Year: 1987
Runtime: 140 min
Language: French
Director: James Ivory
Maurice Laroche, the owner of a struggling cinema in Europe, fiercely defends the art of film. His cinema, a relic of a bygone era, showcases vintage adult films as he fights to preserve a 35mm legacy amidst the rise of digital technology. The story explores the life of this enigmatic man and his dedication to a fading cinematic tradition.
Get a spoiler-free look at Maurice (1987) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
In a quiet European town where cobblestone streets echo the whispers of bygone eras, a modest cinema clings stubbornly to its original charm. The building itself, a weathered marquee and plush red velvet seats, feels like a living museum of celluloid history, its screen still hungry for the grainy glow of 35 mm film. This refuge for flickering light and shadow becomes a sanctuary against the relentless advance of digital projection, and the faint scent of popcorn mingles with the faint perfume of faded posters that line the walls.
At the heart of this relic sits Maurice Laroche, a man whose passion for the moving image borders on reverence. He is both custodian and champion of a cinematic tradition that many consider obsolete, curating a program of vintage adult films that he believes deserve the same artistic respect as any classic drama. His dedication is palpable—every reel is handled with reverent care, every projector whirring like a prayer. Maurice’s world is one of ritual; he measures his days by the cadence of reels changing, the hush of the audience, and the soft glow of the projector lamp that seems to defy time itself.
The film unfolds with a tone that is both wistful and quietly defiant, inviting viewers to linger in the amber‑toned atmosphere of a place where nostalgia is not merely a feeling but a deliberate act of preservation. As streaming services and sleek digital screens dominate the cultural landscape beyond the cinema’s doors, Maurice’s struggle becomes a meditation on what is lost when technology eclipses tradition. The audience is drawn into his quiet battle, feeling the pull of history against the tide of modernity, and is left to wonder how far a single, stubborn love for film can reach before the darkness of the empty auditorium finally swallows the light.
Last Updated: December 04, 2025 at 15:36
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Stories of love that must hide, set against oppressive social norms.Discover films like Maurice that delve into the painful beauty of forbidden love. If you appreciated the themes of hiding one's true self and challenging societal conventions, you'll find similar powerful dramas, historical romances, and character studies here that explore love against the odds.
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Don't stop at just watching — explore Maurice in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Maurice is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of Maurice, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.
Track the full timeline of Maurice with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Maurice. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Maurice: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.
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