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The English Patient poster

The English Patient (1996)

“In love, there are no boundaries.”

7.1/10 · 2,473 votes 2h 42m r RomanceDramaWar

#18 of 95 films from 1996 #432 of 1371 in romance

Directed by Anthony Minghella · Written by Anthony Minghella, Michael Ondaatje

▶ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

In the 1930s, Count Almásy is a Hungarian map maker employed by the Royal Geographical Society to chart the vast expanses of the Sahara Desert along with several other prominent explorers. As World War II unfolds, Almásy enters into a world of love, betrayal, and politics.

Cast

Ralph Fiennesas Almásy
Juliette Binocheas Hana
Willem Dafoeas David Caravaggio
Kristin Scott Thomasas Katharine Clifton
Naveen Andrewsas Sikh Kip
Colin Firthas Geoffrey Clifton
Julian Wadhamas Madox
Torri Higginsonas Mary
Jürgen Prochnowas Major Muller
Kevin Whatelyas Sgt. Hardy
Clive Merrisonas Fenelon-Barnes
Nino Castelnuovoas D'Agostino
Hichem Rostomas Fouad
Peter Rühringas Bermann

Facts

Release dateNovember 14, 1996
Runtime162 min (2h 42m) — longer as the 1996 average of 109 min
GenresRomance, Drama, War
LanguageEN
Budget$27,000,000
Box office$231,976,425 (8.6× budget)
IMDbtt0116209

More from Anthony Minghella

The Talented Mr. RipleyThe Talented Mr. Ripley1999 · ★ 7.2 · 2h 20m Cold MountainCold Mountain2003 · ★ 6.9 · 2h 34m

If you liked The English Patient

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Legends of the FallLegends of the Fall1994 · ★ 7.4 · 2h 13m The Last of the MohicansThe Last of the Mohicans1992 · ★ 7.4 · 1h 52m Enemy at the GatesEnemy at the Gates2001 · ★ 7.4 · 2h 11m A Very Long EngagementA Very Long Engagement2004 · ★ 7.3 · 2h 13m Pearl HarborPearl Harbor2001 · ★ 6.9 · 3h 3m Cold MountainCold Mountain2003 · ★ 6.9 · 2h 34m The Four FeathersThe Four Feathers2002 · ★ 6.6 · 2h 12m The Place Promised in Our Early DaysThe Place Promised in Our Early Days2004 · ★ 6.6 · 1h 30m

Questions

How long is The English Patient?
The English Patient runs 162 minutes (2h 42m), which is long for a romance — plan for it.
Is The English Patient worth watching?
TMDB users give it 7.1/10 across 2,473 votes, which places it #18 of 95 films released in 1996 in this index (top 82%) and #432 among 1371 romance titles.
Who directed The English Patient?
The English Patient was directed by Anthony Minghella. Other well-rated titles by the same director: The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999), Cold Mountain (2003).
Who stars in The English Patient?
Ralph Fiennes as Almásy; Juliette Binoche as Hana; Willem Dafoe as David Caravaggio; Kristin Scott Thomas as Katharine Clifton; Naveen Andrews as Sikh Kip; Colin Firth as Geoffrey Clifton.
What is The English Patient rated?
It carries a r certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for The English Patient?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/7622.

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Film data and images from TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Ratings are TMDB user scores as of 2026-10-05.