Once again an outstanding performance by Meryl Streep ,achieving the tour de force of making us feel for a character which only an actress of the first order could make in turns pitiful,harsh,full of dignity ,but also disturbing and threatening.(Just compare with Streisand's poor acting in "nuts" )We almost believed she might possibly be guilty,such is the talent of this actress.Sam Neill is fine too,in a portrayal of a distraught suffering man (a minister!) whose faith is put through the mill.Religion plays a prominent part in this true story:it's because people do not know it very well that the couple seems different :in ancient times they would have passed for sorcerer and witch and been burned alive .Numerous sequences are given over to the populace's reactions ,barroom philosophizing which leads to slander and hatred.
Directing is conventional,but the actors are everything.Watch the movie for them.
Directing is conventional,but the actors are everything.Watch the movie for them.