Witness is a 1985 American neo-noir crime thriller film directed by Peter Weir, and starring Harrison Ford, Kelly McGillis and Lukas Haas, with Jan Rubeš, Danny Glover, Josef Sommer, Alexander Godunov, Patti LuPone and Viggo Mortensen in supporting roles. The film focuses on a police detective (Ford) protecting an Amish woman (McGillis) and her young son (Haas), who becomes a target after he witnesses a brutal murder in a Philadelphia train station.
Plot Summary
In April 1984, an Amish community outside Lancaster, Pennsylvania attends the funeral of Jacob Lapp, who leaves behind his wife Rachel and eight-year-old son Samuel. Rachel and Samuel travel by train to visit Rachel's sister, which takes them into Philadelphia. While waiting for a connecting train, Samuel goes into the men's room and witnesses the brutal murder of an undercover police officer, but manages to evade detection by hiding in the stalls.
Detective Sergeant John Book and his partner, Sergeant Elton Carter, are assigned to the case. They question Samuel, who is unable to identify the perpetrator from mugshots or a line-up. Book realizes that Samuel is in grave danger and decides to take him into protective custody.
Book and Samuel travel to Rachel's sister's farm, where they are welcomed into the Amish community. Book soon realizes that the Amish way of life is very different from his own, but he comes to respect their values and traditions.
Meanwhile, the criminals responsible for the murder are searching for Samuel. They eventually track him down to the Amish community and launch an attack. Book and the Amish community work together to defend themselves and Samuel.
In the end, the criminals are defeated, and Samuel is safe. Book and Rachel decide to leave the Amish community and start a new life together.
Trailer
Cast
- Harrison Ford as Detective Sergeant John Book
- Kelly McGillis as Rachel Lapp
- Lukas Haas as Samuel Lapp
- Jan Rubeš as Eli Lapp
- Josef Sommer as Chief Paul Schaeffer
- Alexander Godunov as Daniel Hochleitner
- Danny Glover as Lieutenant James McFee
- Brent Jennings as Sergeant Elton Carter
- Patti LuPone as Elaine Book
- Angus MacInnes as Sergeant Leon "Fergie" Ferguson
- Viggo Mortensen as Moses Hochleitner
- Frederick Rolf as Stoltzfus
- Timothy Carhart as Detective Ian Zenovich
- Richard Chaves as Detective Sykes
- Robert Earl Jones as Harry
Director: Peter Weir
Writers: Earl W. Wallace, William Kelley
Box Office Gross: $68,706,993
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Release Date: February 8, 1985
Themes
- The clash between different cultures
The film explores the clash between the Amish way of life and the modern world. Book is a city detective who is used to violence and crime, while the Amish are a peaceful and pacifist people. Book learns to respect the Amish way of life, and the Amish learn to trust him with Samuel's safety.
- The importance of Family
The film also emphasizes the importance of family. Rachel and Samuel are very close, and they are willing to do anything to protect each other. Book eventually comes to see Rachel and Samuel as his own family.
- The power of hope
Despite the violence and danger in the film, there is also a message of hope. The Amish believe that there is good in everyone, and they are always willing to forgive. Book learns to believe in hope again, and he is inspired by the Amish way of life.
Critical Reception
Witness was a critical and commercial success. It received eight nominations at the 58th Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor for Ford, Best Supporting Actress for McGillis, and Best Original Screenplay. The film won two Academy Awards, for Best Film Editing and Best Sound Mixing.
Cultural Impact
It is a classic film that has been praised for its performances, direction, and screenplay. It is also a popular choice for schools and organizations that want to teach about the Amish way of life. The film has been credited with helping to increase awareness of the Amish community.
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