I sometimes forget that this film was directed by Martin Scorsese. Starring Daniel Day Lewis, Winona Ryder and Michelle Pfeiffer with supporting performances by Geraldine Chaplin, Jonathon Pryce, Alexis Smith, Mary Beth Hurt, Robert Sean Leonard and others this film is a quiet jewel of a film that, at first, appears to be quite a detour for Scorsese.

Of course, these themes...the themes of guilt, passion, desire and weakness have often been explored by Scorsese but never in such a traditional and beautiful setting. The story takes place in the late 1800's and features Daniel Day-Lewis having to choose between his current fiancee, played by Winona Ryder, and her cousin who has just arrived from Poland, portrayed by Michelle Pfeiffer.

This film is based on Edith Wharton's novel, and Scorsese is quite faithful to the material. Scorsese fans expecting his traditional fare will be disappointed. The film captured an Oscar for costume design...and the costumes are magnificent.

Ryder captured an Oscar nomination for her performance, along with the film's screenplay, original score and art direction. Though Ryder captured the only acting nomination for the film, Both Day-Lewis and Pfeiffer do a nice job here.

This is a quiet film, and not always comfortable in pacing. For Scorsese fans, this could be quite traumatic. At 139 minutes, the film is just a touch long for my liking. Scorsese fans, in particular, will find this bothersome as the film really lacks any of the director's typical "exciting" touches...It is a gentle, beautiful and artistic film.

- Richard Propes
The Independent Critic