Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche's friendship began while playing lovers in "Wuthering Heights." Years later, they reunited on the screen in Anthony Minghella's "The English Patient," a historical epic that led them to the Oscars. Their bond has endured through the years, with dinners, phone calls, and trips to catch each other on stage. Binoche saw Fiennes in "Macbeth," and he saw her in "Antigone."

The Enduring Friendship and Epic Reunion of Two Great Actors

Odysseus and Penelope: A Tale of Homecoming and Destiny

Fiennes shared, "I've been fascinated by Odysseus since I was a young boy. My mother read me the Greek myths, and I think it's about coming home with the courage and sense of destiny to claim what is yours. There are great symbols at play in this story."Binoche added, "Uberto had shared this with me for a while. When we finally decided to do it, Ralph said it must be me to play Penelope, and I was so happy."

The Journey to Making "The Return"

Fiennes said, "It wasn't long before Juliette Binoche was the only one who could play Penelope. We felt a strong connection and shared responsibility. Our job was to make these mythical characters human."Binoche explained, "Uberto was quite controlling as he wanted this film to be close to his dream. We had to find a way to relax him and create that special acting moment between us."

The Challenges of the Film Industry

Fiennes expressed, "The industry is facing challenges. The days of independent films in cinemas may be past. The hunger to go to the cinema is dwindling, but there are those determined people who believe in making provocative adult dramas."Binoche emphasized, "As an audience, we need to think about what stays with us after watching. An art form can change our lives, and that's why we do what we do."