Witness
Witness

Witness

1985
Movie
112 min
English

While protecting an Amish boy – the sole witness to a brutal murder – and his mother, a detective is forced to seek refuge within their community when his own life comes under threat.

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Insights

IMDb7.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes87%
Metacritic70/100
Google Users88%
Director: Peter WeirGenres: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Plot Summary

An honest Philadelphia police detective is assigned to protect a young Amish boy who is the sole witness to a brutal murder. The detective must navigate the cultural divide between his urban world and the insular Amish community while protecting the boy and his mother from the killer, who is also a fellow police officer. As the investigation unfolds, the detective finds himself falling for the boy's mother, creating a complex personal and professional dilemma.

Critical Reception

Witness was a critical and commercial success, earning widespread praise for its direction, performances, and compelling narrative. Critics lauded the film for its atmospheric tension, cultural sensitivity, and the standout performances of Harrison Ford and the young Lukas Haas. It was particularly noted for its unique blend of crime thriller elements with the quiet world of the Amish.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its sensitive portrayal of the Amish culture and its gripping thriller plot.
  • Harrison Ford's performance as the conflicted detective was a highlight, earning him critical acclaim.
  • The film's atmospheric direction and stunning cinematography were frequently lauded.

Google audience: Audiences appreciated the film's suspenseful storyline, the powerful chemistry between the leads, and the respectful depiction of the Amish way of life. Many found it to be a deeply moving and thought-provoking film.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for 2 Academy Awards: Best Director (Peter Weir) and Best Original Screenplay (William Kelley, Pamela Wallace, Earl W. Wallace). Also received nominations for Golden Globes and BAFTAs.

Fun Fact

The filmmakers extensively researched Amish culture and customs to ensure an accurate and respectful portrayal, even hiring Amish consultants. Many of the Amish characters in the film were played by actual members of the Amish community.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

4 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

When a young Amish boy "Samuel" (Lukas Haas) and his mum "Rachel" (Kelly McGillis) take a trip from their rural, largely agrarian, community into the big city he gets a little more than he bargained for - he witnesses the brutal murder of a...
Filipe Manuel Neto

Filipe Manuel Ne...

**An action film mixed with a guided tour of an Amish community.** Here in Portugal, there are few religions other than the Catholic Church and there are no Amish, Mennonite or similar communities. Therefore, this curious religious commu...
GenerationofSwine

GenerationofSwin...

My Fiance is a Millennial and I've been trying to get her and her friends to watch some classic films. Some, Taxi Driver, Chinatown, The Godfather, Godfellas, The Princess Bride, Blazing Saddles were epic fails for a variety of reasons. ...
John Chard

John Chard

As 80s thrillers go it's pretty smart to say the least. The formula of this thriller (Drama) is not (was) new or even flag bearing as regards action set pieces and hide behind your hands suspense, yet it is still one of a kind for the ge...