This movie is set in a time when people actually "were" their jobs. Mr. Stevens has spent his entire life serving those who were above him in social stature. He devoted every ounce of his being into his work, and until he meets new housekeeper miss Kenton, he is content with his life. Raised to keep all of his emotions hidden, to see but not be seen, he has no way of ever letting his feelings be known to her. Both are too proud, too scared to let the other in on the way they are feeling. When Stevens looks back on his life many years later, the truth of what his life was, is and will be, is quite apparent to him. The sets are gorgeous, the acting fabulous, and the script is a faithful adaption of a wonderful novel. This is one to not be missed. I own and have seen this movie at least 20 times, and still tear up at the exact same place.