Witness (1985)

This movie, masterfully directed by Peter Weir, tells the story of detective John Book (Harrison Ford) who knows more than he should. Hunted by members of his own department, Book flees Philadelphia with a small boy and his mother (Kelly McGillis). The boy is an eye witness to a murder but his mother wants nothing to do with the investigation. Complicating matters further is the fact the mother and son are Amish and not at all open to the ways of a modern big city.

Pursued and wounded, Book attempts to get the boy and mother back to their family where he believes they will be safe. Overcome by his wounds, Book finds himself trapped in the Amish community. While he heals he comes to appreciate the simple way of life in the small community and slowly falls in love with Rachel Lapp played by McGillis. The story weaves its wave through the differences in modern society and the Amish ways and the struggles Book has with fitting in. From a barn raising for a newlywed couple to milking a cow, Book finds himself well out of his element. He develops a strong relationship with several members of the community. The Amish people, accustomed to being made fun of and ridiculed by so many, show him kindness and take him in as one of their own. Their time spent together is eye opening for both Book, as well as his hosts. Eventually the two worlds collide as Book's pursuers locate him and arrive to kill not only Book, but any witnesses, including the boy.

The movie includes an all-star cast. Besides Harrison Ford and Kelly McGillis the Witness also includes performances from Danny Glover, Viggo Mortensen, a cameo by James Earl Jones as well as Alexander Godunov as McGillis' local love interest. (You may know Godunov as the fanatical blond haired bad guy from the original Die Hard.)

The movie won two Oscars and a score of other awards from around the world.

Run Time : 112 Minutes

Rated R - For some crude language, violence, and a brief nude scene (topless).

This is a masterfully told story with brilliant performances by its cast. All in all a great movie, well worth the time, and well worth the cost to add it to your personal DVD library.

Links to locations where this movie is available for purchase;

http://www.amazon.com/Witness-Special-Collectors-Widescreen-Harrison/dp/B0009UC7R0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1235407207&sr=8-1

http://www.blockbuster.com/catalog/movieDetails/38862

http://www.hollywoodvideo.com/movies/movie.aspx?LF=STL&MID=1476#buy

http://www.movieretriever.com/movies/845340/Witness

http://www.fancast.com/movies/Witness/27391/watch-it/on-dvd