Witness (1985) Movie REACTION!

For Film Friday #72, Madison watches Witness for the first time.
#witness #firsttimewatching #moviereaction
Watch the FULL reaction HERE: / witness-1985-82658011
Preorder GONE OUTLAW: www.amazon.com....
Follow @goneoutlaw on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and updates.
Become a channel member: www.youtube.co.... Become a patron: / madisonkthames
Website: madisonthames.com
Instagram: @madisonkthames
Twitter: @madisonkthames
Facebook: @madisonkthames

[@jeffreyphipps1507]

The Amish speak "Pennsylvania Dutch" a language offshoot of German. When they remarked about "The English" they really meant the English speaking people who were around their somewhat reclusive world.

[@thegorn68]

Hell yes!!!! It's about time someone reacted to this gem of a movie.

[@rustincohle2135]

Shan reacted to it but the reaction is no longer on YT.

[@yw1971]

'Popcorn In Bed' also did. Soon on YT

[@robertc.1958]

@theGom68: Exactly! My thoughts, too.

[@robertc.1958]

​@@yw1971 : Yes! Saw her reaction to this brilliant movie, too.

[@pal54321]

amazing film and score!

[@raymondmoore5476]

She gave in to her temptation but she could not betray or walk away from her core Beliefs. She stood her ground and she should be applauded for that. Book knew his world and her world were just to different and he did not belong there no more then she belonged in his world. They both did what they knew in their heart to be right for them and not be selfish and try to get the other to walk away from all they know. So for that, I applaud them both and the writers I feel made the right call for the ending.

[@smg85051]

A really good Harrison Ford movie that has sadly been overlooked is one called, "Regarding Henry". Well worth a look.

[@jaydisqus3353]

I was just coming to post that. People act as if it never happened.

[@tamarack1pines]

Excellent movie! I loooove Regarding Henry! ❤

[@darylabrams2]

That's a great film. Harrison Ford is so deserving of an Oscar for his great films like witness and regarding Henry and presumed innocent as well as the fugitive

[@rrmemphis427]

Yes! I know everybody loves his other stuff but Regarding Henry is a highly underrated movie! IMO it's one of his best.

[@prenz1015]

Yet another excellent and underrated Harrison Ford movie is The Mosquito Coast (1986).

[@christiansabotta6368]

One of my favorite movies. The end when the bell rings and they all come running gets me choked up every time.

[@victore6242]

In preparation for her role, Kelly McGillis lived with an actual Amish widow and her seven children for a while before filming began to get the speech cadence down and to observe the daily life of an Amish widowed mother. As realistic as the actors playing background roles as Amish people are, no actual Amish were in the film because they do not (as correctly stated in the movie) like to be photographed. They were intensely interested in the filming, though, and many Amish people were often out of camera range politely watching the filming. Harrison Ford joined the Philadelphia Police Department in preparation for the movie. He even joined them on numerous raids. The statue that Samuel examines in the train station is a real monument in Philadelphia's 30th Street Station. It is a memorial to the men and women of the Pennsylvania Railroad who died during World War II. Its official title is "Angel of the Resurrection", and it is a depiction of the Archangel Michael lifting a deceased soldier from the battlefield. Walker Hancock was the sculptor; it was dedicated in August 1952, and as of June 2012, still stands on the east side of the station's main concourse. Kelly McGillis was working in a Greenwich Village coffeehouse when she got the part. Harrison Ford and Peter Weir went there to see her, and offer her the role. An actual barn was built as a result of shooting the barn-raising scene. Unfortunately, the barn was torn down shortly afterwards. Since the Amish community declined to be in the film, a lot of the extras were played by Mennonites.

[@reesebn38]

Thanks for the info on the statue. No shit I came here to ask if anyone knew its story. You explained it perfectly!!

[@susanliltz3875]

“REGARDING HENRY” starring Harrison Ford is very good too!! Different from his other movies but great story and acting!!

[@SueSnellLives]

Working Girl with Ford, Sigourney Weaver and Melanie Griffith, too!

[@chefskiss6179]

"...we're better now. Please don't walk away." Ritz crackers, SO good.

[@Scopper81]

FINALLY!!! Somebody watched it. Thank you.

[@Lugnut64052]

Glad you've found this wonderful movie. The barn raising scene is my favorite in all of cinema.

[@light9999]

Yes, it is one of mine as well. Just imagine throwing what is essentially a big party, feeding everybody, and getting a barn out of it. Shows you what a fully functioning society should be like, even without modernity, or maybe because it's without modernity. It's very plain. Somehow it feels right.

[@GlebNerzhin]

Me too. The beauty of the photography, the sweeping music, the overwhelming sense of community…it takes your breath away.

[@44excalibur]

This was sadly Harrison Ford's first and only Oscar nominated performance of his esteemed career.

[@shallowgal462]

The film would have won Best Picture too were it not for Gandhi.

[@4thlinemaniac356]

The Mosquito Coast???

[@44excalibur]

@@4thlinemaniac356 He wasn't nominated for The Mosquito Coast.

[@44excalibur]

@@shallowgal462 Gandhi won Best Picture in 1982, beating E.T. The Extra Terrestrial. Witness didn't come out until 1985 and it lost to Out of Africa, which also beat The Color Purple.

[@shallowgal462]

@@44excalibur Which one did I confuse for Gandhi?

[@Stogie2112]

Rachel, although she was tempted, could not leave her world to live in John’s world. She may have been quite assertive and independent compared to other Amish women, but she was still fully Amish. She couldn’t take her son away from the only world he’s ever known.

[@buddystewart2020]

Right, and I think it was a better story told that way, instead of some fairy tale ending when they leave together.

[@briguy399]

Totally agree.

[@Dej24601]

Director Peter Weir always creates an aura of mystery, spirituality and people who are living within a specific environmental setting (always gorgeously filmed) that is part of the mindset of the characters . He also selects music which is unusual and unexpected but which creates a mood and tone that lifts his films into unique categories. He would never follow a typical Hollywood scenario of a “happy ending” that is romantic and neatly resolved; his endings often are ambiguous but indicate that the characters have undergone a transformation. 😊

[@Stogie2112]

@@buddystewart2020 ….. Happy endings are overrated. They’re great if they make sense, but when they don’t make sense, they can destroy a film.

[@marianne5055]

I mean, she could. It just wouldn’t be easy as leaving the community would mean she would be shunned and therefore cut off from her family. And she wouldn’t have an education outside of some basic reading and writing. So she would have no means to support herself. But also at the end of the day, she is still a woman of faith. And not just any faith but particularly this sect. That’s just not something you drop overnight.

[@hartspot009]

Having grown up in Ohio Amish country, they depicted the culture quite accurately with a few dramatic licenses of course. They consider outsiders "English", and too wordly. I was lucky to have the experience of being around and with the culture and learning so much about their dynamics. Their language is known as Dutch Amish, but there are variations depending on WHAT type of Amish. There are different sects based on their church districts; some ultra conservative, some more liberal

[@DMichaelAtLarge]

The language is actually a dialect of German. The German word for "German" is "Deutsch," which Americans slurred into "Dutch."

[@billgrant9286]

The Amish are anabaptist, like Mennonites and Hutterites. The latter two groups accept varying amounts of modern equipment but all three are deeply religous, strict Protestant sects, speaking different Germanic dialects depending upon where they originated. Most are old fashioned dialects from the northern lowlands closer to Holland than the higher elevations or mountainous parts of Germany.

[@timcarr6401]

@@billgrant9286 Anabaptists are not Protestant.

[@billgrant9286]

@@timcarr6401 Really? Which anabaptists are not Ptotestants?

[@timcarr6401]

@@billgrant9286 All Anabaptists. They are neither Roman Catholic, nor Protestant.

[@lukasismael995]

This was a beautiful movie with the contrast of cultures as the main focus, brought on by events that none of the protagonists had any control over. I had a chance to visit Lancaster PA before this movie came out, when my family went to see old friends who used to be missionaries overseas. We would often see the Amish as we drove through the main roads. According to our friends they speak an old German dialect (German is also called Deutsch, which became mispronounced as "Dutch"). The scenes where Harrison Ford spends time with the Amish community are my favorite, because it is a realistic depiction of their environment and way of life. They are pacifists so they do not believe in using guns for killing human life, just for hunting. The romantic tension made the story more interesting but realistically it would be better to have the ending just the way it was filmed. I feel it is more respectful and did not cheapen their culture and beliefs.

[@s.mcpherson6354]

Even in a tiny role, a good actor stands out. I remember seeing *Vigo Mortensen* in, *Carlito's Way,* and I thought, "Hey, he's one of the Amish guys in *Witness.* " This also has the ballet start, *Alexander Godunov* in the role of the suitor. He was also the brother being avenged in the final fight seen in *Die Hard.* This movie was Peter Weir's first studio film. He was part of the Australian Invasion that included *Mel Gibson, Paul Hogan,* and every key writer or actor from Weir's film *Gallipoli.* His shots are so informative. I love the opening one where he illustrates the tension between modernity and the Amish way, by showing the horse and buggy holding up truckloads of capitalism. At the time he said he was treating the fields like oceans and it shows. I also love how the writers found a clever way to have it follow the grandfather's wisdom, and in the end he didn't use 'whacking' (violence), to subdue the biggest bad guy. By living among them, he found a more Amish way.

[@reesebn38]

I grew up in Canada in the 70s and 80s. I fell in love with the Aussie invasion! People don't realize is Paul Hogan was the end of the invasion in 86. It all started of course in the late 70s with Peter Weir, George Miller and Mell Gibson. A huge Aussie movie that came out 1982 and it couldn't have been any more Australian, "The Man From Snowy River". That movie was huge pin-up for Australia.

[@s.mcpherson6354]

@@reesebn38 Yes, agreed: *Snowy* is another good addition from that time. It was *Picnic at Hanging Rock* that really got Weir going in Australia. If you watch other reactors watch this, see if you notice this pattern: I've watched several younger reactors look at this film and there's an interesting consistency in the generational confusion about the themes and even content in the story. A lot do as in this case, and wonder if the Amish are against 'guns' or 'showers,' versus understanding that the underlying principles behind each of the examples are expressions against 'violence' and 'technology' versus specific examples of each. Also, the confusion about living by principle versus desire/impulse is only viewed as strange or restrictive or bad, but--especially in this case--it causes most of them to miss the central theme; which is the film questioning our definitions of what truly constitutes strength, or respect to others and to ourselves (which is why she didn't go). Unsurprisingly with great writers, John Book was perfectly named because he both 'throws the book at people,' and he fit in with 'people of the good book.' His transformance from violent whacker to bell-ringing bringer of wisdom makes for an awesome thematic climax. Interestingly, this idea started as an episode of *Gunsmoke,* and the writers adapted it into this film. Linda Seger worked with the writers as the first psychologist-consultant in history to work on a film that wasn't about psychology.

[@reesebn38]

@@s.mcpherson6354 That brought a tear to my eye. So well said. Thank you.

[@CLHays]

Glad you saw this film -- it's one of my favorites. For better or worse, I don't think every film is meant to have a "happily ever after"-type of ending. Some films -- like this -- are just stories about how two very different people get thrust together. They work toward a common goal, then go back to their own lives ... but they're each a much better person for the experience. Anyhow, that's how I always viewed this one. A bittersweet ending, but also one that's appropriate... ( Also, a quick praise of the cinematography -- this film has some great panoramic shots of the Amish countryside. )

[@Stogie2112]

It had a realistic ending, which is just fine. There was no way Rachel could take her son and leave the only life they’ve ever known. How many of us could leave our world and go live with the Amish? Very few, I think.

[@backhammer1]

Finally! Thanks for being the ONLY KZbinr that I know of to react to this classic!

[@rustincohle2135]

Shan reacted to it but the reaction is no longer on YT.

[@markford2272]

Hey Madison. Thanks for watching this criminally under-rated Harrison Ford film. One of my personal favourites and the music score by Maurice Jarre is amazing and perfectly captures both the romance and thriller aspects. Great performances too from Ford and Kelly McGillis

[@cajunsushi]

I’ve always enjoyed this underrated movie. Great acting and plot. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@StevesFunhouse]

Underrated ??? I don't see/get it. It garnered a 7.4/10 on IMDB and a 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, so it L👀Ks like it faired pretty well. It *_IS_* 1 of MY favorites ... "I" always thought it was a GREAT hit. Its budget was $12 million but brought in over $116 million, earned 8 Academy nominations, won 2 (Best Original Screenplay, Best Film Editing) and then earned 7 Bafta Awards (winning 1 for Best Score) and 6 Golden Globe Awards. The box office shows it came in 2nd ONLY to Beverly Hills Cop, and that's saying something ... that's a tough act to follow.

[@west-Co_exploration]

They are speaking Pennsylvania "Dutch" which was a mistranslation of Deutsch. It is a variant of older German that has mixed with English

[@jonathanross149]

An absolute classic and you don't see it reacted too much.

[@bmw128racer]

Props for recognizing Viggo! 👍😊 BTW, Daniel is played by famous ballet dancer Alexander Godunov.

[@BDogg2023]

Back in the 90s, I had a habit of answering some of my girlfriend’s questions with the phrase, “Good enough,” to which she would respond, “Alexander.” 😂

[@TesseRact7228]

Godunov also = "Karl" in "Die Hard"

[@TesseRact7228]

@@BDogg2023 Maybe your comeback to your girlfriend should have been "The Great"...

[@BDogg2023]

@@TesseRact7228 If only I had a DeLorean, and could travel back 30 years…

[@TesseRact7228]

@@BDogg2023 Time Travel is one helluva thing... You could end up on the sloping deck of a huge passenger ship in 1912....

[@toodlescae]

This is a great film. A realustic ending instead of a romantic one.

[@torbjornkvist]

The Amish people in the film speak old German. Harrison Ford was a carpenter before he became an actor, still a hobby, I've heard. Director Peter Weir wanted a "Ingrid Bergman type of actress" for the part of Rachel. They looked at over 1 000 actresses without luck. Finally, they hired Lynn Stalmaster, old casting director, a legend, and expensive. Three days later, she comes back with one folder. "It's her, or no one", she said. It was then unknown Kelly McGillis and she is perfect for the part, she actually looks like Ingrid Bergman.

[@Dej24601]

(Lynn Stalmaster was male.)

[@MsAppeljack]

This film made him a full fledged romantic leading man. And Lucas Haas as the little boy was adorable. The very first film I ever say Danny Glover in as well. It is an excellent film.

[@chefskiss6179]

Can't tell you how happy I was to see this posted as I was scrolling, only to see it's not on for another few hours, ugh, lol. Still, I am so glad SOMEONE is checking out this gem. That slow moving pointing-finger by Lukas Haas is cinema gold. Can't wait, Madison!

[@rustincohle2135]

Shan reacted to it but the reaction is no longer on YT.

[@izzonj]

I LOVE this movie! First, interesting cast. Book's sister is played by the legendary Broadway actress Patty Lupone, who originated the role of Evita. And the Amish man, Daniel, who had interest in Kelly McGillis is played by Alexander Gudenof, a would famous ballet dancer. And of course, Viggo. The Amish are definitely strict pacifists. They speak a unique dialect of German , referred to as Pennsylvania Dutch (Deutsch). The final scene where Daniel rings the bell and all the members of The community come running is one of the most powerful scenes in film. It shows a double meaning of the word "witness", for Daniel was a witness to the murder in the beginning of the film and now the community arrives as witnesses to what is going on. The Amish don't use force but they have the power just by being a community together as witness. Paul realized he was powerles in the face of that witness. BTW, if Harrison Ford looked like a natural with a hammer, he was a carpenter before he began an actor!

[@christopheryochum3602]

Madison! Wow...that was refreshing. I haven't seen this since I was a kid. Great movie. Thanks so much for putting in on the poll in the first place. What I think was very enjoyable was the fish-out-of-water aspect. I ALWAYS love fish-out-of-water films. And the opportunity to put Harrison Ford into what was supposed to be a nondescript disguise, but then confronting him with the jerk. It was so satifying to have him punch out that punk. Really enjoyed your reaction! :)

[@Stogie2112]

According to Amish tradition, buttons are not allowed because they are part of soldiers’ uniforms. Instead of buttons, the Amish use clasps. Harrison Ford is a master carpenter. Before he became a star, he did much carpentry work for people in the film business.

[@darastarscream]

The lost art of casting for chemistry. 🥵

[@Dej24601]

The language is a form of German, often called Pennsylvania Dutch in the US. Another interesting sequence in a film showing a Hutterite community (similar background to Amish and Mennonites) in Canada is the 1941 British film titled “49th Parallel.”

[@whocraft3614]

There should be more reaction videos to Witness. This movie is so surprising in so many ways.

[@phila3884]

Madison, for an even deeper dive into Ford's post-Star Wars attempt to break out of his hero roles I highly recommend The Mosquito Coast (also directed by Peter Weir), and co-starring a younger Dame Helen Mirren.

[@scottjo63]

👍 👍 👍 👍 👍

[@StevesFunhouse]

Looks interesting but why NOT go ahead and mention Patriot Games, Clear and Present Danger, Air Force One, Blade Runner (or it's sequel), the Indiana Jones series, The Fugitive, Six Days Seven Nights, Cowboys and Aliens or The Call of the Wild as well ??? They are ALL excellent movies, as well, and show a range of his abilities as an actor.

[@phila3884]

@@StevesFunhouse Did you read my comment exactly? No, you didn't. And why the anger? Just making a suggestion.

[@StevesFunhouse]

​@@phila3884 Yeah, I'll admit, I DID read your post. I was NOT angry, in any way, shape or form. I merely was astonished by your comment. However, , I DID miss the word "hero" ... must've read right over it, so I edited my comment in a suitable manner because I still wanted to get those suggestions out there, and who knows, maybe you'll agree with me on this.

[@user-cs4fg1rm5k]

The Mosquito Coast is underrated not as well known film also starring River Phoenix. I remember seeing it on video with my family and enjoying it many years ago.

[@svamandolin3546]

This movie is a masterpiece in filmmaking. My all time favorite movie.

[@gregfagan199]

It's German the Amish are speaking. This is such a terrific movie. The chemistry between Ford and McGillis is palpable. Just an aside, every time I say goodbye to my wife in the morning, I say "You be careful out among them English!"

[@NemeanLion-]

Excellent movie. It’ll be great to watch this. Peter Weir is known for never making a “bad movie”.

[@aklimar2208]

What about, "The Cars that Ate Paris"?

[@naiderl]

@@aklimar2208 Not bad either.

[@aklimar2208]

@@naiderl I prefer to think of it as, "so bad its good"

[@igaluitchannel6644]

One of the most underestimated and underated movies.

[@KneeAches]

Very good 80s film. Peter Weir made a number of good ones. Good director.

[@seekfirst817]

Another great movie from the eighties. I liked her reaction

[@rabbitandcrow]

The music was by one of the great film composers, Maurice Jarre (Lawrence Of Arabia, Doctor Zhivago). He deliberately chose to use synthesizers as a modern contrast to the world of the Amish.

[@davidcorriveau8615]

Ah a reaction to what Harrison Ford was doing (full time acting was a side gig) before Star Wars. Probably the only actor at the barn raising who had a SAG card and a Carpenters Union card. Damn good film too. I believe the language IIRC is a German dialect that probably has more in common with late 1700's early 1800's German than modern German. They came over here and since then haven't changed it much. Kinda similar to the French spoken in Montreal vs that in Paris.

[@guaddv]

His only Academy Award nomination. One of his best . Also? He worked as a carpenter when he was trying to get full time work as an actor, and you can see that here. Great film.

[@laurencaulton103]

"Presumed Innocent" is an actual mystery, with Harrison Ford. It's great.

[@jhilal2385]

The Amish speak a dialect of 1600's Palatine Low German originally from southern and southwestern Germany; Alsace; and Lorraine called "Pennsylvania Dutch"

[@3dbadboy1]

One of the even lesser known HF movies is Hanover Street. It also stars Christopher Plummer, who plays a man who trains spies for British Intelligence in this romance/wartime/thriller/intrigue movie.

[@Shadowsnshades]

Excellent choice! Saw this film back in the day. I loved it! A beautiful film.

[@KlassyKat45]

The Amish speak German and English. This is my favorite Harrison Ford movie. Regarding Henry is another good drama, What Lies Beneath is a good suspense thriller and Six Days Seven Nights is a romcom. I recommend all 3.

[@skylinerunner1695]

This is ostensibly a crime movie, but much more than that, a fish out of water story but again, much more. A great example of Elevating and Transcending the Genre. The scene at the end when he's standing on the porch about to leave has Ford framed with the open road behind him and she with the interior of the home behind her. A wonderful example of show-don't-tell storytelling. Peter Weir is a master and it's no surprise that Ford worked with him again for a second time immediately after this film with Mosquito Coast.

[@JC-ke7mj]

That was great! Thanks for reacting to this one!

[@jackprescott9652]

Harrison Ford got his only Academy Award nomination for best actor for his performance in this film.

[@chrisbrass8930]

This is one of my favorite movies, I'm glad to see that you watched it

[@3dbadboy1]

Interesting fact: at the time Kelly McGillis was filming this, she was asked to re-do a part of her previous movie, Top Gun. Her hair was dyed brunette so they filmed a love scene in low light so it ended up adding a romantic element.

[@randall-king]

I thought it was the elevator scene, which is why she is wearing a baseball cap.

[@3dbadboy1]

@randall-king oh, perhaps that too!

[@chrisbullard5901]

The ending and character arc doesn’t satisfy the romance, but it does say something about Ford’s character. He comes to the Amish as an outsider, and leaves as a “shunned” Amish choosing to live amongst the modern world. In a way, the community acknowledges him as a worthy member of their society, but also realize he will not stop sinning, and it is accepted by both Book and Rachel that they each belong in their own worlds by choice, not by birth or external obligation.

[@MFuria-os7ln]

I love Peter Weir and how he makes actors communicate with just a look, as in Green Card with Depardieu and McDowell.

[@ripum853]

Wonderful to see someone react to this movie for a change. I love everything about this movie, except the music. Still a classic from my POV.

[@sethherron5926]

The barn raising scene is my favorite

[@3DJapan]

The beginning of this takes place in 30th Street Station in Philly. I go through it every couple of months. I also silent a lot of time in Amish country as a kid.

[@boxcarhobo7017]

Buried classic.This is peak Ford. He was on an incredible run here. Where literally every film in this five year period are instant iconic motion pictures. This movie was in theatres a full calender year. It just had legs and kept going.

[@shallowgal462]

As a rule, Amish men only grow beards once they marry. (In some communities, after baptism.) The Amish adopted their rule against buttons when proud, vain, military officers, and other authorities centuries ago persecuted them and put them to death for their faith, wore large, shiny, often brass, buttons on their brightly colored and ornately decorated coats. Soldiers also often wore mustaches, which is why Amish beards near-universally don't include them. Showering would be difficult without indoor plumbing or running water.

[@sisterdebmac]

Wonderful movie. It used to be taught in screenwriting classes.

[@Wawagirl17]

Ooooh! This was my Number 1 favorite film for many many years, a long-ass stretch of time, primarily due to my dad introducing it to me as a kid, when he really wanted to show me a Harrison Ford movie, and as a dumb child I thought that "Raiders of the Lost Ark" would be boring. :P The number of times the name "John Book" was uttered in my house growing up, or that my dad quoted the line, "[It's not our way] But it's my way," are insurmountable. And even though "Witness" isn't in my top 10 favorite movies anymore, it still holds a special nostalgic place in my heart, and I rarely ever hear it mentioned or discussed. This reaction is sure to be a stroll down memory lane.

[@michaelm6948]

A very fine film and thoughtful reaction. I'm an admirer of films with realistic endings that reflect the complexity of life. The classic "Roman Holiday" explores the theme in a lighthearted and wonderful way.

[@ThistleAndSea]

Love any movie with a good barn raising. 🙂 Nice one, Madison! Glad you enjoyed this one!

[@BalrajTakhar-u7u]

One of the finest directors Peter Weir. The building the barn scene is one of the finest in cinema.

[@DMichaelAtLarge]

The language is a dialect of German. The German word for "German" is "Deutsch," which Americans slurred into "Dutch." That's why the label "Pennsylvania Dutch" was applied to them.

[@AlexanderLittlebears]

Dutch meant German. The word "German" is of latin origin, while "Dutch" of Germanic origin, and they originally meant the same thing. Then the term "Dutch" became restricted to the "Germans" of the Low Countries

[@DMichaelAtLarge]

@@AlexanderLittlebears That's what I said. "Deutsch" IS the German word for German, so yes, it meant German. Where you got the idea that German comes from Latin is beyond me. I've never heard anyone make that claim before. All these languages are part of the Indo-European family of languages, but that's not the same as German developing directly from Latin. Languages that developed directly from Latin are called Romance languages (from Roman). That would be the likes of Italian, Spanish, French, and Portuguese. But definitely not German. German is a Germanic language. And so is English. And so is Dutch.

[@AlexanderLittlebears]

@@DMichaelAtLarge The word "German" is from Latin, not the language itself obviously, sorry for being confusing. What I meant is that the word "Dutch" was a proper English word for "German", not an American misspelling

[@drcornelius8275]

Great movie and the kid playing Samuel was incredible.

[@gms1365]

There's a 1994 movie with Susan Sarandon and Tommy Lee Johns... "The Client".

[@3DJapan]

Fun fact: Back when the Amish were still in Europe everyone in the military was required to have a mustache as part of their uniform. The Amish, who don't believe in violence, shaved their mustaches and grew a long beard to really drive their point home and they still do this today.

[@cspringer333]

FYI...Harrison is a real carpenter.

[@jaybird8192]

Yes, this was a very good but underrated movie! Glad someone on YT reacted to it!

[@CaminoAir]

In the cinema prints, after the shoot-out between Ford and Glover in the basement parking lot, the dialog between Book and Schaeffer was repeated: "Who else knows about this? Just you and I". Someone decided the audience needed an explanation of why McFee knew Book had been able to identify him. In VHS and DVD copies this repeated dialog was removed.

[@skylinerunner1695]

Mosquito Coast and Frantic are his other two character-driven 80's movies and would be great to see on this channel. And thanks for reacting to Harrison Ford's only Oscar nominated performance in Witness.

[@anikavandermeer9058]

Amazing movie !!! loved it !! Thanks Madison !!

[@rayvanhorn1534]

Great reaction Madison, so glad you did this one...a hidden gem imo. I think Ford's best performance actually & Kelly McGillis nailed it as well. Nice eye for spotting Viggo...have to add "Hidalgo" to your list. He does a great job in that role (based on a historical event). Harrison Ford has one that you'd like, "Regarding Henry" which is another great film.

[@fionnmaccumhaill3257]

The Amish speak Pennsylvania Dutch, it's a 17th century dialect of German.

[@BardOfChristendom]

OK. They are not Swedish, but Swabich - southern Germans. The language is Pennsylvania German, popularly misnamed Pennsylvania Dutch - since, in the dialect, it's called Pennsilfaanisch Deitsch = Deutch meaning German. The Amish are Anabaptists like the Mennonites and Dunkards. They have long guns for hunting; but they are pacifists, which is why a handgun might be problematic for them. I live in a valley originally settled by Lutherans and German Reformed who spoke the same low German or plautdietsch. Amish are moving in as family farms become available for sale. I lived in Lancaster for a few years too. I forget that not every part of America knows who these plain folk are.

[@reesebn38]

Imagine how weird they would seem to people over seas. I live in Southwestern Ontario, Canada. We have a lot of Mennonites in the area.

[@brachiator1]

Before he became an actor, Harrison Ford worked as a carpenter. The director drew on this experience when he showed John Book becoming involved in the Amish community.

[@CoastalNomad]

Great Reaction........ I LUV the similarities in the "communities" between this (Amish) and John Wayne's "Angel and the Badman" (1947)(Quaker/Friends)...... Funny that you mention "Fugitive Vibes"..... This was filmed 8 years before "The Fugitive"........ I have always enjoyed this movie......

[@karimhicks8376]

Yes, it's Viggo. The blood suiter for the lady played in DIE Hard, as the blonde long haired killer, the father played in DIRTY HARY.

[@dasta7658]

Kelly McGillis is a sensational actress, I find it surprising she didn't become bigger than she was. Most people remember her for Top Gun. This is a great movie, thanks for posting a reaction to it.

[@paintedjaguar]

"Top Gun" was memorable all right... for the absolute lack of any chemistry between Cruise & McGillis as the romantic leads.

[@jazzmaan707]

Daniel, the Amish guy who had the hots for Rachel, was Alexander Godunov, who was a Russian ballet dancer. He was the guy in the movie Die Hard, Karl, Gruber's second-in-command, the Blond guy who went wacko with Bruce Willis killed his brother.

[@brandonstarr983]

Gotta give the thumbs up for noticing Viggo Mortensen; I didn't know he was in it, as I hadn't seen this movie for ages!

[@franklooby5605]

The blond actor who plays Daniel is Aleksander Godunov. He was a dancer with the Bolshoi Ballet in the Soviet Union. He defected in the late 70's and danced with the American Ballet Theatre for a few years.

[@williamjones6031]

Thank you for being the first person to review this wonderful film. 1. This fits easily in my top 10 because I find the Amish fascinating people. 2. I prefer Kelly's performance over Charlie in "Top Gun".😍😍 3. This movie gave Ford the opportunity to show off his word working skills. Fun Fact: Before he became famous he would, from time to time roadie for The Grateful Dead. 4. I met Danny Glover on the set of "Flight of the Intruder". He didn't have to change much to play this guy.

[@JeffreyCantelope]

They speak a dialect of German what is rather old. It is known by we "English" here is PA as Pennsylvania Dutch ( Deursch)

[@Dave-el6rh]

Hi Madison , wasn't that a good movie?! Another great Kelly McGillis one is The Accused ,which is definitely a really intense story. I think Jodie Foster got a best actress award . Hit me up.

[@michaelsegriff3362]

Thanks for reacting to this, Ms. Madison. It’s a favorite of mine. Kelly McGillis had incredibly alluring eyes. And your remark about throwing the English’s tea into the harbor made me guffaw. You do a great job, be well.

[@davidsonchris737]

❤ Hello Lovely Madison ❤ The language in movie that The Amish were speaking Was Modern German ❤ Chris Davidson, CjD

[@johnv61]

Madison have you seen “Once upon a time in the west”? Could be the greatest western ever made. 1968 with Henry Fonda and Charles Bronson

[@michaelwalsh2498]

The ending is somewhat parallel to that in Roman Holiday. Love isn't fulfilled because of incompatibility due to devotion to duty, family, faith, community. Another film that explores this theme is the great western, Will Penny.

[@Adam_Le-Roi_Davis.]

A great reaction by you, Madison. I've always liked this film, it's a more unusual one, very popular with cinema goers when it was released, but seems to be forgotten about these days. Another film about a witness being protected and kept alive until a trial is, 'Narrow Margin' 1990 with Gene Hackman in the good guy role, I highly recommend this for a reaction.

[@MrGpschmidt]

Solid film - one of my faves - Ford's finest hour IMO (and his only Oscar nod for Best Actor; criminal). Crushed hard for Kelly. FYI: That's also Alexander Godunov as her paramour wanna be who is best known as the terrorist in DIE HARD. And yep that's Viggo (if not his first film one of them). Fun fact: Ford is a master carpenter (helped him when his early career was going nowhere - he did work for Coppola and Lucas ; that's how he got his first role w/them in AMERICAN GRAFFITI) and I'm sure he plied his craft onscreen in the barn raising sequence. I knew you'd love it Mads.

[@gmunden1]

The language is a derivative of Swiss German. When the grandfather says, "Stay away from the English," he is referring to city people and people not of their community.

[@Stogie2112]

Harrison Ford’s early career is just as impressive. American Graffiti, Force 10 From Navarone, The Conversation, and several others.

[@anorthosite]

Also a brief appearance in "Apocalypse Now", when Martin Sheen's character is being briefed on his mission.

[@mickmack1409]

Thanks for the review. I really like this movie. For more of Danny Glover as a baddie, watch "The Color Purple."

[@bghoody5665]

Great reaction as always, Madison. I'm not positive but I think the language the Amish were speaking is an older form of German. If you want to see another Danny Glover movie with him as the baddie I'd recommend The Color Purple.

[@phila3884]

Yes, sometimes referred to as a Dutch dialect, but Dutch in this sense means German.

[@chrisgrove7829]

Apparently Sylvester Stallone was originally approached to be the lead in this, but he said, I can definitely do the Philly cop part, but I’m not sure how well I would fit in with the Amish:) Ford, did an amazing job, but it’s always fun to think about Stallone in this:)

[@Cbcw76]

I wonder if REGARDING HENRY can be far behind? Or PRESUMED INNOCENT? (Of course, I've written this after two more comments mention it. HENRY is a favorite film because it delivers a 'construction of events onto character development' like few other films have, or can. I like PRESUMED INNOCENT because the audience is led down a primrose path. Of course, if we dive into Brian Dennehy films, I hope someone will list GORKY PARK as a mystery wrapped in a riddle, etc etc.

[@jaydisqus3353]

​@@Dave-hb7lx"That's just like, your opinion, man"... Let her decide.

[@reesebn38]

Gorky Park is a great movie! I just rewatched Presumed Innocent. So brilliant!

[@3DJapan]

I got to milk a cow on a school trip when I was very little, maybe 2nd or 3rd grade. Funny thing is I now live within walking distance of that farm.

[@arwiviv]

I saw this as a teenager in the theater when it came out. What a good movie this was.

[@GlebNerzhin]

In the Rhineland in Germany in the 1600s, the fashion for men was black suits with wide-brimmed black hats. Two groups that lived in the Rhineland at the time have maintained that look to this day: the Amish and the Orthodox Jews. The similarity is alluded to in the train station scene.