The Bridges of Madison County

Rating:
Summary: Moralists missing the point:
Review: To those reviews centering on the "immorality" of not only the protagonists in this film, but the author of the novel, and the "Hollywood Establishment", I say this - you're missing the entire point. If "romance", "infidelity", and "lost love" are central themes of this film, then I suggest adding "human fallibility" to the list. Francesca and Robert ARE good people, who like all of us, are fallible. If they were not, then Francesca's decision wouldn't have been so difficult, and heart wrenching. Indeed, if she were truly selfish, and "immoral", she would have left her family immediately, and without hesitation.

Much of human behavior (and morality too) cannot be realistically assessed in black and white terms. Francesca and Robert are neither completely "bad", nor "good". They are decent individuals who happened to meet too late in life, in the wrong place, and thus, must suffer the consequences of these tragic, unfortunate circumstances. It's not Francesca and Robert vs. her family.

The emotional complexity of the storyline, the surprisingly good match up between Eastwood and Streep, and not to be overlooked - a fantastic soundtrack - make for a film I'd definitely recommend.


Rating:
Summary: LOVE IT!!!
Review: What a beautiful movie!! Both Clint and Meryl are superb in it!! I love it to bits! This is about Francesca, and Italian housewife who lives a kind of boring life with husband and children until she meets a photographer, played by Clint. I'm so impressed with them both. They get to spend 4 days together while her husband and kids are away. What unfolds is amazing. I was crying a lot during it!

Rating:
Summary: Life - some of it's magic & some of it's tragic
Review: 130 reviews says it all about this beautiful classic - it affects everyone that sees the movie or reads the story. (I prefer the book but Hollywood did well with it. 171 pages and it took me three days to read. That's a lot of Kleenix!)
Personally, I was single in my forties and met these people and witnessed this slice of life. It happens! Waller does an absolutely fabulous job of capturing the feelings of confusion, awe, wonder and love that totally engulf when "chemistry" takes over. No one can plan to make this happen! Affairs are about sex. This story is about love - a one time only love.

Rating:
Summary: SO GLAD I NEVER READ THE BOOK-I loved this movie!
Review: For nine years I have heard this:"It wasn't as good as the book!"I am so sorry that for those nine years I allowed other people's opinion to keep me from seeing this marvelous movie.I was captivated from the instant the film started and I leaned forward hanging onto every last smoldering word and action from Streep and Eastwood(an actor heretofore I have never enjoyed).This is a powerful, bittersweet story that touched my very innermost soul,especially since I have experienced,fortunately, a most satisfying and intense love that I chose,considering all of the ramifications,to be necessary for my life.I have been both Francesca and Richard and totally understood the dilemma of both characters.Streep and Eastwood did it for me!They delivered what the screenplay dictated and then some!So much was said by their long silent stares and the stillness of each aching moment.Whatever the book may have added,I certainly didn't miss it!This movie said enough to me for a lifetime.

Rating:
Summary: A nice story sensitively narrated
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed the movie which is very deftly directed by Eastwood. Handling such a delicate story in a so cinematically elegant way, leaves an enduring mark about the directorial abilities of Clint Eastwood. He also gives a very measured performance alongwith Meryl Streep as the protagonists.
The music is also a high-point of the movie.

Rating:
Summary: HEY, WARNER BROS! SPECIAL EDITION + WIDESCREEN ON THIS NOW!!
Review: Love this movie. It is incredibly moving and it is superb at creating erotic tension and build-up. Have to admit to tearing up on this one. Because of the choices made by the characters? Yes, of course. But there's ANOTHER reason: this is available only in a terrible, "full-frame" edition only. Whoever is in charge of home entertainment / dvd at Warner Bros. needs to get his / her a$$ and RELEASE THIS IN WIDESCREEN AND LOAD IT UP WITH EXTRAS!!!