MovieChat Forums > Witness (1985) Discussion > Why is this ranked so low? One of the g...

Why is this ranked so low? One of the great movies of our time

posted 16 years ago by music_man_fan
32 replies | jump to latest

I saw it again for the first time in 10 years and it was even more powerful than the first time. Witness moved me more than Romeo and Juliet. I think the chemistry between the 2 main characters is the greatest I've ever seen on film.

And yet this movie is so much more than that. The cultural difference between 2 people who live only miles away from each other was a pure eye opener. It's a great contrast for those who want to understand America. It's drama, it's perfect timing humor, and it's heart make it a great film.

If you've never had a chance to see this movie, go and see it. Try to watch it on the best viewing experience you can.

I wonder why this movie gets such a low rating? Is it because of the beautiful deliberate pacing that reflects the Amish way of life? Is it that many Americans see themselves as those kids who made fun of the Amish? Females under 18 only rated this film a 5.1? Wow! That doesn't make any sense to me. Anyone know why?

Truly a great American movie, though.

[–] geoffrey-jackson 12 years ago

Well, I've just watched this film for the first time. I chose it on its high rating. I was disappointed. I've seen plenty of films that are much better than this one and rated far lower. I haven't seen many better films rated higher than this one though.

This film was a bit thin on acting. Better dialog is required; one with more substance. Directing might have been good. Overall I would describe it as "filming by numbers".

Maybe ripe for a remake perhaps with a different director focusing on another angle as per the first post in the trivia:

The original screenplay focused mainly on Rachel, but director Peter Weir asked screenwriters William Kelley and Earl W. Wallace to rewrite it to focus on the comparison of pacifism and violence as seen through the eyes of John Book.

5/10 "Meh".

[–] clientscope-544-789977 10 years ago

You saw a different film from me then.

Beautifully acted, beautifully paced and thought provoking.

Of course if you have a short attention span...

[–] manram24 10 years ago

Beautifully acted, beautifully paced and thought provoking.

I agree, I love this movie and it's now one of my favorites.

[–] octopusmagnificens 12 years ago

It's 9/10 for me. One of the most beautiful films I've ever seen.

[–] kkevinn6 12 years ago

the top 250 is a worthless list

[–] HomicideWireShield 12 years ago

The majority of movie ratings on IMDB should be taken with a grain of salt.