times. It's dressed up beautifully and looks every part as good as The King's Speech. Even the dialog is mostly very good and then occasionally stumbles with anachronistic terms that remind you that it's good but uneven. So ignore the fact that this bombed at the box office and try to forget that Madonna directed and for the most part it's still better than many of the films released this year.
Comment | 
Was this review helpful to you?
Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars Moderate Movie
It was ok. I thought it weird how they portrayed Wally's infatuation with Wallis Simpson. It was very odd. I felt as though the story itself was lacking real substance. Read more
Published 19 days ago by TMW4
5.0 out of 5 stars Another great movie.
I like the way they entwine the lives of both couples in this movie. I have always been interested in the story of Edward and Wallace. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Sue
3.0 out of 5 stars Irritating Take on the Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson Story
The romance of King Edward VIII (James D'Arcy) and Wallis Simpson (Andrea Riseborough) has been retold many times before, most notably (for me at least) in the TV series EDWARD AND... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Dr. Laurence Raw
4.0 out of 5 stars From Walace's Perspective
Liked it from Walace's perspective, she was the most despised woman of the time. Even if she was in the greatest romance. Strenghth of spirit.
Published 1 month ago by tommy garland
5.0 out of 5 stars Madonna made an impeccable film filled with grandoise!
If you love Madonna for her fashionability, cinematic presentation, and her varied musicality then you should enjoy this movie tremendously. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Diva D 1973
1.0 out of 5 stars W.E. should never have been put into productiong..
This movie appeared very different from the trailer, the main character was obsessed with the story about these to people and continued to imagine the woman and have conversations... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Maddison Voigt
5.0 out of 5 stars W.E. (awesome
It is an excellent movie that tells the story from her point of view - great work to tell a true story.
Published 3 months ago by Vittoria
5.0 out of 5 stars Who doesn't like a little drama now and then?
I was totally impressed with director of this movies and was so happy to learn that it was Madonna who directed and co wrote this movie. Read more
Published 4 months ago by pretzelboy717
3.0 out of 5 stars Wouldn't recommend
Disappointed in the lack of depth of the story line. Bounced back and forth trying to parallel two stories which was a little trite.
Published 4 months ago by Karen Rank
5.0 out of 5 stars Madonna's Directorial Debut
Was phenominal....need to watch it again....loved it - love her - love the out takes too - very informative, and interesting.
Published 4 months ago by Eileen
Search Customer Reviews
Only search this product's reviews

Forums

There are no discussions about this product yet.
Be the first to discuss this product with the community.
Start a new discussion
Topic:
First post:
Prompts for sign-in
 

By placing your order, you agree to our Terms of Use.  Sold by Amazon Digital Services, Inc.  Additional taxes may apply.