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Brad Pitt, Anthony Hopkins, Aidan Quinn, Henry Thomas, Karina Lombard ... see more see more... , Julia Ormond , Gordon Tootoosis , Tantoo Cardinal , Paul Desmond , Bart the Bear , Nigel Bennett , Marc Levy , Weston McMillan , Christina Pickles , Kenneth Welsh , Robert Wisden , Bill Croft , Ray Godshall Jr. , John Novak , Stuart Aikins , Mary Colquhoun , Bill Dow , David Kaye , Charles Andre

The sweeping, melodramatic saga of three brothers, their powerful father, and a beautiful woman, the popular period drama Legends of the Fall presents a romanticized view of rugged masculinity against... read more read more... lush Montana scenery. Based on a novel by Jim Harrison, the film covers decades in the lives of Alfred (Aidan Quinn), Tristan (Brad Pitt), and Samuel (Henry Thomas) Ludlow, the sons of retired military man William Ludlow (Anthony Hopkins). Raised by the unorthodox Ludlow after the departure of their mother, the boys grow up close, sharing an appreciation of the land and a pioneering spirit. The family becomes divided, however, when young Sam enlists in World War I over his father's objections, and his brothers follow suit to protect him. Despite these efforts, Sam dies in battle, leaving Alfred and Tristan to return home and deal with the lingering torment. Further complicating matters is the presence of Sam's beautiful fiancée, Susannah (Julia Ormond). After Sam's death, she attracts the romantic attention of both the responsible Alfred and the brooding Tristan, a conflict that threatens to drive the brothers apart. Aspiring to epic status, the film utilizes period detail and attractive landscapes as a backdrop for tragic, doomed romance. While some critics complained that the film resembled a romance novel writ, veering at times into the overwrought, audiences embraced the combination of emotion and grand historical scale, making the film a box-office success. ~ Judd Blaise, Rovi

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87% liked it

162,126 ratings

Critics

62% liked it

42 critics

R, 2 hr. 13 min.

Directed by: Edward Zwick

Release Date: December 23, 1994

Keywords: epic, romantic

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DVD Release Date: April 29, 1997

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Stats: 8,539 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (8,539)

  • imrealgod
    February 1, 2011
    imrealgod
    Not a legendary tale, but pretty absorbing family drama. Anthony Hopkins and Brad Pitt shine in their role and so do the supporting actors. However, I gotta admit that I didn't like Julia Ormond and Karina Lombard
  • ythelastman89
    November 25, 2009
    ythelastman89
    A movie that I feel is both good and bad at the same time. While it is a powerful story, the script is so overly corny that it is ruined. The acting is so-so, Brad Pitt and Anthony Hopkins gave the only decent performances.
  • SirPant
    September 25, 2009
    SirPant
    One of my more favourite Edward Zwick films, I?m not a big fan of his but this film is quite pleasant with some good performances.
  • stormyweather980
    September 14, 2009
    stormyweather980
    "Legends of the Fall" is an epic set in the early 1900s about a close-knit family that randomly comes together and breaks apart. Tristan (Brad Pitt), Alfred (Aidan Quinn), and Samuel (Henry Thomas) have always been real close. One thing that all three brothers have in common is t... read morehat they all go into war together and see how tough it is to experience such a struggle, even though their father, Colonel William Ludlow (Anthony Hopkins) doesn't like the idea. Another thing they have in common is that they all love Susannah (Julia Ormond).
    All of the characters in "Legends of the Fall" have their own separate personalities that can clash or come together at the drop of a hat. I could explain each of them, but that would give the movie away. Throughout the film, the different characters provide commentary about different events such as reading letters that are written, or telling personal thoughts.

    "Legends of the Fall" won the 1994 Oscar for best cinematography in a motion picture, and it's true, this film does have spectacular scenery and landscapes, but that's the least that "Legends of the Fall" has to offer.

    There are both good times and bad times in "Legends of the Fall." Overall, it's a fairly depressing movie, but that's just because it's a realistic film about how jealousy and bad times such as war ruled the world back in the early 1900's, and probably even more these days.

    As I mentioned earlier, all of the main cast put out their absolute best effort in "Legends of the Fall." As always, I was the utmost impressed by Anthony Hopkins's performance. Brad Pitt, who was the main star in this film, puts out what is his best effort ever, in my opinion.

    I can tell when a movie is one of my favorites of all time by how much I want to see it after I see it for the first time, and especially by how often I watch it after seeing it several times. "Legends of the Fall" is one of those movies that never has and never will get old to me.

    No matter what kind of movie you like, even if you're not crazy about epics or dramas, give "Legends of the Fall" a chance. It just might become one of your favorite motion picture legends. NOTE: That was my Amazon review from the year 2001. Indeed, Pitt's best, one of Hopkins's best, and one of my favorites.
  • CloudStrife84
    May 28, 2009
    CloudStrife84
    Dazzling, riveting and amazingly beautiful! There was a lot more to this film than just it's eye-pleasing visuals though, because it's also blessed with a well-written script, and a cast that leaves little to complain about (the most notable actors of which being Brad Pitt, Antho... read moreny Hopkins and Julia Ormond, who all shine in their respective roles). Great music score as well by James Horner. For all it's cinematic beauty, however, you'll not find your usual Hollywood ending here. It's more a tale of loss, revenge and tragedy, than anything else. Perhaps a tad too tragic for my taste, as I would have prefered to see a happier fate for its characters. A good movie either way though, and an emotional journey well worth taking.
  • thmtsang
    October 20, 2008
    thmtsang
    Excellent movie with great cast and plot. Three brothers grow up on a farm and they all fall for the same woman. Over the years she works her way through them. At one point I wondered if she would go for the dad too! The scenery and inter-relationships are very interesting.
  • LitelBluHli
    September 12, 2008
    LitelBluHli
    My new favorite movie! I watched it for the first time a few weeks ago.

    A very touching and beautiful story about a family, brothers, and their journey.
  • 76Majikat
    May 15, 2008
    76Majikat
    My favourite tragic romance film, I particularly enjoy the native Indian influence in this film. I can't say any more without giveing the plot away to those who haven't seen this film, but it's a great journey of three brothers, who are each unique.
  • sanjurosamurai
    May 7, 2008
    sanjurosamurai
    an early film for the genius edward zwick, this is a truly beautiful movie with astounding cinematography and amazing locations. the scenery in nearly every shot was absolutely amazing. the acting was also solid, especially hopkins. the only thing holding this film back is the... read more very bizarre story itself. it was difficult to find much of a sense of realism as the film played more like a soap opera than a gripping tale of humanity, but the technical elements of this flick were on point.
  • kenstachnik
    January 17, 2008
    kenstachnik
    Worth it just to see Brad Pitt scalp a bunch of Germans

View All Legends of the Fall Reviews

Critic Reviews

Richard Schickel
August 14, 2009
Richard Schickel, TIME Magazine

Edward Zwick, the director, and Susan Shilliday and Bill Wittliff, the screenwriters, are under the impression that they are bringing forth a tragic epic, not a silly melodrama... Full Review

Variety Staff
March 26, 2009
Variety Staff, Variety

As densely plotted as Legends of the Fall is, it's to the credit of the performers and craftsmen that the film escapes the abyss of melodrama and sentimentality. Full Review

Janet Maslin
May 20, 2003
Janet Maslin, New York Times

Mr. Pitt's diffident mix of acting and attitude works to such heartthrob perfection it's a shame the film's superficiality gets in his way. Full Review

Peter Stack
June 18, 2002
Peter Stack, San Francisco Chronicle

Big and beautiful as it looks, the film doesn't deliver much emotional punch. Full Review

Peter Travers
May 12, 2001
Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

Though the admirable Quinn has the toughest role, Pitt carries the picture. The blue-eyed boy who seemed a bit lost in Interview With the Vampire proves himself a bona fide movie star, stealing every ...

Roger Ebert
January 1, 2000
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

This is the kind of big, robust Western love story that just begs to be filmed -- which, come to think of it, it has been. Full Review

Rita Kempley
January 1, 2000
Rita Kempley, Washington Post

As directed by Edward Zwick, the yarn doesn't so much sweep as sprawl across the screen in all its panoramic idiocy. Full Review

Desson Thomson
January 1, 2000
Desson Thomson, Washington Post

We see ... misery, betrayal, heartbreak, ridiculous plot twists and, after he sustains a stroke, Hopkins apparently doing a composite impression of Popeye and Quasimodo. Full Review

James Berardinelli
January 1, 2000
James Berardinelli, ReelViews

The kind of movie that doesn't require much effort to surrender to and enjoy. Full Review

Afsheen Nomai
January 1, 2011
Afsheen Nomai, Common Sense Media

Tween girls will swoon over this tear-jerker. Full Review

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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Legends of the Fall Trivia

  • Name the movie that starred Anthony Hopkins, Julia Ormond, Aidan Quinn, and Brad Pitt.  Answer »
  • in what movie does Brad Pitt have the strugle through his family and love life, losing his brother at war and not being with the one woman he really loves.  Answer »
  • Anthony Hopkins and Brad Pitt star together in "Meet Joe Black". Name the 1994 movie they starred in together as father and son.  Answer »
  • John Williams did NOT compose the score for this movie...  Answer »
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