A Thousand Acres [Blu-ray]

I wish this hadn't bombed at the box office because this was an excellent film adaptation of one of my favorite contemporary novels by Jane Smiley. I guess the themes are a little tough--incest, madness, marital infidelity, ugly family secrets, cancer and the corrupting power of sex and money aren't exactly pick-me-ups. But the actors are superb--Jessica Lange really captures the essence of her trapped-in-girlhood character as does Michelle Pfeiffer as her feisty younger sister who masks her pain behind anger. Jennifer Jason Leigh, Keith Carradine, Jason Robards and my favorite, Colin Firth (complete with Midwestern accent--check out how he tries to say "farm" like an Iowan!) complete this stellar cast and everyone is terrific.The story is a slightly different take on the story of King Lear, with Robards as an aging farmer who decides to leave his one-thousand acre farm to his three daughters, sparking life-changing conflict for them all. The story is quietly told, with two of the sisters finally acknowleding the abuse of their childhoods and searching for new hope as adults. Mixed into the tale is a subplot of adultery and betrayal.I looked for this film for years after reading the book and am glad to have finally experienced it. If you like the stuff of real-life drama, this is a compelling story that will hold your attention and make you think.

I initally saw this film in the theater. It deeply moved me since it realistically paralleled an event that had recently occurred in my own family. A couple years later, I watched it again on video to see if my reaction had been more personal than an actual response to the art of the film. No doubt, the acting, story and scenery evoke feelings that persist to this day.Without the realistic and nuanced performance of Lange, the movie would be considerably less effective. As she recently did in Normal and in other respectable interpretations as in Frances and Music Box, Lange nails the intricate emotions and mannerisms that allow the viewer to get into her skin and empathize with her character's reality. Her character deals with loyalty, innocence, devotion, and betrayal, all of which Lange portrays in rich colors.Pfeifer and Leigh are also commendable in their interpretations, and with the other talented actors a quilt of familiar comfort is weaved. Yet, as the film progresses, we see that the wear and tear of life experiences can unravel and fray that which was once beautiful, or at least had the potential to be.A Thousand Acres is subtle but unforgettable. I'm purchasing it to view at my leisure and to share with others.

Jessica Lange and Michelle Pfeiffer acting together in the same movie ... what a rare treat! The movie has its flaws, but their acting is superb !!!

Dramatic movie. The front descriptions were accurate. Movie shipped fast. It was not as I expected. Colin Firth was a confusing character, as that is why I even bought it. He was a pretty face in the drama among sisters and the dark slowly alluded family secret in a small town. Michelle Pfeifer is SUCH a strong actress...even over Jessica Lange. It was a good show

Followed the book pretty faithfully. Amazing cast including many actors who have gotten better with the years.

Poignant film about personal relationships within a rural family in Iowa. Very thought-provoking.

at least I hope not. I was surprised that these two sisters who grew up together, married and lived so closed to each other knew solittle about each other. The acting was great and that's why this story works.

I've been looking for this movie for quite some time now. Thanks Amazon

por lo único que no le pongo 5 estrellas, es por que no tiene subtitulos en español

Película de Colin Firth con dos grandes actrices del cine donde neta completamente a la altura y es interesante y aunque dramática refleja una época y situación acorde con su tiempo. Imprescindible para fans de Colin Firth.

The high rating for this film is mostly for the acting performances. Especially the two leading ladies, Jessica Lange and Michelle Pfeiffer, are outstanding. Also very good is Jason Robard. The film itself is a harrowing drama about a family and their land, about incest and abuse, about love and hate, set in the American Midwest. The script is decent enough, the acting solid throughout, but it's not something you'd watch for a bit of light entertainment. Colin Firth's few short moments on the screen are hardly more than a couple of cameos.

This film was very good but not quite as expected from the synopsis and reviews. Perhaps I missed something? Right from the beginning you have a sense that the characters have hidden depths and unresolved issues. The film demonstrated some of the difficulties facing women in cases of incest, from reasons why it is hidden to the impact on adult relationships. It also clearly highlighted social prejudice and distrust when the perpetrator is a respected member of society. The subject is dealt with very subtly and sensitively but it is still shocking and disturbing. It is not a feel good film.

A really good, thought provoking film with a brilliant cast.