Witness

Witness (1985)
Director: Peter Weir
Cast: Harrison Ford, Kelly McGillis, Lucas Haas, Danny Glover, Jan Rubes
Memorable Line(s): "This gun of the hand is for the taking of human life. We believe it is wrong to take a life. That is only for God."

Director Peter Weir was a part of what was called the Australian New Wave in the 70's and 80's bringing the "down under" talent to American and world-wide audiences. "Witness" was his first U.S. production and one that explored an early theme of Weir's -- culture intersections. In this movie, it's the intersection of the modern American culture with that of the Amish and it does this with sensitivity and grace. It is also quite a effective as a crime thriller.

We are following police detective, John Book (Ford), as he is on the trial of murderer in Philadelphia. The sole witness to the crime is a young Amish boy (Haas). When the boys safety is compromised because of the discovery of the involvement of a corrupt cop, the boy and his mother (McGillis), at Book's urgings, retreat to their rural existence. Book ends up protecting the boy and his mother as the "English" come to the farm to make sure the boy does not talk.

Weir excels at creating mood and atmosphere, but unlike some directors who are good with style, he also delivers the substance. His handling of Book's time among the Amish are the strongest moments of the film. It's as if Weir understands fully the differences of the cultures he decides to capture and depicts these differences without making them seem mawkish or condescending.

Ford and McGillis create a good chemistry together and Haas is amazing as the young Amish boy. The supporting cast are distinctive. Jan Rubes stands out as the crusty elder father of the Amish mother.

Also of note in this movie are the stunning visuals of director of photography John Seale. His images of the Amish rural community are sumptuous. Maurice Jarre's score compliment's the visuals and mood of the film perfectly.

If you want to see a top notch thriller and a good story, you can't go wrong with "Witness."