*"But its my way!"* The ice cream guy getting the crap kicked out of him is the most deserved butt whooping I've ever seen. Loved that scene for 35 years.
@@PapaEli-pz8ffI was raised a Quaker we're used to worldly people mocking us. The Swartzentruber Amish also know what to expect from worldly people. Yes, it was the best face punch in movie history.
@@PapaEli-pz8ff Most bullies always target people they see as weak, or who are afraid or hesitant to fight back. I think at heart most bullies are cowards and/or severely lack self confidence or self esteem, and bullying others is the only way they've learned to feel empowered.
When her father tells Book at the end “Be careful out there among the English.” it shows that he has excepted him as one of them. It really shows that he sees him as not only a friend but as family now.
@@RideAcrossTheRiver Nah - you're constructing a meaning that is not accurate and does not sum up the film at all. Furthermore, it surely wasn't that meaning McPh1741 had in mind.
as an ex farm boy. Milking cows early (b4 daylight) was done mostly because when the sun came up, there was work to be done while you had daylight. Milking could be done in the dark. Also, cows were milked 2X a day, 12 hours apart. Therefore if you milked them early in the morning you were able to milk them again in late afternoon. If you waited until 8-9am to milk them, then you would be milking them again at 8-9pm, so early morning and later afternoon worked better.
I completely forgave Karl (Alexander Godunov) for trying to kill Bruce Willis in Die Hard after watching this movie. Very underrated and talented actor. Loved him in The Money Pit (Tom hanks comedy) too. Sadly, he passed far too young at just 45 years old.
Completely agree, he was a Russian ballet dancer who defected during the cold war and continued to dance ballet here and made his way into movies. I have to agree that most people would know him from die hard but honestly his egotistical symphony conductor character in "the money pit" will always be my favorite. The line " I lost her too, but I will get over it because I am shallow and self-centered. But you..., you won't, because you are "complex"" delivered in that dry accent of his had stuck with me since I was a little child, just hilarious.
My daughters watched this when they were kids right after watching Die Hard. They started chanting "Amish Man Terrorist from Die Hard" whenever they saw him. It was pretty funny.
Alexander Godunov was a dancer who act occasionally ,he died very young ,but like Mikhail Baryshnikov and Rudolph Nureyev he was so famous and the dance career is not that long they use they fame to work in movies
I've always loved this movie. And I think the scene where Samuel spots the picture of Donald Glover in the trophy case and locks eyes with Book, and then Book coming over and he pushes Samuel's pointing finger down, is absolutely amazing.
@@lewisner - As a huge fan of Community, I honestly don't know if I should be mortified or delighted that I actually made that mistake. Either way, thanks for correcting me.
Always loved the “teat” gag. You’d think the granddad would be disgusted but he laughs instead and gives a pat on the back that could mean “You’re alright kid”
the human male has the same hormonal and mental reaction to the female form unless there is a mental illness. Some Amish worked for my uncle and the men's only club wasn't beyond mentioning truth in all its glory. They are simply more refined in their actions and mannerisms and understanding that they need God for guidance in all relations.
One of my favorite things about this movie is that they don’t vilify the Amish suitor (whose name I would never be able to spell, lol). He’s a good guy who, despite his awareness that something is going on, never behaves like a jealous jerk. He’s very principled. It makes it a little easier to stomach Book leaving, knowing that he would treat Rachel well despite knowing her feelings for someone else.
Yes, that was a very good and likeable character. I'd like to think someone like that would find someone who returned their feelings. On another point - to what extent did the makers of this film consult with Amish community leaders, to reflect their values, ways of life, etc? I used to live in PA, but I don't remember too much of it (i was only little). Does this reflect what an Amish community looks like, and how it operates?
It's telling to watch "modern" audiences' reaction as, since those days, Hollywood has conditioned us for a movie's climax to feature big, violent endings. I'm old enough to have seen this in the theatres and all of us in the audience were riveted. At mr. Ford's reveal the whole, packed auditorium erupted in applause.
True that...he was once partnered with Book, and you had to be a good guy to be his partner or he'd rip you a new one. He just got greedy and lost his way. Book knew he could reason with him. Great scene which led to that wonderful last scene with Book, Samuel and Rachel. Those looks of longing and wishing were brilliant, a scene with no dialogue that spoke volumes. Perfect screen writing..
It makes perfect sense. Sure, he could have killed a few more people, but it wouldn't have changed anything. So why do it? He was corrupt, not a psychopath.
I also thought the grandpa was making the shape of a gun with his fist, but it was the action of pulling the rope -- calling the community together -- which saved them at the end. The community has a strength a gun does not. Beautiful film and wonderful reaction. And oh, that barn raising scene. Wow.
Random thing I noticed just now was that Viggo Mortensen was in this film. :) I never knew that until this moment. Briefly before this, I recognized the actor who portrayed "Daniel" was in Die Hard as one of Gruber's (Rickman's) crew.
One of the stories I remember from the production of this movie is that the barn raising actually was a barn that they built for an Amish farmer. Unfortunately, the filmmakers positioned the barn where it photograph the best but the farmer wanted it a few feet in a different direction. So when the filming was done the Amish farmer took the barn down and rebuilt it where he wanted it to be.
I think the ending of this move is actually very realistic and I give it credit for that. Chief Schaeffer is an experienced police officer. He would realize that there were way too many witnesses to silence. Even if he had killed them all (which he wouldn't have enough bullets for anyway), there is no way he could possibly hide such a massive crime with so many cops and Amish people dead. John Book simply pointed out to him that the game was up. I find this to be a much more realistic ending than the usual shoot 'em up you'd get in a lesser action film (and I love a good action film as much as anybody). Perhaps some unhinged criminal would start shooting madly, but this guy is a Chief of Police. He would know the law and that he could only dig himself deeper. He just needed the wake up call from Book. It also fits perfectly with the film's themes and setting. I think having the little boy or the old man shoot him just to have an action thrill would really cheapen the comparison of cultures and values that this film is all about. I think it's a great ending, personally.
Few scenes in cinema have gripped me with as much emotion as the one where the little boy recognizes the photo of the corrupt detective. We so wish that Harrison Ford sees it and finally, he sees it... this film is filled with small moments like this which impressed me when I saw this film in 1985. A classic to be studied.
Peter Weir is a master of story development and, as a result, storytelling. I agree, this movie is filled with these tiny moments that say so much. Oftentimes, it's better to show than to tell. Two of my favorite scenes is the "dancing" scene in the barn, when they both flirt with each other, the chemistry is palpable. And the "bathing" scene when Rachel bares her chest to Book. Powerful and emotional without being cheesy. Yes, the one you mention above is most powerful, everyone wants Book to see what Samuel sees, and when he does, Book's demeanor changes from a routine investigation to a concerned father figure for Samuel. Again, brilliant screenwriting.
the no words slomo either works with Weir or it doesnt. I personally cant stand the Kurtwood Smith scene at the end of Dead Poets society, it's so bad compared to this in Witness.
That scene with the three bad guys with their shotguns walking down the road toward the Amish community is one of my favorite shots in the movies. Just framed perfectly.
Yes, that's a Peter Weir specialty as a director. The man paints beautiful pictures for the screen. Dead Poet's Society (1989), another film he directed is the same.
A friend of mine was a cinema major and would talk about the barn raising scene and how it was regarded as one of best scenes in movie history in classes and I truly believe it is as well.
There's a TV show on the BBC called "Detectorists" about a group of metal detectorists and it is absolutely beautiful and very funny. The last episode recreates the barn raising scene absolutely shot for shot. I had to immediately find the witness scene to show my girlfriend the similarities.
If you like that you might like Terrence Malick's 'Tree of Life', David Lynch's beautiful 'Straight Story' and maybe some of the classic British lyrical movies of Powell and Pressburger such as A Matter of Life & Death and The Red Shoes. :)
One of my all-time favorite films. The cinematography in this film is simply stunning. It was also one of legendary Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa's favorites films, which is exceedingly high praise.
Its amazing to watch these scenes and realize that most of the time neither Kelly McGillis or Harrison Ford are actually looking at each other, but just off to the side of camera. Which shows both the power of their acting, and the editing to make it feel like they're looking at each other.
i grew up as a child in a french canadian community in Lavaltrie Quebec where people would get together to build barns or church and it was so productive everyone gave their best. I missed that time for the sense of belonging and strong friendship
Brought up in Saint Sulpice, right next door. I wish I could say nice things about that community the way you speak well of Lavaltrie. BUT the parish priest was an old school asshole. Very judgemental and 'hautain'. It varried greatly. We were 'English' from Saskatchewan and not accepted intothe community. The six founding families (including the Pigeon, Plouffe and Blais families) were stuck up bullies. I wish I could say I had a happy and fulfilling childhood, but... I was glad we escaped to Montreal when I was a teen. It suited me better than the small insular (dare I say, inbred) farming community.
I think that's the appeal the barn raising scene in this movie has for so many people. Who wouldn't want to live in a community like this where everyone gets together to help a neighbor; being part of the community.
These levels of community service seem strange to many of us now, but they were the norm for thousands of years - the idea of simply paying someone to build you a house would have seemed as ludicrous to our ancestors as the concept of legal tender itself . . . To this day, in Japan, the old style minkas need their roofs redone every 20 years or so, and the whole village pitches-in knowing that, when it's their turn, the service will be returned . . .
Harrison Ford used to be a carpenter before his acting career took off so the barn raising scene was probably easy for him. You should check out “Working Girl’. It stars Harrison along with Sigourney Weaver and Melanie Griffith.
Am I the only one who remembers “Frantic”, from 1988? No one ever mentions it, and it’s Harrison in his prime! A great thriller/mystery set in Paris, it stars Ford, and the French actress, Emmanuelle Seigner. If you’re a Harrison Ford fan, it’s a must see!
It is good movie as is Presumed Innocent in 1990 which Harrison Ford starred with the late Raul Julia from Addams Family in 1991 and 1993 sequel. The Fugitive and Patriot Games are classic Ford films to.
Peter Weir used painters like Rembrandt and Vermeer as inspiration for the camera style of this film. You can see it very clearly in the shot of Daniel paying his respects to Rachel at the funeral, and Rachel tending to a feverish, hallucinating Book in the Lapp house. (Note how the light itself has a different character in the country and in the city.) The use in the farm scenes of calm, reflected light in the day scenes and _chiaroscuro_ (literally "light dark", the technique of painting lit surfaces against a black background) in the night and indoor scenes are crucial in evoking a place out of time in the modern world. The other thing about Weir's direction that I love, and which is unique to him, is what I call the "Weir moment". In every one of his films, there comes a moment when the main character experiences some terrible, gut-wrenching emotion, and we are _not allowed to see it._ It either happens off-camera, or the character has his back to us, or something is blocking our view. It's an impressive visual comment for a director to make because by doing that, Weir gives them privacy, something we don't expect as moviegoers. We expect to _see_ emotion, drama, not to be denied it. But he does so, and gives the protagonist an inner life we're not privy to. (It's a character beat that is uniquely Weir's; I've never come across another director who does that as a matter of course in all his films. It's his signature.)
This film was a masterpiece in cinema. Brilliant use of light and dark, open space on the farm, simple life versus city life, which was cramped and dark, only harsh. Weir used everything within the reach and scope of the camera to tell the story. Even the bird house at the end when Rachel realizes she'll lose Book forever, and shows the audience that she cannot contain herself any longer. We want to see them express their emotions in that awesome kiss. Now that's how you make a film.
Amish are some of the most compassionate, loving, caring, and forgiving people on the planet. In 2006, a gunman took an amish schoolhouse full of amish children hostage and executed 5 innocent school girls. At the funeral for the killer, many amish, including the famlies of the deceased, showed up and forgave him, giving hugs and offering prayers to the mans widow and mother. They also formed a chain around the service so protestors who showed up couldn't disrupt the proceedings.
It's been so long I had all but forgotten about that terrible shooting. Now I'm reminded how very moving is the account of that tragedy and the power of forgiveness by the Amish community in its aftermath. Thank you for bringing it to our attention in regards to this film.
It is sad that happened I grew up in a small town and know several Amish families including a family that became ex Amish and one is married to his wife Heather and i went to school with her and he owns his trucking company. A number of ex Amish families I knew either are into trucking, farming or construction. My parents currently live next to a Amish family in the country.
Okay I am recognising some cast members from other movies: Rachel is Kelly McGillis from Top Gun who played Maverick's love interest, and Daniel is Alexander Godunov who played Karl (One of the bad guys) in Die Hard. Moses is Viggo Mortensen (Aragorn from Lord of the Rings).
Also Danny Glover before he played Roger Murtaugh in Lethal Weapon in 1987 and sequels and had appeared in the western Silverado in 1985 when Witness was released.
@@bwilson5401 Like Danny Glover, Viggo been in a lot over the years just seldom as a central character until Lord of the Rings when he got centre stage deservedly.
@@scottknode898 Danny's third big film from 1985 was The Color Purple, in which he played Whoopi Goldberg's husband. Both Witness and Purple were nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars, with Purple eventually tying The Turning Point (from 1977) as the most-nominated film to go home completely empty-handed. Both films received 11 nominations without a single win. Ironically, 11 is also the number of Oscars received by Ben-Hur, Titanic, and Return of the King (co-starring Viggo Mortenson from this film), which are tied as the three WINNINGEST Best Pictures.
I always liked this film, I can't believe that it's Harrison Ford's sole Oscar nomination to date, and he didn't even win. One of his most underrated roles, in my opinion.
I lived in Lancaster County for 20 years (had to relocate during Covid) and it is a different world there. Five minutes in one direction and you are downtown in Lancaster City. Five minutes the other way and you are in Amish Country. Horse and buggies on the roadways (the local Walmart had a hitching post for buggies) and they usually played volleyball at twilight with lanterns and candles so they can see. Also, lots of Amish craft shops and flea markets, too...
One of my all-time favorites. Not enough is said about the beautiful score by the composer Maurice Jarre, especially the theme played during the barn-raising scene.
Fun Fact: When Rachel asks John, "You know carpentry?" He replies "A bit..." Harrison Ford was a carpenter before he became an actor. Also, this was sadly Harrison Ford's first and only Oscar nominated performance of his esteemed career.
This is part of the mythos of Harrison Ford,, he was an actor long before he took on some set work in between roles to support his family,, Fred Roos purposely contracted him to build some doors at zoetrope studios to force his meeting with Lucas in a role he didn't want to avoid being typecast from the previous work he'd done on Lucas's American Graffiti (1973)
@@harrymarshall Exactly. In college he loved to act in the plays at Ripon, just didn't want to attend any of the other classes he was supposed to. My sister's father in law was a science teacher there when he (failed to) attend school.
@@harrymarshall that said, he was probably handy with a hammer, like many men of his generation. You can't just pretend to be a carpenter and get away with it...
@@sdkelmaruecan2907 He became a self-taught professional carpenter. “Through carpentry, I fed my family and began to pick and choose from among the roles offered,” he once said. “I could afford to hold out until something better came along. But I never gave up my ambition to be an actor.Nov 16, 2020
Harrison Ford was nominated not for Witness, but his follow up film to this, 1985's The Mosquito Coast, also directed by Peter Weir. It's the most character driven lead Ford ever took on and although he's not likable, he's entertaining as Hell. It's a fully committed performance of a man gone insane. River Phoenix, who would play young Indy in The Last Crusade plays Ford's son in this and he's amazing too.
"Witness" is the perfect title for this film. It begins with the boy witnessing a murder, and it ends with John Book daring the corrupt cop to shoot him in front of all those witnesses. There was no way for Rachel and John to be together. They live in different worlds. Rachel couldn't take her son away from his family, his community and the world he's ever known.
I grew up watching this movie. It was one of my Grandmothers favorites. We would watch it all the time. A very underrated classic. One of Harrison Ford’s best roles.
A very underrated film and one of my top ten all-time favorites - you can watch it repeatedly and never grow tired of the smooth soundtrack and minimalist vibe. Is the film's arguing strong for or against guns? I feel the moral of the story is to use your mind and your merit to confront evil first and foremost - as a firearm may then rarely ever be needed. Having a grandmother who's first language was Pennsylvania Dutch, I can say this motion picture really nailed the vibe of 1980s Pennsylvania and the background clash between the cultures. And can't ignore that Rachel's character is VERY complex, often showing her many sides and motivations within single scenes. Subtle but brilliant. Come out from among them and be ye separate, sayeth the Lord. And touch not the unclean thing.
The speed of how fast barn gets put up is no joke. I've seen Amish Frame a really big house on pittsburgh years ago. They practically did it all in 1 day. They are ridiculously fast
I'm so glad you watched this masterpiece, Great storyline, nice soundtrack, superb acting all around. Definitely one of Harrison fords best movie moments.
There are several films parked right in the middle of the 1980s that are utterly of their time ... and some of the finest filmmaking ever. _The River_ is one.
Great reaction. The villain giving up is by far more realistic AND fits the theme of the film and the Amish view: violence begets violence. The ending is a beautiful acknowledgment of the Amish way.
Cassie...one of the best reactions I've EVER seen. Watching your face as John and Rachel interacted throughout the movie was riveting. Your expression when John watched Rachel washing herself, and your waving your hand as if to cool the air, was exactly my feeling. This is one of the best movies I've ever seen (saw it as a kid years ago), and I was so jazzed that YOU were doing it. You just treat things more respectfully and in such a classy way. Enjoyed very, very much!
Your mother has good taste in films. I'm pretty sure you would also enjoy "Australia". "Dr. Zhivago" is a great movie. It's a very long movie, but a very good story. I would not call it a happily ever after show. This one is a good one even though it is kind of a sleeper for him. Good job, thanks.
One of Harrison Ford’s best. So many great scenes in this, such as the barn raising sequence. This one is definitely your kind of movie and one you’d really love, for sure.
This was my #1 favorite movie for years! The scene at 9:05 where Harrison Ford turns and says "Just do it" gives me chills every time. Book looks so desperate you can feel his fear.
Your Mum got bl**dy good taste in movies. I second all of them! I love this one and please react to Erin Brockovich soon. You’ll love it! Maybe have your sister along? I love your reactions on your own and I love the banter between you two as well and Erin Brockovich would lend itself to a sisterly laughing, commenting, outrages disbelief sharing session.
@@ct6852 thanks for posting this. I googled it. Mindboggling! I heard about electrical lines causing fires, but I didn’t know it was THAT PG&E. Good that they had to pay- hope it was enough!
@@hertelantje It was definitely hellishly scary. Whole town went up like a tinder box. A friend left for Arizona and never came back. He had like five minutes to evacuate. Anyways I think Ron Howard did a doc about it on Hulu.
This movie will always have a special place in my heart because all the Amish farm scenes were filmed about half an hour from where I was born and raised 😊
You struck gold with me again, PIB. Love your reaction. Old boomer here saw this bin theaters way back in 80s. It’s was the only best actor nomination Harrison Ford would ever get. Btw, happy Mother’s Day to you and your mom.
Kelly McGillis is brilliant in this film, and she even briefly reprised her role as an Amish woman in a brief cameo in the infamous 1994 movie, "North", about future Frodo Elijah Wood trying to find better parents.
The main thing I remember about North is that it's one of Reba's movies. 😍 Kelly McGillis plays an Amish woman in Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, too. Such a cute movie. ❤
I still want my dollar back from watching half or "North" at the discount theater and walking out half-way through. No shade to McGillis tho, especially in this iconic role.
I lived in Lancaster, PA where this was filmed in the early 80's. I had friends from class that were extras in Witness. Brings back great memories of my childhood.
Thank you, Cassie. I've been wanting to see you react to this for a long time. Harrison Ford’s acting was top tier in this one. A belated Happy Mother's Day to both you and your Mom.
The blond actor who plays Daniel is Aleksander Godunov. He was a dancer with the Bolshoi Ballet in the Soviet Union. He defected in the late 70's and danced with the American Ballet Theatre for a few years.
This is one of my favorite movies from my youth. Your reaction brought back some of the same feelings I had as well. You want them to end up together but ultimately it’s understood that’s not possible. Beautifully written and acted.
The audience got to see Book prove his sister wrong. He would make a great father for Samuel, plus he and Rachel would grow old together with lots of grandkids.. I agree, brilliantly written, acted and directed.
I used to watch this movie all the time when I was growing up. I love his carpentry, building the barn (everyone loves the barn scene), getting a laugh out of the grandfather. It's a great movie, and I love it.
Hi Cassie, so glad you got round to watching this under-rated romantic thriller. As a fan of Harrison Ford, this tale of a culture-clash romance, seemed ideal viewing. Loved the score too, by Maurice Jarre, which adds so much to this film, especially during the brilliant barn-raising scene.
I believe the ending with the bad guy giving up is meant to show the power of community. Sure, he could've killed Book and the boy, but he couldn't have killed all the witnesses, the whole Amish community. And Book - during his time there - did learn what the community can accomplish. I LOVE this movie. Glad you finally watched it. 😊
19:23 that's Viggo Mortensen, aka Aragorn for the Lord of the Rings movies. In the group lunch scene, he also sits between Book and the guy that likes Rachel. Also, the guy that likes Rachel is the bad guy in Die Hard!
Peter Weir is one of Australia’s great directors. When you do another round of war movies I strongly recommend Gallipoli, starring Mel Gibson (with Australian accent!)
@@nivekian Don't be. It wasn't put on. Mel Gibson was 25 when he made Gallipoli (great film). Mel was teased for his thick American accent at age 12 by his Oz peers and quickly learned the accent to fit in. It then became natural when he was surrounded by it for the next 13 years. Look at American Trevor Reed. When was released by Russia after 3 years as a hostage, he had a Russian accent when he first came home.
I love the beauty that these older films evoke. They want to tell a story, and they also want to make wider observations about the world around us, human nature, realistic hope, painful compromise, simple charm etc.
The reason why Harrison Ford looked like he knew what he was doing at the barn raising. Is because he was a carpenter while trying to make it as an actor.
Ooooh! This was my Number 1 favorite film for many many years, a long-ass stretch of time, primarily due to my dad introducing it to me as a kid, when he really wanted to show me a Harrison Ford movie, and as a dumb child I thought that "Raiders of the Lost Ark" would be boring. :P The number of times the name "John Book" was uttered in my house growing up, or that my dad quoted the line, "[It's not our way] But it's my way," are insurmountable. And even though "Witness" isn't in my top 10 favorite movies anymore, it still holds a special nostalgic place in my heart, and I rarely ever hear it mentioned or discussed. This reaction is sure to be a lovely and fun stroll down memory lane, especially coming from someone as sweet, thoughtful, and romantic-minded as yourself.
That's a brilliant film. Great arc with the hospital case. And sobering commentary on the American elite: despite their wealth and status they were morally rotten with no merit. And Bradley was funny as crap - woulda been a hell of a story if we'd won the game...
The Amish: their homemade quilts are amazing. In Kutztown PA they have a fair, if you ever get a chance to go. They auction off Quilts in this huge barn. Unbelievable beautiful quilts.
Thanks for reacting to this! PLEASE more Peter Weir movies. The Year of Living Dangerously you might really enjoy with Mel Gibson and Sigourney Weaver.
Born and raised in Philly, I didn't realize Witness was the intro into the Amish for so many. My fav memory is being behind a buggy on the road, and the kids are making goofy faces at us and vice versa. Then their father reaches to the back seat to get them to behave without taking his eyes off the road. The parental reach behind the back seat has been around for centuries 😂😂
Witness which was Director Peter Weir's first American production, was a critical and commercial success, gathering eight Academy Award nominations including Weir for Best Director, Ford for Best Actor, and the film itself for Best Film.
Please take a look at "Presumed Innocent" (1987). It's a great movie with the young version of Harrison Ford. For some reason people don't remember it. But I think he does his best acting in that film. He's accused of murder. Lots of bends and twists that will take you by surprised right down to the last minute of the film. The supporting cast is also really good.
Holy crap, at 27.55 when Ford drags the old Amish Man with the line "Are you gonne shoot him ?" look at the guy standing between them, it's a very young Vigo Mortensen.
Outside of Solo and Indy, this is my fave Ford character. This film is so close to my heart. The barn raising is one of the most joyful and jubilant scenes in cinema history.
The barn building scene is one of my favorite scenes in all cinema history. The music for it is perfect. I bought the CD with the soundtrack just to finally be able to blast off that track at high volume. Another Peter Weller masterpiece and, to this day, still my favourite harrison Ford performance. When I first saw I forgot I was watching Han Solo, Indiana Jones or Rick Deckard. I simply love this movie.
That little boy playing the role of Samuel Lapp is Lukas Hass who is now 47. This film was released in 1985, three years before Diehard. But it had some Diehard moments.
One other thing to keep in mind: before this film, Harrison Ford was mainly known as an "action/adventure film-actor" (Star Wars, Raiders of Lost Ark, Blade Runner, etc.). This was one of the first roles that showed his true range as a dramatic actor -- as you said, many of his scenes with "Rachel" are light on dialogue but full of palpable tension.
The beginning of this movie reminds me of the movie, The Village. You will like that movie. Another M. Night Shyamalan movie. Same guy who did Sixth Sense.
Actually, she played Charlie in the first Top Gun. Jennifer Connelly played Penny Benjamin in Top Gun Maverick. Penny was referenced in the first Top Gun but never actually seen.
What happened to that first dirty cop in the corn silo is called grain entrapment. Get stuck in a silo when grains of whatever start coming down, you're pretty much done for.
My sister Debbie married an amish man from Lancaster PA but he had left the church and was menonite...his family had 14 children and his mother lived in a huge house with a four car garage...they parked their buggies in it and had no electricity or curtains..just blinds and oil lamps. They built houses and farmed...she met him in Florida and they eventually moved back to PA about 40 years ago or so. Its really beautiful there and almost all of the communities are Amish. Its such a beautiful simple but hard working life...I could never do it but it seems satisfying and really peaceful. I have alot of respect for those who stay in the faith. They are truly good people.
Great film, very different role....but, since you mentioned you gotta add "Dr Zhivago" (& then another epic, "Lawrence of Arabia") to the watch list. Just an amazing film especially when you put the story into context of that time & what was going on in the world.
This is one of Harrison's best movies. I don't know if you remember Kelly from Top Gun, but yup same lady. I loved how Harrison got to use some of his Carpentry skills in this, as he worked as a Carpenter in between acting gigs. I was in shock of course many years later realizing Viggo M. had been in this movie. 😊 Awesome film.
*"But its my way!"* The ice cream guy getting the crap kicked out of him is the most deserved butt whooping I've ever seen. Loved that scene for 35 years.
And I still can't believe Aragorn just sat there doing nothing ;^)
So brave of ice cream guy to taunt people he knew would not fight back
@@PapaEli-pz8ffI was raised a Quaker we're used to worldly people mocking us.
The Swartzentruber Amish also know what to expect from worldly people.
Yes, it was the best face punch in movie history.
@@PapaEli-pz8ff Most bullies always target people they see as weak, or who are afraid or hesitant to fight back. I think at heart most bullies are cowards and/or severely lack self confidence or self esteem, and bullying others is the only way they've learned to feel empowered.
@@matthewgrand4791 I was wondering if that was Viggo & sure enough, it was!
When her father tells Book at the end “Be careful out there among the English.” it shows that he has excepted him as one of them. It really shows that he sees him as not only a friend but as family now.
Your (mis)use of 'excepted' is actually meta-accurate over 'accepted'. "Excepted as one of Them" sums up this film perfectly. Well said.
I've seen this movie so many times, but never thought of the last interaction between Eli and Book as acceptance. It makes perfect sense. Thank you.
@@RideAcrossTheRiver Interesting way of looking at my grammatical error.
@@RideAcrossTheRiver Nah - you're constructing a meaning that is not accurate and does not sum up the film at all. Furthermore, it surely wasn't that meaning McPh1741 had in mind.
@@Vinterfrid The Amish family and larger community makes an exception for Book. Nah, you're wrong and maybe a bit joyless.
*"But you don't have your gun."* Samuel's concern for Book was so sweet/heartfelt that it struck me even as a young kid. Amazing acting from that kid.
Good movie !
Kid grew up to be a pretty decent actor
@@dnish6673 didnt see much of his work, but he was very good in The Brick.
he really was so great,i believed him the whole time!
She later joined Top Gun
to become an instructor.
as an ex farm boy. Milking cows early (b4 daylight) was done mostly because when the sun came up, there was work to be done while you had daylight. Milking could be done in the dark. Also, cows were milked 2X a day, 12 hours apart. Therefore if you milked them early in the morning you were able to milk them again in late afternoon. If you waited until 8-9am to milk them, then you would be milking them again at 8-9pm, so early morning and later afternoon worked better.
How do you know when the cow's empty?
@@johnclawed You never had your hands on a teat before!
@@RideAcrossTheRiver
I completely forgave Karl (Alexander Godunov) for trying to kill Bruce Willis in Die Hard after watching this movie. Very underrated and talented actor. Loved him in The Money Pit (Tom hanks comedy) too. Sadly, he passed far too young at just 45 years old.
Completely agree, he was a Russian ballet dancer who defected during the cold war and continued to dance ballet here and made his way into movies. I have to agree that most people would know him from die hard but honestly his egotistical symphony conductor character in "the money pit" will always be my favorite. The line " I lost her too, but I will get over it because I am shallow and self-centered. But you..., you won't, because you are "complex"" delivered in that dry accent of his had stuck with me since I was a little child, just hilarious.
The Money Pit is so funny.
My daughters watched this when they were kids right after watching Die Hard. They started chanting "Amish Man Terrorist from Die Hard" whenever they saw him. It was pretty funny.
Alexander Godunov was a dancer who act occasionally ,he died very young ,but like Mikhail Baryshnikov and Rudolph Nureyev he was so famous and the dance career is not that long they use they fame to work in movies
“Smooth strokes. Up and down. Paaiiiinnnt, don’t tickle.”
I've always loved this movie. And I think the scene where Samuel spots the picture of Donald Glover in the trophy case and locks eyes with Book, and then Book coming over and he pushes Samuel's pointing finger down, is absolutely amazing.
I agree. Harrison Ford's face said it all So much was acknowledged in that short moment!
You realize at that moment that Book senses the danger. It is now no longer a routine investigation.
Danny Glover.
@@lewisner - As a huge fan of Community, I honestly don't know if I should be mortified or delighted that I actually made that mistake.
Either way, thanks for correcting me.
Same. My favorite scene.
Always loved the “teat” gag. You’d think the granddad would be disgusted but he laughs instead and gives a pat on the back that could mean “You’re alright kid”
I love that the Amish have dirty jokes! "One good ball is all it takes!"
the human male has the same hormonal and mental reaction to the female form unless there is a mental illness. Some Amish worked for my uncle and the men's only club wasn't beyond mentioning truth in all its glory. They are simply more refined in their actions and mannerisms and understanding that they need God for guidance in all relations.
Farmers will be Farmers.
Borderline top 10 all-time top 10 movie for me. The old man was amazing and so was the kid. Fantastic movie
Ever heard of Intercourse, Pennsylvania?
It's in the middle of Amish country.
One of my favorite things about this movie is that they don’t vilify the Amish suitor (whose name I would never be able to spell, lol). He’s a good guy who, despite his awareness that something is going on, never behaves like a jealous jerk. He’s very principled. It makes it a little easier to stomach Book leaving, knowing that he would treat Rachel well despite knowing her feelings for someone else.
@@bwilson5401Alexander Godunov, a very talented ballet dancer who died tragically young.
Yes, that was a very good and likeable character. I'd like to think someone like that would find someone who returned their feelings.
On another point - to what extent did the makers of this film consult with Amish community leaders, to reflect their values, ways of life, etc? I used to live in PA, but I don't remember too much of it (i was only little). Does this reflect what an Amish community looks like, and how it operates?
Daniel is played by Alexander Gudunov who was a premier Russian ballet dancer who defected to the USA.
@@sprint955sthis penultimate film was the reviled _North,_ in which he and Kelly lampooned their roles here
The police captain giving up at the end might have been anticlimactic but it was realistic and fit his character, or lack thereof.
And the actor, Josef Sommer, really sold that scene. You could feel his character's fear and desperation, that he was in over his head and knew it.
A wise move on his part however, knowing the futility in resisting further.
It's telling to watch "modern" audiences' reaction as, since those days, Hollywood has conditioned us for a movie's climax to feature big, violent endings. I'm old enough to have seen this in the theatres and all of us in the audience were riveted. At mr. Ford's reveal the whole, packed auditorium erupted in applause.
True that...he was once partnered with Book, and you had to be a good guy to be his partner or he'd rip you a new one. He just got greedy and lost his way. Book knew he could reason with him. Great scene which led to that wonderful last scene with Book, Samuel and Rachel. Those looks of longing and wishing were brilliant, a scene with no dialogue that spoke volumes. Perfect screen writing..
It makes perfect sense. Sure, he could have killed a few more people, but it wouldn't have changed anything. So why do it? He was corrupt, not a psychopath.
I also thought the grandpa was making the shape of a gun with his fist, but it was the action of pulling the rope -- calling the community together -- which saved them at the end. The community has a strength a gun does not.
Beautiful film and wonderful reaction. And oh, that barn raising scene. Wow.
Random thing I noticed just now was that Viggo Mortensen was in this film. :) I never knew that until this moment. Briefly before this, I recognized the actor who portrayed "Daniel" was in Die Hard as one of Gruber's (Rickman's) crew.
One of the stories I remember from the production of this movie is that the barn raising actually was a barn that they built for an Amish farmer. Unfortunately, the filmmakers positioned the barn where it photograph the best but the farmer wanted it a few feet in a different direction. So when the filming was done the Amish farmer took the barn down and rebuilt it where he wanted it to be.
The barn building scene was supposedly put into the movie as Harrison Ford before becoming an actor was a carpenter
Lol. Well at least they got the lumber for free.
Cool note.
I heard this story also, I think it was in the Commentary on the DVD
@@OxtonSWA i'd imagine he enjoyed that part of the production
I think the ending of this move is actually very realistic and I give it credit for that. Chief Schaeffer is an experienced police officer. He would realize that there were way too many witnesses to silence. Even if he had killed them all (which he wouldn't have enough bullets for anyway), there is no way he could possibly hide such a massive crime with so many cops and Amish people dead. John Book simply pointed out to him that the game was up. I find this to be a much more realistic ending than the usual shoot 'em up you'd get in a lesser action film (and I love a good action film as much as anybody). Perhaps some unhinged criminal would start shooting madly, but this guy is a Chief of Police. He would know the law and that he could only dig himself deeper. He just needed the wake up call from Book. It also fits perfectly with the film's themes and setting. I think having the little boy or the old man shoot him just to have an action thrill would really cheapen the comparison of cultures and values that this film is all about. I think it's a great ending, personally.
If it was realistic the corrupt cops would get away with it all.
@@cesarmedina7080 Hahaha! Solid point.
❌👻⭕
Few scenes in cinema have gripped me with as much emotion as the one where the little boy recognizes the photo of the corrupt detective. We so wish that Harrison Ford sees it and finally, he sees it... this film is filled with small moments like this which impressed me when I saw this film in 1985. A classic to be studied.
Peter Weir is a master of story development and, as a result, storytelling. I agree, this movie is filled with these tiny moments that say so much. Oftentimes, it's better to show than to tell. Two of my favorite scenes is the "dancing" scene in the barn, when they both flirt with each other, the chemistry is palpable. And the "bathing" scene when Rachel bares her chest to Book. Powerful and emotional without being cheesy. Yes, the one you mention above is most powerful, everyone wants Book to see what Samuel sees, and when he does, Book's demeanor changes from a routine investigation to a concerned father figure for Samuel. Again, brilliant screenwriting.
Where Samuel points at the picture and Book covers his finger. So no one sees him pointing Great scene
And how does Book see it? He's the only one, the Big Guy, to get down to Samuel's stature.
And it's all done with just music and no dialogue making it even more powerful.
the no words slomo either works with Weir or it doesnt. I personally cant stand the Kurtwood Smith scene at the end of Dead Poets society, it's so bad compared to this in Witness.
That scene with the three bad guys with their shotguns walking down the road toward the Amish community is one of my favorite shots in the movies. Just framed perfectly.
and the music sets the tone
Inspired by High Noon and imitated in Home Alone and Skyfall
Yes, that's a Peter Weir specialty as a director. The man paints beautiful pictures for the screen. Dead Poet's Society (1989), another film he directed is the same.
Like modern life coming to f s up like three horseman of the apocalypse.
Only McFee and Fergie have shotguns. Schaeffer is still in denial, hence only his revolver.
A friend of mine was a cinema major and would talk about the barn raising scene and how it was regarded as one of best scenes in movie history in classes and I truly believe it is as well.
A barn raising is beutiful, its another thing to capture it on film. Well paced, interesting action and develops characters. its a mini movie.
It's certainly one of the best marriages of visual and soundtrack. That music was breathtaking.
There's a TV show on the BBC called "Detectorists" about a group of metal detectorists and it is absolutely beautiful and very funny.
The last episode recreates the barn raising scene absolutely shot for shot. I had to immediately find the witness scene to show my girlfriend the similarities.
It also helps that Harrison Ford used to be a professional carpenter. He knows what he's doing and it shows.
If you like that you might like Terrence Malick's 'Tree of Life', David Lynch's beautiful 'Straight Story' and maybe some of the classic British lyrical movies of Powell and Pressburger such as A Matter of Life & Death and The Red Shoes. :)
One of my all-time favorite films. The cinematography in this film is simply stunning. It was also one of legendary Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa's favorites films, which is exceedingly high praise.
I'm sure Hitchcock would have loved it too.
Kurosawa likes Peter Weir? Interesting 🤔
Its amazing to watch these scenes and realize that most of the time neither Kelly McGillis or Harrison Ford are actually looking at each other, but just off to the side of camera. Which shows both the power of their acting, and the editing to make it feel like they're looking at each other.
This is a tremendous film. The barn raising scene is among my favorites in any movie. Something really magical about it.
i grew up as a child in a french canadian community in Lavaltrie Quebec where people would get together to build barns or church and it was so productive everyone gave their best. I missed that time for the sense of belonging and strong friendship
Brought up in Saint Sulpice, right next door. I wish I could say nice things about that community the way you speak well of Lavaltrie. BUT the parish priest was an old school asshole. Very judgemental and 'hautain'. It varried greatly. We were 'English' from Saskatchewan and not accepted intothe community. The six founding families (including the Pigeon, Plouffe and Blais families) were stuck up bullies. I wish I could say I had a happy and fulfilling childhood, but... I was glad we escaped to Montreal when I was a teen. It suited me better than the small insular (dare I say, inbred) farming community.
I think that's the appeal the barn raising scene in this movie has for so many people. Who wouldn't want to live in a community like this where everyone gets together to help a neighbor; being part of the community.
These levels of community service seem strange to many of us now, but they were the norm for thousands of years - the idea of simply paying someone to build you a house would have seemed as ludicrous to our ancestors as the concept of legal tender itself . . . To this day, in Japan, the old style minkas need their roofs redone every 20 years or so, and the whole village pitches-in knowing that, when it's their turn, the service will be returned . . .
Ever heard of a movie called Leolo? I think it's from the early 90's.
Harrison Ford used to be a carpenter before his acting career took off so the barn raising scene was probably easy for him. You should check out “Working Girl’. It stars Harrison along with Sigourney Weaver and Melanie Griffith.
Yes, Working Girl is a great 80's romcom (for lack of a better word) that Cassie would love
She'd dig that one, I think. Good intro to Mike Nicholls, as well.
Oopoo, great pick - Working Girl
Harrison Ford still enjoys carpentry and does as a way to unwind during busy filming schedules
@@scottknode898 He's also hell at whacking.
Am I the only one who remembers “Frantic”, from 1988? No one ever mentions it, and it’s Harrison in his prime! A great thriller/mystery set in Paris, it stars Ford, and the French actress, Emmanuelle Seigner. If you’re a Harrison Ford fan, it’s a must see!
It was a movie I watched in the middle of the night and never seen it since
I couldn't agree with you more. Great film. And Harrison Ford is amazing in it.
Yes!!!❤❤❤
It is good movie as is Presumed Innocent in 1990 which Harrison Ford starred with the late Raul Julia from Addams Family in 1991 and 1993 sequel. The Fugitive and Patriot Games are classic Ford films to.
You're not alone ;) "Frantic" is great, I love it. It would be great if Cassie see this one.
💫"October Sky", "Doctor Zhivago", "Witness"... your mom has pretty good taste in movies.
Very true
Erin brockovitch
Amazing classic Witness starring by Harrison Ford, Kelly McGillis, Danny Glover and Lucas Hass. Thank you Cassie😊👍👍👍
Viggo Mortensen also appears as Alexander Godunov's brother.
@@javix2013 That's right👍👍
Peter Weir used painters like Rembrandt and Vermeer as inspiration for the camera style of this film. You can see it very clearly in the shot of Daniel paying his respects to Rachel at the funeral, and Rachel tending to a feverish, hallucinating Book in the Lapp house. (Note how the light itself has a different character in the country and in the city.) The use in the farm scenes of calm, reflected light in the day scenes and _chiaroscuro_ (literally "light dark", the technique of painting lit surfaces against a black background) in the night and indoor scenes are crucial in evoking a place out of time in the modern world. The other thing about Weir's direction that I love, and which is unique to him, is what I call the "Weir moment". In every one of his films, there comes a moment when the main character experiences some terrible, gut-wrenching emotion, and we are _not allowed to see it._ It either happens off-camera, or the character has his back to us, or something is blocking our view. It's an impressive visual comment for a director to make because by doing that, Weir gives them privacy, something we don't expect as moviegoers. We expect to _see_ emotion, drama, not to be denied it. But he does so, and gives the protagonist an inner life we're not privy to. (It's a character beat that is uniquely Weir's; I've never come across another director who does that as a matter of course in all his films. It's his signature.)
This film was a masterpiece in cinema. Brilliant use of light and dark, open space on the farm, simple life versus city life, which was cramped and dark, only harsh. Weir used everything within the reach and scope of the camera to tell the story. Even the bird house at the end when Rachel realizes she'll lose Book forever, and shows the audience that she cannot contain herself any longer. We want to see them express their emotions in that awesome kiss. Now that's how you make a film.
Excellent input. Thank you for the education.
Amish are some of the most compassionate, loving, caring, and forgiving people on the planet. In 2006, a gunman took an amish schoolhouse full of amish children hostage and executed 5 innocent school girls. At the funeral for the killer, many amish, including the famlies of the deceased, showed up and forgave him, giving hugs and offering prayers to the mans widow and mother. They also formed a chain around the service so protestors who showed up couldn't disrupt the proceedings.
It's been so long I had all but forgotten about that terrible shooting. Now I'm reminded how very moving is the account of that tragedy and the power of forgiveness by the Amish community in its aftermath. Thank you for bringing it to our attention in regards to this film.
Holy crap I never heard of that!
It is sad that happened I grew up in a small town and know several Amish families including a family that became ex Amish and one is married to his wife Heather and i went to school with her and he owns his trucking company. A number of ex Amish families I knew either are into trucking, farming or construction. My parents currently live next to a Amish family in the country.
Okay I am recognising some cast members from other movies: Rachel is Kelly McGillis from Top Gun who played Maverick's love interest, and Daniel is Alexander Godunov who played Karl (One of the bad guys) in Die Hard. Moses is Viggo Mortensen (Aragorn from Lord of the Rings).
Also Danny Glover before he played Roger Murtaugh in Lethal Weapon in 1987 and sequels and had appeared in the western Silverado in 1985 when Witness was released.
Josef Sommer (Paul Schaefer) from "Dirty Harry" and "The Mighty Ducks" where he was Emilio Estevez's boss, Mr. Ducksworth.
@@bwilson5401 Like Danny Glover, Viggo been in a lot over the years just seldom as a central character until Lord of the Rings when he got centre stage deservedly.
@@scottknode898 Danny's third big film from 1985 was The Color Purple, in which he played Whoopi Goldberg's husband. Both Witness and Purple were nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars, with Purple eventually tying The Turning Point (from 1977) as the most-nominated film to go home completely empty-handed. Both films received 11 nominations without a single win. Ironically, 11 is also the number of Oscars received by Ben-Hur, Titanic, and Return of the King (co-starring Viggo Mortenson from this film), which are tied as the three WINNINGEST Best Pictures.
I always liked this film, I can't believe that it's Harrison Ford's sole Oscar nomination to date, and he didn't even win. One of his most underrated roles, in my opinion.
While it lacks the "flash" of his bigger roles, I think it's easily his best performance too. An honest guy trying to do the right thing.
Wasn't he nominated for 42? If not he should have
Would've liked to see him in an Oscar caliber role. Would bet he doesn't care about that, but still...
@@clevelandcbilack of directors who gave the best out of him
@@ct6852maybe 30 years ago he could have been nominated
Them not getting together at the end is so great. Most movies would put them together. It’s a bold move.
Half of them
@@lexkanyima2195 80%
I lived in Lancaster County for 20 years (had to relocate during Covid) and it is a different world there. Five minutes in one direction and you are downtown in Lancaster City. Five minutes the other way and you are in Amish Country. Horse and buggies on the roadways (the local Walmart had a hitching post for buggies) and they usually played volleyball at twilight with lanterns and candles so they can see. Also, lots of Amish craft shops and flea markets, too...
One of my all-time favorites. Not enough is said about the beautiful score by the composer Maurice Jarre, especially the theme played during the barn-raising scene.
I agree. You must really love films since you acknowledge the score, which is another character in the film. Bravo!
@@CrayCruz Thank you!
Fun Fact: When Rachel asks John, "You know carpentry?" He replies "A bit..." Harrison Ford was a carpenter before he became an actor.
Also, this was sadly Harrison Ford's first and only Oscar nominated performance of his esteemed career.
This is part of the mythos of Harrison Ford,, he was an actor long before he took on some set work in between roles to support his family,, Fred Roos purposely contracted him to build some doors at zoetrope studios to force his meeting with Lucas in a role he didn't want to avoid being typecast from the previous work he'd done on Lucas's American Graffiti (1973)
@@harrymarshall Exactly. In college he loved to act in the plays at Ripon, just didn't want to attend any of the other classes he was supposed to. My sister's father in law was a science teacher there when he (failed to) attend school.
@@harrymarshall that said, he was probably handy with a hammer, like many men of his generation. You can't just pretend to be a carpenter and get away with it...
@@sdkelmaruecan2907
He became a self-taught professional carpenter. “Through carpentry, I fed my family and began to pick and choose from among the roles offered,” he once said. “I could afford to hold out until something better came along. But I never gave up my ambition to be an actor.Nov 16, 2020
Harrison Ford was nominated not for Witness, but his follow up film to this, 1985's The Mosquito Coast, also directed by Peter Weir. It's the most character driven lead Ford ever took on and although he's not likable, he's entertaining as Hell. It's a fully committed performance of a man gone insane. River Phoenix, who would play young Indy in The Last Crusade plays Ford's son in this and he's amazing too.
"Witness" is the perfect title for this film. It begins with the boy witnessing a murder, and it ends with John Book daring the corrupt cop to shoot him in front of all those witnesses.
There was no way for Rachel and John to be together. They live in different worlds. Rachel couldn't take her son away from his family, his community and the world he's ever known.
Actually, another movie that will make her fall deeper in love with Harrison Ford is "Regarding Henry".
I requested that one too... one of my favorite movies of his! Shows a different side of him
She better have a box of tissues prepared for that one.
@@SoaringTrumpet For tears, she should watch Terms of Endearment.
Never seen that. I think it had a top tier director or something. Forget who.
@@ct6852 Mike Nichols directed "Regarding Henry".
I grew up watching this movie. It was one of my Grandmothers favorites. We would watch it all the time. A very underrated classic. One of Harrison Ford’s best roles.
A very underrated film and one of my top ten all-time favorites - you can watch it repeatedly and never grow tired of the smooth soundtrack and minimalist vibe.
Is the film's arguing strong for or against guns? I feel the moral of the story is to use your mind and your merit to confront evil first and foremost - as a firearm may then rarely ever be needed.
Having a grandmother who's first language was Pennsylvania Dutch, I can say this motion picture really nailed the vibe of 1980s Pennsylvania and the background clash between the cultures.
And can't ignore that Rachel's character is VERY complex, often showing her many sides and motivations within single scenes. Subtle but brilliant.
Come out from among them and be ye separate, sayeth the Lord. And touch not the unclean thing.
The speed of how fast barn gets put up is no joke. I've seen Amish Frame a really big house on pittsburgh years ago. They practically did it all in 1 day. They are ridiculously fast
Harrison Ford only time he has ever been nominated for a Oscar underrated classic
I'm so glad you watched this masterpiece, Great storyline, nice soundtrack, superb acting all around. Definitely one of Harrison fords best movie moments.
There are several films parked right in the middle of the 1980s that are utterly of their time ... and some of the finest filmmaking ever. _The River_ is one.
Great reaction. The villain giving up is by far more realistic AND fits the theme of the film and the Amish view: violence begets violence. The ending is a beautiful acknowledgment of the Amish way.
Cassie...one of the best reactions I've EVER seen. Watching your face as John and Rachel interacted throughout the movie was riveting. Your expression when John watched Rachel washing herself, and your waving your hand as if to cool the air, was exactly my feeling. This is one of the best movies I've ever seen (saw it as a kid years ago), and I was so jazzed that YOU were doing it. You just treat things more respectfully and in such a classy way. Enjoyed very, very much!
Your mother has good taste in films. I'm pretty sure you would also enjoy "Australia". "Dr. Zhivago" is a great movie. It's a very long movie, but a very good story. I would not call it a happily ever after show. This one is a good one even though it is kind of a sleeper for him. Good job, thanks.
Dr Zhivago is about 100 times better than Australia. Watch Dr Z
I saw this back in the 80's as a kid and it's been a favorite ever since.
you would love Dr Zhivago!!!
You need to watch “A Perfect World” with Clint Eastwood, Kevin Costner and Laura Dern!
One of Harrison Ford’s best. So many great scenes in this, such as the barn raising sequence. This one is definitely your kind of movie and one you’d really love, for sure.
This was my #1 favorite movie for years! The scene at 9:05 where Harrison Ford turns and says "Just do it" gives me chills every time. Book looks so desperate you can feel his fear.
Your Mum got bl**dy good taste in movies. I second all of them!
I love this one and please react to Erin Brockovich soon. You’ll love it!
Maybe have your sister along? I love your reactions on your own and I love the banter between you two as well and Erin Brockovich would lend itself to a sisterly laughing, commenting, outrages disbelief sharing session.
Erin Brokovich would be perfect for the channel. The real Erin has been up here in n. cali working with a town that burned down. (Another PG &E f up)
@@ct6852 thanks for posting this. I googled it. Mindboggling!
I heard about electrical lines causing fires, but I didn’t know it was THAT PG&E.
Good that they had to pay- hope it was enough!
@@hertelantje It was definitely hellishly scary. Whole town went up like a tinder box. A friend left for Arizona and never came back. He had like five minutes to evacuate. Anyways I think Ron Howard did a doc about it on Hulu.
I agree. Finding Forrester is an extremely underrated movie and I love how much Sean Connery screen time there is.
This movie will always have a special place in my heart because all the Amish farm scenes were filmed about half an hour from where I was born and raised 😊
I would have voted for this one. If you haven´t seen "Fried green tomatoes" and "Rain Man" I recommend them. Really love your reactions.
This has been one of my favorite films since I saw it in the theaters in 85. Waited for Cassie to recognize the other actors she missed
You struck gold with me again, PIB. Love your reaction. Old boomer here saw this bin theaters way back in 80s. It’s was the only best actor nomination Harrison Ford would ever get.
Btw, happy Mother’s Day to you and your mom.
I wish she would watch Badlands with Martin Sheen.
This is such a great film and one of my top fave films of Harrison Ford. This was the one time he was nominated for an academy award.
Kelly McGillis is brilliant in this film, and she even briefly reprised her role as an Amish woman in a brief cameo in the infamous 1994 movie, "North", about future Frodo Elijah Wood trying to find better parents.
I completely missed that one somehow!!!
The main thing I remember about North is that it's one of Reba's movies. 😍
Kelly McGillis plays an Amish woman in Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, too. Such a cute movie. ❤
I still want my dollar back from watching half or "North" at the discount theater and walking out half-way through. No shade to McGillis tho, especially in this iconic role.
Viggo Mortensen also appears as Alexander Godunov's brother.
I lived in Lancaster, PA where this was filmed in the early 80's. I had friends from class that were extras in Witness. Brings back great memories of my childhood.
Happiness is a warm puppy, Happiness is a true friend, and Happiness is seeing this host watching Witness at long last.
Thank you, Cassie. I've been wanting to see you react to this for a long time. Harrison Ford’s acting was top tier in this one. A belated Happy Mother's Day to both you and your Mom.
I love the compassion that you have for the kids in the movies you react to. 😊
The blond actor who plays Daniel is Aleksander Godunov. He was a dancer with the Bolshoi Ballet in the Soviet Union. He defected in the late 70's and danced with the American Ballet Theatre for a few years.
Also Karl from Die Hard. I left the same comment about the Bolshoi on her Die Hard reaction.
I left the same comment about the Bolshoi on her Die Hard reaction. Hard to imagine Karl as a ballet dancer when watching Doe Hard.
@@jamisonweaver3711 Ha... I didn't realize that the guy in Die Hard was also him! Have to say I'm a little embarrassed.
This is one of my favorite movies from my youth. Your reaction brought back some of the same feelings I had as well. You want them to end up together but ultimately it’s understood that’s not possible. Beautifully written and acted.
The audience got to see Book prove his sister wrong. He would make a great father for Samuel, plus he and Rachel would grow old together with lots of grandkids.. I agree, brilliantly written, acted and directed.
The shot at 7:01 quotes a well-known Norman Rockwell painting, "Saying Grace."
Dr Zivago is a CLASSIC and right up YOUR alley with romance and historic setting. You will love it.
I used to watch this movie all the time when I was growing up. I love his carpentry, building the barn (everyone loves the barn scene), getting a laugh out of the grandfather. It's a great movie, and I love it.
Hi Cassie, so glad you got round to watching this under-rated romantic thriller. As a fan of Harrison Ford, this tale of a culture-clash romance, seemed ideal viewing. Loved the score too, by Maurice Jarre, which adds so much to this film, especially during the brilliant barn-raising scene.
This is one of Harrisons best performances. He's also great in Presumed Innocent and The Mosquito Coast.
I’m sooooo glad you did this movie! I love this one. It’s a classic and your mom has great taste.
True
Regarding Henry is one of my favorite Harrison Ford movies!
I believe the ending with the bad guy giving up is meant to show the power of community. Sure, he could've killed Book and the boy, but he couldn't have killed all the witnesses, the whole Amish community. And Book - during his time there - did learn what the community can accomplish.
I LOVE this movie. Glad you finally watched it. 😊
19:23 that's Viggo Mortensen, aka Aragorn for the Lord of the Rings movies. In the group lunch scene, he also sits between Book and the guy that likes Rachel. Also, the guy that likes Rachel is the bad guy in Die Hard!
Peter Weir is one of Australia’s great directors. When you do another round of war movies I strongly recommend Gallipoli, starring Mel Gibson (with Australian accent!)
Peter Weir made Master and Commander?
@@genghisgalahad8465 Yep. Plus Truman Show, Picnic at Hanging Rock, Dead Poets Society… his whole filmography is filled with classics.
I'll second and add THE YEAR OF LIVING DANGEROUSLY!
I still get irritated finding out Mel Gibson moved to australia from NY when he was 12, so the accent is put on.
@@nivekian Don't be. It wasn't put on. Mel Gibson was 25 when he made Gallipoli (great film). Mel was teased for his thick American accent at age 12 by his Oz peers and quickly learned the accent to fit in. It then became natural when he was surrounded by it for the next 13 years. Look at American Trevor Reed. When was released by Russia after 3 years as a hostage, he had a Russian accent when he first came home.
I love the beauty that these older films evoke. They want to tell a story, and they also want to make wider observations about the world around us, human nature, realistic hope, painful compromise, simple charm etc.
The reason why Harrison Ford looked like he knew what he was doing at the barn raising. Is because he was a carpenter while trying to make it as an actor.
"You be careful out there among them English" = acceptance. So beautiful. This script is taught in screenwriting classes as it's pretty much perfect.
Ooooh! This was my Number 1 favorite film for many many years, a long-ass stretch of time, primarily due to my dad introducing it to me as a kid, when he really wanted to show me a Harrison Ford movie, and as a dumb child I thought that "Raiders of the Lost Ark" would be boring. :P
The number of times the name "John Book" was uttered in my house growing up, or that my dad quoted the line, "[It's not our way] But it's my way," are insurmountable. And even though "Witness" isn't in my top 10 favorite movies anymore, it still holds a special nostalgic place in my heart, and I rarely ever hear it mentioned or discussed. This reaction is sure to be a lovely and fun stroll down memory lane, especially coming from someone as sweet, thoughtful, and romantic-minded as yourself.
I used to live in the town where they filmed the phone booth scene. It's still there today. So many people stop for photographs.
Regarding Henry - another understated Harrison Ford movie. Giving Cassie a love story.
So so true, she would love it
That's a brilliant film. Great arc with the hospital case. And sobering commentary on the American elite: despite their wealth and status they were morally rotten with no merit. And Bradley was funny as crap - woulda been a hell of a story if we'd won the game...
The Amish: their homemade quilts are amazing. In Kutztown PA they have a fair, if you ever get a chance to go. They auction off Quilts in this huge barn. Unbelievable beautiful quilts.
I saw this when it was released and its a great movie.
I don't think Hollywood is capable of making movies like this any more.
They can
I'm from and live in the area this was filmed. So glad you enjoyed this one.
Thanks for reacting to this! PLEASE more Peter Weir movies.
The Year of Living Dangerously you might really enjoy with Mel Gibson and Sigourney Weaver.
FEARLESS with Jeff Bridges!
Born and raised in Philly, I didn't realize Witness was the intro into the Amish for so many.
My fav memory is being behind a buggy on the road, and the kids are making goofy faces at us and vice versa. Then their father reaches to the back seat to get them to behave without taking his eyes off the road. The parental reach behind the back seat has been around for centuries 😂😂
Witness which was Director Peter Weir's first American production, was a critical and commercial success, gathering eight Academy Award nominations including Weir for Best Director, Ford for Best Actor, and the film itself for Best Film.
Love it .... Dr Zhivago yeah my mom's one of many favs
"What lies beneath" could be a good watch if you wanna see Harrison in a different kind of role! It´s a little scary though! 😅
19:22 A "Blink and You Miss It" shot. The amish guy in the green shirt is Viggo Mortenson (Aragorn from Lord of the Rings).
Please take a look at "Presumed Innocent" (1987). It's a great movie with the young version of Harrison Ford. For some reason people don't remember it. But I think he does his best acting in that film. He's accused of murder. Lots of bends and twists that will take you by surprised right down to the last minute of the film. The supporting cast is also really good.
Holy crap, at 27.55 when Ford drags the old Amish Man with the line "Are you gonne shoot him ?" look at the guy standing between them, it's a very young Vigo Mortensen.
Outside of Solo and Indy, this is my fave Ford character. This film is so close to my heart.
The barn raising is one of the most joyful and jubilant scenes in cinema history.
Peter Weir (director, Aussie) has a way of telling stories with no words - Master And Commander
_The Year of Living Dangerously_
The barn building scene is one of my favorite scenes in all cinema history. The music for it is perfect. I bought the CD with the soundtrack just to finally be able to blast off that track at high volume.
Another Peter Weller masterpiece and, to this day, still my favourite harrison Ford performance. When I first saw I forgot I was watching Han Solo, Indiana Jones or Rick Deckard. I simply love this movie.
That little boy playing the role of Samuel Lapp is Lukas Hass who is now 47.
This film was released in 1985, three years before Diehard. But it had some Diehard moments.
One other thing to keep in mind:
before this film, Harrison Ford was mainly known as an "action/adventure film-actor" (Star Wars, Raiders of Lost Ark, Blade Runner, etc.). This was one of the first roles that showed his true range as a dramatic actor -- as you said, many of his scenes with "Rachel" are light on dialogue but full of palpable tension.
The beginning of this movie reminds me of the movie, The Village. You will like that movie. Another M. Night Shyamalan movie. Same guy who did Sixth Sense.
Fun fact: Kelly McGillis, who played Rachel, also played Penny, Tom Cruise's girlfriend, in Top Gun.
Actually, she played Charlie in the first Top Gun. Jennifer Connelly played Penny Benjamin in Top Gun Maverick. Penny was referenced in the first Top Gun but never actually seen.
@@mikephotos225, oops! My bad. Thanks for the correction!
What happened to that first dirty cop in the corn silo is called grain entrapment. Get stuck in a silo when grains of whatever start coming down, you're pretty much done for.
The entire filmography of director Peter Weir is excellent, including Witness. The man hasn't made a single bad film over 4 decades.
He is innovated
fun fact one of the men helping raise the barn is young Vigo Mortensen, AkA, Aragorn from Lord of the Rings. Witness was his first role..
Once upon a time, Danny Glover played villains.
And he was very, very good at it. ("The Color Purple.")
Also played a serial killer in Switchback
And Glover wasn't even nominated for Best Actor
My sister Debbie married an amish man from Lancaster PA but he had left the church and was menonite...his family had 14 children and his mother lived in a huge house with a four car garage...they parked their buggies in it and had no electricity or curtains..just blinds and oil lamps. They built houses and farmed...she met him in Florida and they eventually moved back to PA about 40 years ago or so. Its really beautiful there and almost all of the communities are Amish. Its such a beautiful simple but hard working life...I could never do it but it seems satisfying and really peaceful. I have alot of respect for those who stay in the faith. They are truly good people.
Great film, very different role....but, since you mentioned you gotta add "Dr Zhivago" (& then another epic, "Lawrence of Arabia") to the watch list. Just an amazing film especially when you put the story into context of that time & what was going on in the world.
This is one of Harrison's best movies. I don't know if you remember Kelly from Top Gun, but yup same lady. I loved how Harrison got to use some of his Carpentry skills in this, as he worked as a Carpenter in between acting gigs. I was in shock of course many years later realizing Viggo M. had been in this movie. 😊 Awesome film.