The Rainbow Poster

The Rainbow 1989

★ 5.534 votes113 min📅 1989-05-05

"Ken Russell's film of D.H. Lawrence's..."

Ken Russell's visually lush adaptation of D.H. Lawrence's *The Rainbow (1989)* transports viewers to the rigid yet simmering world of late Victorian England.

Director: Ken Russell

Cast

Sammi Davis
Sammi Davis
Ursula Brangwen
Paul McGann
Paul McGann
Anton Skrebensky
Amanda Donohoe
Amanda Donohoe
Winifred Inger
Christopher Gable
Christopher Gable
Will Brangwen
David Hemmings
David Hemmings
Uncle Henry
Glenda Jackson
Glenda Jackson
Anna Brangwen
Dudley Sutton
Dudley Sutton
MacAllister
Jim Carter
Jim Carter
Mr. Harby
Judith Paris
Judith Paris
Miss Harby
Kenneth Colley
Kenneth Colley
Mr. Brunt

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Rainbow (1989) about?

Set in the late 1800s, *The Rainbow* follows Ursula Brangwen, a restless young woman who chafes under the strictures of Victorian society. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she forms a passionate connection with Winifred, a bold teacher, sparking a journey of sexual and emotional liberation that clashes against the era's rigid expectations.

Who directed The Rainbow?

The film was directed by Ken Russell, a filmmaker known for his bold, visually extravagant style and adaptations of classic literature.

Who stars in The Rainbow?

The cast includes Sammi Davis, Paul McGann, Amanda Donohoe, Christopher Gable, David Hemmings, and Glenda Jackson.

Is The Rainbow (1989) worth watching?

While not widely rated on IMDb, *The Rainbow* is a standout for fans of literary dramas and Ken Russell's distinctive vision. Its exploration of desire, repression, and rebellion makes it a compelling watch for those who appreciate films that push boundaries.

How long is The Rainbow?

The film runs for 113 minutes.

About The Rainbow (1989) — A Defiant Love Story of Passion and Rebellion

Ken Russell's visually lush adaptation of D.H. Lawrence's *The Rainbow (1989)* transports viewers to the rigid yet simmering world of late Victorian England. At its heart is Ursula Brangwen, a spirited young woman born into privilege but suffocated by societal constraints, whose journey becomes a defiant exploration of passion and self-discovery. When she shares a charged encounter with Winifred, a charismatic bisexual teacher, Ursula's awakening ignites a personal rebellion against convention, driving her toward an unquenchable pursuit of desire and artistic expression. Russell's film brims with sensual imagery, contrasting the era's oppressive decorum with the raw, often tumultuous emotions beneath the surface.

As Ursula's quest for fulfillment escalates, her emotional highs give way to deep turmoil, reflecting Lawrence's themes of freedom versus repression. The Rainbow (1989) captures this tension through evocative cinematography and standout performances, particularly from Sammi Davis as Ursula and Amanda Donohoe as the magnetic Winifred. A drama steeped in romance and rebellion, this is a story for anyone drawn to films that challenge norms and delve into the complexities of human desire.