Witness Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A city cop goes into witness protection with some Amish folks, discovers carpentry, and gets a date, all while dodging corrupt cops and avoiding buttons on his shirt.

🍿 Witness: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Witnessing the Murder

An Amish widow, Rachel, and her young son, Samuel, are traveling through Philadelphia. While at the train station, Samuel witnesses a brutal murder in a restroom. This event thrusts them into a world of danger and corruption they are ill-equipped to handle. Samuel’s unique background as an Amish boy makes him a crucial witness, but also a target.

John Book’s Investigation

Detective John Book is assigned to the murder case. As he investigates, Samuel identifies one of the perpetrators as a police officer, Lieutenant McFee. Book realizes the depth of corruption within the police force, including his superior, Chief Schaeffer. This discovery puts Book, Rachel, and Samuel in grave danger. Book finds himself betrayed and targeted, forcing him to take drastic measures to protect the young witness and his mother.

Seeking Refuge in Amish Country

To escape the corrupt police officers, Book takes Rachel and Samuel back to their Amish community in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. He hopes to find safety and anonymity among the pacifist Amish people. Injured from a shootout, Book is taken in and cared for by the Amish, learning their ways and adapting to their simple lifestyle. This immersion into Amish culture creates a stark contrast with his previous life as a city cop.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• John Book (Harrison Ford): A Philadelphia detective who goes into hiding with an Amish community to protect a young witness and uncovers police corruption.
• Rachel (Kelly McGillis): An Amish widow and mother who finds herself falling for the detective protecting her son.
• Samuel (Lukas Haas): The young Amish boy who witnesses a murder and becomes the target of corrupt police.
• Schaeffer (Josef Sommer): The Chief of Police who is secretly corrupt and orchestrates the attempts to silence the witness.
• McFee (Danny Glover): A corrupt narcotics officer and the primary hitman tasked with eliminating the witness and John Book.
• Eli Lapp (Jan Rubes): Rachel’s father-in-law, an Amish elder who initially distrusts outsiders but comes to respect Book.
• Daniel Hochleitner (Alexander Godunov): An Amish man with feelings for Rachel, who must grapple with Book’s presence and Rachel’s affections.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Eli Lapp: “You be careful out among them English!” – Eli’s parting words to John Book show a grudging respect and concern for his safety in the outside world.
• John Book: “I’m gonna be sick.” – Book says this after he has been shot and realizes the corruption goes all the way to the top.
• Eli Lapp: “It’s not our way, Book.” – Eli says this when Book is about to resort to violence and protect the Amish, reminding Book of their non-violent beliefs.
• Samuel: “I saw what they did.” – Samuel utters this as an explanation of why they are ‘bad men’, highlighting his innocent yet clear understanding of justice.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $12,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $68,706,993
• Worldwide Gross: $68,706,993

💥 Witness Reviews

Personal Review

I first watched ‘Witness’ as a kid, and the image of that vast barn being raised in a single day stayed with me. Harrison Ford’s performance felt so real. The way he struggled to fit in, and the unspoken connection with Kelly McGillis, made it so memorable. When the violence finally arrived, it was a shock after all that peace. I also thought Lukas Haas as the young Amish boy, was amazing. The film made me realize there are totally different ways to live in this world. I’ve watched it countless times since, and the themes of community, non-violence, and the clash between worlds still resonate deeply with me. It is a wonderful movie!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Harrison Ford”
  • “Viewers interested in crime thrillers”
  • “Those intrigued by Amish culture”
  • “People who enjoy character-driven stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Brief nudity”
  • “Some language”

Professional Reviews

• Roger Ebert: “Witness seamlessly blends thriller elements with a sensitive portrayal of Amish culture. Ford delivers a nuanced performance, and the film’s exploration of contrasting values makes it a compelling watch.
• The New York Times: “Peter Weir crafts a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film. The suspense is palpable, and the romantic undertones add depth to the narrative. ‘Witness’ avoids stereotypes and offers a thoughtful exploration of faith and violence.
• Variety: “Harrison Ford shines as a world-weary cop grappling with a moral dilemma. The film’s juxtaposition of urban grit and rural tranquility creates a unique atmosphere. The pacing is deliberate, allowing for a slow-burn tension that culminates in a gripping climax.

Audience Reactions

The barn raising scene perfectly encapsulated the spirit of community and cooperation.: Viewers praised the beautiful cinematography and the authentic portrayal of Amish life.

Harrison Ford’s performance was nuanced, striking the right balance between toughness and vulnerability.: The cast delivers strong performances that enhance the storytelling.

Overall Consensus: ‘Witness’ is a critically acclaimed thriller that masterfully blends suspense with a thoughtful exploration of contrasting cultures and values. A memorable experience for the viewer.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Original Screenplay)- 1986
2. Academy Award (Best Film Editing)- 1986
3. BAFTA Award (Best Original Screenplay)- 1986

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Kelly McGillis lived with an Amish widow and her seven children to prepare for her role, learning the speech patterns and daily life of an Amish widowed mother.”
• “Several alternate endings were considered, including one where John Book stayed with the Amish community.”

🖥️ How to Watch Witness?

Witness is available to rent or purchase on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability on cable or satellite services. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray can also be purchased online and in stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Witness, you might like these similar films:

• The Firm (1993): A lawyer uncovers corruption within his firm and must go into hiding while trying to expose them.
• A Simple Plan (1998): Ordinary people find a large sum of money and their lives spiral out of control as they try to keep it a secret, resulting in violence and moral compromises.
• Serpico (1973): An honest cop faces corruption and isolation within the New York Police Department.
• Winter’s Bone (2010): A young woman in the Ozarks navigates a dangerous criminal underworld while trying to find her missing father, showcasing a clash between insular communities and outsiders.

🛒 Witness Related Products

• Witness (Collector’s Edition) [Blu-ray]: Experience ‘Witness’ in stunning high definition with exclusive behind-the-scenes content and interviews with the cast and crew.
• Harrison Ford: The Iconic Performances: A digital compilation of Harrison Ford’s most memorable roles, including a spotlight on his performance in ‘Witness’ with insightful commentary.
• Amish Country: Recipes & Traditions: Immerse yourself in Amish culture with this cookbook featuring traditional recipes and stories from Amish communities, offering a taste of the world depicted in ‘Witness’.
• Witness Movie Poster: High-quality reproduction of the original theatrical poster of ‘Witness’.

🎧 Soundtrack

Witness features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Building the Barn” – performed by Maurice Jarre
• “(What a) Wonderful World” – performed by Sam Cooke

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Harrison Ford kicks bullies ass in Witness 1985 #shorts #movie #americanactor #harrisonford #action

Get ready for some action! This clip from ‘Witness’ will make you cheer for Harrison Ford as he takes on the bullies in a thrilling fight scene.

✨ Rate