Rating: 
Summary: Excellent performances by Pfeiffer and Lange
Review: I enjoyed this movie's character development and regional setting, which seemed to accurately portray life in the rural midwest. Acting was well done by all major actors, but the performances by Pfeiffer and Lange were especially memorable. Pfeiffer (Rose) is harboring anger resulting from her childhood experiences at home and expects her father to suffer or at least apologize for what he's done. She's irritated that despite the fact that he abused them, he still has influence with many of the town folks who respect him. She plays this part so well demonstating a desperate need for her father to admit what he's done and somehow make up for his past. The damage that was done years earlier and quietly suppressed has turned Rose extremely hostile toward her father. Lange, who plays the older sister, resists saying anything negative about her father. She's following the old school of respecting your elders by keeping quiet until Rose pushes at her to acknowledge the pain her father has caused. Lange's character presents a pessimistic view of the men in her life. She seems to feel trapped in her situation with no hope of a better future. The relationship between the sisters is really special even though they handle things differently and there's sometime tension between them. Rose helps her sister understand her frustration and get control of her life while Rose remains angry and bitter. Lange is convincing as someone who gradually gets in touch with feelings that have left her with low self-esteem and loss of control over her life. However, the scene in the clothing store where she suddenly remembers her childhood abuses seemed unrealistic after being in complete denial in her discussion with Rose about it. The music during the movie at time competes with the dialog. This is especially irritating in the beginning when Lange narrates and provides so much of the background information. The music should have been used as a lead into the story showing the setting where the story takes place. The narrative could have been held off until the music was over. I liked the story although it was somewhat depressing. Its character development and interaction between Lange and Pfeiffer made the film fascinating to watch.
Rating: 
Summary: Jessica Lange!
Review: I initally saw this film in the theater. It deeply moved me since it realistically paralleled an event that had recently occurred in my own family. A couple years later, I watched it again on video to see if my reaction had been more personal than an actual response to the art of the film. No doubt, the acting, story and scenery evoke feelings that persist to this day.
Without the realistic and nuanced performance of Lange, the movie would be considerably less effective. As she recently did in Normal and in other respectable interpretations as in Frances and Music Box, Lange nails the intricate emotions and mannerisms that allow the viewer to get into her skin and empathize with her character's reality. Her character deals with loyalty, innocence, devotion, and betrayal, all of which Lange portrays in rich colors.
Pfeifer and Leigh are also commendable in their interpretations, and with the other talented actors a quilt of familiar comfort is weaved. Yet, as the film progresses, we see that the wear and tear of life experiences can unravel and fray that which was once beautiful, or at least had the potential to be.
A Thousand Acres is subtle but unforgettable. I'm purchasing it to view at my leisure and to share with others.
Rating:
Summary: Totally Enthralling!
Review: I loved this book and this movie. Michelle Phiffer and Jessica Lange are a dream cast toghether and I can only hope they continue to make movies together. I cried throughout the movie and felt as if I was with them throughout their trials. Everyone needs to see this!
Rating: 
Summary: When Majesty Doth Stoop To Folly
Review: I saw this when it came out on televison and I must say I thought it was just awful. How can anyone win any literary prize for something that is little more than Shakespeare...? While this is a majestic production with great acting, direction, and cinematography I confess I found it much too predictable as it seemed to follow Shakespeare's KING LEAR almost act for act and scene for scene. The only persons missing were Kent, Glouster, Edmond, Edgar, and of course the Fool. Had the story line varied sufficiently as to be a mere suggestion of the play, I would have enjoyed it very much. It bothers me that the the author received accolades for a mere re-write! It is as Kent said "when majesty doth stoop to folly!"
Rating: 
Summary: this movie was just like the book
Review: i went to the san francisco premiere, and i had just finished the book. i have to say that this movie makes you think about your family life. i have to praise the preformances of Michelle pfeiffer and jessica lange. they were the heart of this movie. they made it worth seeing it. i liked this movie because it tugged at my heart. i liked it so much i went out and bought it. i've watched it over and over because it is a great movie!!!
Rating:
Summary: VERY GOOD MOVIE
Review: JESSICA LANGE & MICHELLE PFEIFFER ARE WONDERFUL. IT IS A VERY GOOD MOVIE ; UNEXPECTED & WELL WRITTEN. THE STORY IS HARD BUT THAT'S WHAT MAKE A GOOD MOVIE MOST OF THE TIME. I WOUL RECOMMEND IT TO EVERY PEOPLE WHO THINKS THAT LIFE IS A B.... ; BECAUSE YOU CAN SEE HOPE IN IT...
Rating:
Summary: Doesn't capture Smiley's Awesome story
Review: Lange and Pfeiffer were well-intentioned to produce this adaptation, and their performances are fine, but it nowhere near captures the brilliant story of the book by Jane Smiley. It is reduced to melodrama, with the complexities of the characters lost for the sake of moving the film along. These complexities could well have been captured with the right direction or screenplay. Instead, it ends up with all the force and presence of a movie-of-the-week. Read Smiley's book for the real impact.
Rating:
Summary: Touching, Realistic, and Heart-moving
Review: Michelle and Jessica provide a very realistic theme regarding the heart and a family's deepest secrets....whether the family can make it through its darkest time is the question.
Rating:
Summary: Critics divide along the line. . .
Review: of either acceptance or rejection of the proposition that Shakespeare's comment upon the human condition can be contemporised. For myself, I think Jane Smiley admirably succeeds in portraying the deep familial hatred that sometimes occurs for no revealed (rhyme or rational) reason.
Rating:
Summary: good performances despite some script flaws
Review: The actors save this sparse script in this film.
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