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starring: Daniel Day-Lewis, Winona Ryder, Paul Scofield, Joan Allen, Bruce Davisondirected by: Nicholas Hytner
Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Binding: VHS Tape
EAN: 9780793941445
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, NTSC
ISBN: 079394144X
Label: 20th Century Fox
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
Number Of Items: 1
Publisher: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: October 13, 1998
Running Time: 123 minutes
Sales Rank: 3266
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Theatrical Release Date: November 27, 1996
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Editorial Review:
Description:
The Salem witch trials of 1692 are brought vividly to life in this compelling adaptation of Arthur Miller's play, directed by Nicholas Hytner ('The Madness of King George'). A group of teenage girls meet in the woods at midnight for a secret love-conjuring ceremony. While the other girls attempt to cast love spells, Abigail Williams (Winona Ryder) wishes for the death of her former lover's (Daniel Day-Lewis) wife. When their ceremony is witnessed by the town minister, the girls suddenly find themselves accused of witchcraft. Soon the entire village is consumed by cries of witchcraft, and as the hysteria grows, blameless victims are torn from their homes, leading to a devastating climax.
Amazon.com:
The Salem witch hunts are given a new and nasty perspective when a vengeful teenage girl uses superstition and repression to her advantage, creating a killing machine that becomes a force unto itself. Pulsating with seductive energy, this provocative drama is as visually arresting as it is intellectually engrossing. Arthur Miller based his classic 1953 play on the actual Salem witch trials of 1692, creating what has since become a durable fixture of school drama courses. It may look like a historical drama, but Miller also meant the work as a parable for the misery created by the McCarthy anti-Communist hearings of the 1950s. This searing version of his drama delves into matters of conscience with concise accuracy and emotional honesty. Three passionate cheers for Miller, director Nicholas Hytner, and costars Daniel Day-Lewis and Winona Ryder. --Rochelle O'Gorman
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Arthur Miller's Analogy
Shadow Watcher
Nobody Drowns in Mineral Lake
It still baffles me that this superb drama was not even nominated for a Best Picture Oscar the year it was released (1996) because, in my opinion, it was one of the finest films of that decade.
Arthur Miller originally wrote his play, THE CRUCIBLE, to serve as an analogy for the House Unamerican Activities witchhunt that was then going on in this country. People may not have been condemned to hang back then, but lives and ... Read More
Rating: - Great movie
I bought the movie to show to my junior English class. Aside from the brief nudity (which will get some of my student's attention), the movie adheres fairly close to the play and fits nicely in the literature unit. I had never seen it before and was impressed with the power displayed by the actors and director. I have never reviewed a movie before, but this definately fit my purpose for the class.
Rating: - Crucible Passes the Test
A cautionary tale showing the dangers of misguided societal pressure, and the importance of leaders that should lead society, instead of following it. This movie dramatically brings to life the play we all had to read in school. Well directed with many of the best actors giving outstanding performances. A must see film.
Rating: - The Crucible: A Classic
I have read The Crucible, seen it preformed on stage, and I still love the screen version best of all. I will admit that part of this may be from my own bias that Daniel Day-Lewis is one of the best actors I've ever seen. His performance doesn't disappoint in The Crucible either. As John Proctor he adds a realism and deep sympathy to a character, who on paper, I found rather contrived at times. The best lines of the move (the 'because it is my name' speech in particular) are Proctors and Day-Lewis performs ... Read More
Rating: - NOT SINCE I HAD A ROOT CANAL. . .
Not since I had to have a root canal a few years ago have I been filled with such a sense of DREAD while watching this very fine film! Though it is fictionalized - it is based on the famous Salem Witch Trials - The acting, costumes, and settings transport you back in time, (and believe me - no one in their right mind would want to stay there.) You know what is going to happen because of history, but the sense of impending doom because it was TRUE for those poor brave Americans- is palpable! People always ... Read More
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