Witness Synopsis & Summary

Synopsis

In Peter Weir's thriller Witness, Samuel (Lukas Haas), a young Amish boy, witnesses a murder in the restroom of a Philadelphia bus station. Harrison Ford stars as John Book, the police detective investigating the murder. When Book discovers that the crime was part of a conspiracy involving several officials in his department, he flees Philadelphia to the Amish community where Samuel lives with his widowed mother, Rachel (Kelly McGillis). Slowly assimilating himself into the Amish community, Book eventually finds himself falling in love with Rachel in the midst of his investigation. Eventually, the corrupt police track Book down, and he is forced to confront them, while also trying to protect Rachel and Samuel. - Matthew Tobey, All Movie Guide

Movie Info

Theatrical Release Date:
02/08/1985
DVD Release Date:
06/29/1999
Rating:
R
Run Time:
112 min.
Distributor(s):
Paramount
Director(s):
Themes:
Star-Crossed Lovers, Farm Life, Protecting the Innocent, Wolf in Sheep's Clothing, Culture Clash, Witnessing a Crime, Fish Out of Water
Tone:
Sexy, Compassionate, Atmospheric, Bittersweet, Lyrical, Reflective, Tense
Keywords:
Amish, corruption, cross-cultural-relations, culture-clash, forbidden-love, hidden, murder, police, protection, shoot-out, widow/widower, witness
Language:
English
Status:
DVD