Difference between revisions of "Witness (film)"
(→Criticism: The caricature of ridicule of the Amish seems unrealistic, as actually the secular world is fairly respectful of Amish and even enjoy visiting their communities.) |
(more of the cast) |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
'''Witness (film)''' was a successful, highly acclaimed movie in 1985 featuring a clash between a violent city culture involving police corruption and the non-violent culture of neighboring [[Amish]] farming. Contrary to many [[Hollywood]] movies, this film is very respectful of a religious way of life. | '''Witness (film)''' was a successful, highly acclaimed movie in 1985 featuring a clash between a violent city culture involving police corruption and the non-violent culture of neighboring [[Amish]] farming. Contrary to many [[Hollywood]] movies, this film is very respectful of a religious way of life. | ||
| − | The star-studded cast included Harrison Ford, Kelly McGillis, Danny Glover, and the accomplished [[Russian]] ballet star Alexander Godunov in a serious role. Its worldwide box office revenues were nearly ten times its budget of only $12 million. It won the coveted [[Academy Awards]] for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay. Film critic Roger Ebert called it the finest acting performance by Harrison Ford of his career. | + | The star-studded cast included Harrison Ford, Kelly McGillis, Danny Glover, and the accomplished [[Russian]] ballet star Alexander Godunov in a serious role. Patti LuPone is stellar in a small supporting role. Its worldwide box office revenues were nearly ten times its budget of only $12 million. It won the coveted [[Academy Awards]] for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay. Film critic Roger Ebert called it the finest acting performance by Harrison Ford of his career. |
As in real life, many in the Amish community are portrayed as more honorable and respectful than the non-Amish who include the sister of Harrison Ford's character named Book. | As in real life, many in the Amish community are portrayed as more honorable and respectful than the non-Amish who include the sister of Harrison Ford's character named Book. | ||
Revision as of 00:28, July 1, 2022
Witness (film) was a successful, highly acclaimed movie in 1985 featuring a clash between a violent city culture involving police corruption and the non-violent culture of neighboring Amish farming. Contrary to many Hollywood movies, this film is very respectful of a religious way of life.
The star-studded cast included Harrison Ford, Kelly McGillis, Danny Glover, and the accomplished Russian ballet star Alexander Godunov in a serious role. Patti LuPone is stellar in a small supporting role. Its worldwide box office revenues were nearly ten times its budget of only $12 million. It won the coveted Academy Awards for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay. Film critic Roger Ebert called it the finest acting performance by Harrison Ford of his career.
As in real life, many in the Amish community are portrayed as more honorable and respectful than the non-Amish who include the sister of Harrison Ford's character named Book.
The barn-raising featured in one scene in the movie is realistic: Amish can build and erect a new barn in one long day of community work. Filming throughout the movie was done in Philadelphia and its surrounding Amish communities in Lancaster County, where the action is to have taken place.
In the climatic scene there is a standoff between a violent wrongdoer and a peaceful group of strong Amish.
Quotes
| “ | We want nothing to do with your laws. | ” |
| “ | You be careful out among the English. | ” |
Criticism
The ending is dramatic but perhaps slightly unrealistic in how good versus pure evil is typically resolved.
The caricature of ridicule of the Amish seems unrealistic, as actually the secular world is fairly respectful of Amish and even enjoy visiting their communities.
