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Witness
1985 112 min United States of America R 16+
★8.0
Crime, Drama, Thriller
Director: Peter Weir
Trailers
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Description
While protecting an Amish boy—the sole witness to a brutal murder—and his mother, a detective is forced to seek refuge within their community when his own life comes under threat.
Budget:
$12M
US Gross:
$68.71M
Worldwide:
$116.11M
Starring
Harrison Ford
Actor
Kelly McGillis
Actor
Lukas Haas
Actor
Awards
Academy Awards 1986
— Best Screenplay
Academy Awards 1986
— Best Film Editing
BAFTA 1986
— Best Original Score
BAFTA 1986
— Best Original Screenplay
Academy Awards 1986
— Best Actor
Academy Awards 1986
— Best Screenplay
Academy Awards 1986
— Best Film Editing
Academy Awards 1986
— Best Picture
BAFTA 1986
— Best Original Score
Academy Awards 1986
— Best Cinematography
Academy Awards 1986
— Best Production Design
Academy Awards 1986
— Best Director
Golden Globe 1986
— Best Screenplay
Golden Globe 1986
— Best Original Score
BAFTA 1986
— Best Picture
Golden Globe 1986
— Best Picture (Drama)
Golden Globe 1986
— Best Actor (Drama)
BAFTA 1986
— Best Film Editing
Academy Awards 1986
— Best Original Score
BAFTA 1986
— Best Actor
BAFTA 1986
— Best Actress
Key opinion
A unique blend of crime thriller and social drama, Witness explores the cultural clash between an outsider detective and an insular Amish community. While highly praised for its direction and strong performances, its effectiveness as a suspense film is subject to debate.
| Acting | Harrison Ford delivers a career-defining performance that showcases a level of dramatic depth often missing from his action roles. | |
| Originality | The film offers a rare and immersive portrayal of the Amish community and their rejection of modern technology. | |
| Cinematography | The distinctive cinematography creates a smooth, meditative visual style that enhances the film's immersion. | |
| Direction | Peter Weir's direction effectively blends elements of crime thriller, romance, and social drama. | |
| Screenplay | While the Oscar-winning script offers deep character detail, some find the thriller elements perfunctory and the tension lacking. | |
| Score | Maurice Jarre's score is credited with setting the mood, though some find the synth elements misplaced for the film's tone. |