Great acting supporting an inventive, interesting story.
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What happens when the only witness to a murder is a young boy who is seeing Philadelphia for the first time? What, then, if he is an Amish boy who knows nothing of the outside world and his mother doesn´t want to get the young child involved? In the end, a nice murder mystery that focuses more on the process of keeping the only witness safe than on the perpetrators of the crime.
Much like the Amish themselves, this film takes its time in telling a story, preferring to see things through the awestruck eyes of a child rather than use an omniscient narrator. Samuel´s experiences in the world of the "English" are the audience´s guiding light through the film. We are amazed by a hot air balloon because he is. Reflexively we are horrified by a murder, something common in film because, to Samuel it was a new occurrence.
"Witness" violates a lot of the rules of the traditional murder mystery genre but does it in such a way as to heighten the tension. Our expectations are played against us to wonderful effect. As a result I was sucked into the narrative, wondering what would happen next.
A major part of the film´s success comes from the acting of the three leads. Harrison Ford is magnificent as John Book, as straight-laced a cop as you´ll ever find. He´s strong and definitive yet has a great sense of empathy. There is a great interplay with Kelly McGillis´ Rachael, Samuel´s mother. Their back-and-forth banter is dynamic, creating a palpable tension. It is this tension that the inevitable romantic conversion is far more satisfying.
And what can be said about little Lukas Haas? His wide-eyed innocence and youthful curiosity is absolutely adorable. Because he is learning the ways of the Amish, he provides us with an in-road to understanding the lives of his people. The role may be simple, but the portrayal is not.
Much of the film is dedicated to Book learning to live among the Amish, to adapt to their ways; and they to him. I´m not sure who has the harder time in dealing. The film´s main story never takes a back-seat to Book´s adjustment. Director Peter Weir manages both tracks nicely, never forgoing one chronicle for another; never forgetting why Book is living among the Amish, even when he´s interacting with Rachel´s suitor.
The film´s conclusion leaves a little to be desired. Its heavy reliance on action is a distinct counterpoint to the simple life Book had come to embrace, appreciate, and even enjoy. I don´t know that I can think of a better way to wrap up the main narrative, and was satisfied by what was found.
I was afraid that this movie would mock the ways of the Amish; that it would call them simple and try to change them. While they are changed by their interactions with Book, it is obvious that the ways of the Amish were respected. Overall, the film is a wonderful look into the life of the Amish and their interactions with the outside world. The characters are the focus of this story; the film is richer because they are allowed to develop and grow into complex, rounded figures.
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[release]16695[/release]