Please note that I saw this movie on HBO recently so I can't comment on the quality of the video transfer.
I just saw this movie again after 25 years and it held up very well. In fact, looking back now from 35 years after the first Star Wars movie, witness is my pick for Harrison Ford's best performance ever. At this time in his career, only a few years after the last Star Wars trilogy movie was made, that was almost all he had done until Witness. In a startlingly nuanced and sensitive performance it's hard to imagine that you're even seeing the same guy who played the macho, devil-may-care Han Solo. McGillis is also great and up till then she had only appeared in a one or two movies, and mainly a TV serial, if I remember right.
The drama and tension builds in the clash and contrast between the two cultures. Despite himself, Ford is drawn into the Amish way of life even as he runs from the corrupt cops who are chasing him. The Amish way of life is portrayed well, I think, without sentimentalizing it or idealizing it. It has many advantages that the outside world lacks--the support of friends and family, similar values, a close-knit community, the homogeneity of religious beliefs, and their peaceful, pacifistic ways. Speaking of which, the scene in which Ford beats the snot out of a couple of arrogant townies who are insulting the Amish (not realizing Ford is a tough cop), was pretty cool. Wished I'd been there to help because I hate bullies. :-)
The tension and the drama build up to a very satisfying climax and director Weir shows a very firm and confident hand with his material in this movie, only his second for the American market.
1 out of 1 people found this helpful.
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One of the best movies in years
Added 11/27/2009
This is a great movie. Had to purchase my own copy before it was no longer available as the movie is almost 25 years old. I personally think this was one of the best movies Harrison Ford ever made.
I'm sure I've already seen it 1,000 times and I know I 'll watch it many more.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
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The movie provided everything I expected.A good insight was given in the everydqy way of Amish life.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
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Perfect acting by Harrison Ford.
Added 10/12/2009
This may be the best acting performance in the career of Harrison Ford. It is a tie with his performance in Blade Runner.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
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This is a great film that I highly recommend. Harrison Ford has delivered again and again and this is no exception. The contrasting worlds of the rural Amish and the gritty city of Philadelphia are well crafted. The extras include a documentary in five parts that has almost all involved looking back on their work 20 years ago. There is some violence, some language, and a brief topless scene. I was disappointed in the previews on the disc but you can fast forward through them on high speed.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
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Please note that I saw this movie on HBO recently so I can't comment on the quality of the video transfer.
I just saw this movie again after 25 years and it held up very well. In fact, looking back now from 35 years after the first Star Wars movie, witness is my pick for Harrison Ford's best performance ever. At this time in his career, only a few years after the last Star Wars trilogy movie was made, that was almost all he had done until Witness. In a startlingly nuanced and sensitive performance it's hard to imagine that you're even seeing the same guy who played the macho, devil-may-care Han Solo. McGillis is also great and up till then she had only appeared in a one or two movies, and mainly a TV serial, if I remember right.
The drama and tension builds in the clash and contrast between the two cultures. Despite himself, Ford is drawn into the Amish way of life even as he runs from the corrupt cops who are chasing him. The Amish way of life is portrayed well, I think, without sentimentalizing it or idealizing it. It has many advantages that the outside world lacks--the support of friends and family, similar values, a close-knit community, the homogeneity of religious beliefs, and their peaceful, pacifistic ways. Speaking of which, the scene in which Ford beats the snot out of a couple of arrogant townies who are insulting the Amish (not realizing Ford is a tough cop), was pretty cool. Wished I'd been there to help because I hate bullies. :-)
The tension and the drama build up to a very satisfying climax and director Weir shows a very firm and confident hand with his material in this movie, only his second for the American market.
1 out of 1 people found this helpful.
|
One of the best movies in years
Added 11/27/2009
This is a great movie. Had to purchase my own copy before it was no longer available as the movie is almost 25 years old. I personally think this was one of the best movies Harrison Ford ever made.
I'm sure I've already seen it 1,000 times and I know I 'll watch it many more.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
|
The movie provided everything I expected.A good insight was given in the everydqy way of Amish life.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
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