Witness
Seen it?1985 | 112 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
Friday Night FlickWhy it’s a Friday Night Flick
Critics loved it (94% on Rotten Tomatoes), it won 2 Oscars, people are still talking about it and it made about 10 times its budget. Make plans for this one.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for crime-drama fans and anyone who likes to be kept guessing. If you loved Prisoners or A History of Violence, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Tense, dark and gritty.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 52 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: expect violence.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
While protecting an Amish boy—the sole witness to a brutal murder—and his mother, a detective is forced to seek refuge within their community when his own life comes under threat.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
94% on Rotten Tomatoes, 76 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.1 out of 10
- AwardsVery strong
Won 2 Oscars: Best Writing, Original Screenplay, Best Film Editing. Also nominated for 6 more Oscars. Plus 1 other award.
- Box office & staying powerStrong
$117 million worldwide on a $12 million budget
- Buzz & cultural impactVery strong
About 469K people sought it out in the past year, and interest is climbing
Trailer
More like this
Prisoners Friday Night FlickAnother much-loved detective crime drama.
The Boondock Saints
Weeknight WatchAnother detective crime thriller, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Striking Distance
Monday Morning MaybeAnother detective crime story. Fair warning: it's a Monday Morning Maybe.
A History of Violence Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed crime drama.
Cop Land
Saturday SpecialAnother crime drama, and a Saturday Special.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Peter Weir
- Harrison FordJohn Book
- Kelly McGillisRachel
- Josef SommerSchaeffer
- Lukas HaasSamuel
- Jan RubešEli Lapp
- Alexander GodunovDaniel Hochleitner
- Danny GloverMcFee
- Brent JenningsCarter
- Patti LuPoneElaine
- Angus MacInnesFergie