Customer Reviews

Crimes of the Heart

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The films I watch tend to be action films of the likes of Arnie, Stallone and Gibson et al. So it may come as a surprise that I say that I think this film is a real gem. So why do I think that? Well, for a start it's just a pure delight from start to end. Great acting, great directing, great storyline. It's a southern story played out with charm, elegance and humanity. It's really very diificult to say exactly why one likes this movie because it really is a special personal experience that covers so many things, from aspects of motivation, the way the characters reflect and even just their accents. I will never forget those simple lines "oh babe why did you do it" and the replies, or the "she was just having a very bad day" lines too. It's a very personal film, laid back, up-close, intimate, soft, a work of art. Brilliant acting, brilliant direction and brilliant script - lovely film.

I've seen this movie about 5 or 6 times. After each viewing, I always feel good. Yes, it's kind of strange and sad, but Diane, Sissy and Jessica are fabulous. Tess Harper as Chick and Sam Shephard as Doc round out a superb cast. If you're in the mood for something a little different to curl up with, watch Crimes of the Heart!

Usually when I sense that the actors had a great time making a movie, the result isn't particularly noteworthy. ("Cannonball Run" comes to mind.) But "Crimes of the Heart" is an exception. If Jessica Lange, Diane Keaton and Sissy Spacek weren't absolutely delighted to tackle the lead roles in this film, they are much better actors than I thought.

The material is reminiscent of Flannery O'Connor, who wrote some of the most humorous, offbeat Southern fiction extant.

The three sisters are so controlled by their visceral reactions that one wonders if any of them have ever had an intellectual moment. Although it would be maddening to have such people for friends, they're great instruments for movie comedy.

One final note: If anyone thinks Sissy Spacek is goofy-looking (as I used to), they will change their mind when they see her in this. She is absolutely gorgeous here.

This movie, to me, was truly wonderful. It pulls you in and makes you want to keep watching. The comedy is wonderful, as is the drama. Diane Keaton, Jessica Lange, and Sissy Spacek are wonderful as three sisters who are reunited because of something that happens. Sam Shepard has a wonderful supporting role as 'Doc'. All of the actors were terrific in this movie. If you like dramas and comedies mixed into one, then definitely rent or buy this movie. You won't regret it! Three Oscar winning actresses in the leading roles, a wonderful storyline, and a wonderful play-turned-into-a-movie.

Typically films that blend comedy and drama don't come off very well. They have a tendency to swing from one extreme to the other without establishing a happy medium. "Crimes of the Heart" is not like that at all. The blend of comedy and drama is smooth and effortless. Basically the premise is a look at the relationship between the quirky Magrath sisters in the small town of Hazlehurst Mississippi. Elder sister Lenny (Diane Keaton) is an aging spinster with little experience with men. Middle sister Meg (Jessica Lange) has had more than her fair share of men and scandals that result. Youngest sister Babe (Sissy Spacek) has just shot her abusive husband and is facing a lengthy prison term if convicted. It is this event that brings the sisters together where their idiosyncrasies and past resentments surface and set the stage for some amusing confrontations and revelations. To me this film is synonymous with a warm hug as the atmosphere is very welcoming and familiar and as viewers we can really feel like a part of the Magrath sister's world. The performances are terrific and very natural. There's no impression of upstaging or attention mongering. The three leads act with each other as opposed to acting "at" each other. Tess Harper and Sam Shepard complete the film with their supporting turns. This is a great film that gets better with additional viewings and interestingly enough becomes more compelling and entertaining. Lots of fun!

I saw this movie on tv in the late 80's and it's always stayed with me. I now on it and watch it from time to time. the best thing about this movie is of course the actors! all 3 woman are amazing and some really good supporting roles as well. it has some pretty touching subjects in the film. dealing with death, abuse and an interacial love afair. so if you want a movie that has some pretty darn funny stuff in it thats also touching with some damn good performances then watch this movie!

`Crimes of the heart' is a wonderful movie based on the Pulitzer Prize winning play by Beth Henley.

The story is about three sisters, Lenny (Diane Keaton), Meg (Jessica Lange), and Becky (Sissy Spacek), who reunite together after a long time when Babe (Becky) shoots her husband. Due to the fact that their mother committed suicide when they were young, the three girls have completely different personalities from each other. Lenny, the oldest, is a reticent woman having problems with relationships because she thinks low of herself due of her medical problems. Meg, the middle sister, leaves the family at a young age to pursue a career in Hollywood, only to end up in failure. Babe, the youngest sister, shoots her husband because of the abuse and loneliness through the years. As the days pass, the three sisters come closer again and face each other's difficulties.

This was a delightful movie to watch, due to many reasons. Firstly, the entire cast acted wonderfully. When you see names like Sissy Spacek, Diane Keaton and Jessica Lange, you know you are going to see powerful performances of the characters in the movie. They all acted faultlessly in their own way according to their roles. Secondly, Bruce Beresford did a great job in brining Beth Henley's award-winning play to the screen. Furthermore, the background music also added well to the movie.

I wouldn't recommend this movie to everyone, but if you enjoy watching dark-comedy movies, then you will like this one.

I bought this movie because my female family members got together for a slumber party (I'm the youngest at 44!)~We had a blast! This was one of the movies my sisters and I had seen together at the movie theater.
This movie is a bit on the dark side as it is about 3 sisters who are disfuntional in their lives (wait-who isn't??) But is shows how in the end, families are meant to take care of each other when the going gets tough. If you are into semi-dark humor/drama, then this is a movie for you. The characters are completely believable (I think we all have some of each of them in us), and the story line is easy to follow. Sissy Spacek,Diane Keaton, and Jessica Lange have great chemistry together~Too bad they didn't make more movies together. One regret, I wish I could have seen this in play form~I bet it would have been just as good.

Crimes of the Heart is the screen adaptation of the hit Beth Henley play. The McGrath sisters are an unlikely a set of sister. Their family was once the pillar of society but now they have fallen from grace.

Lenny (Diane Keaton) is the oldest sister, Meg (Jessica Lange) is the middle sister and Babe (Sissy Spacek) is the baby sister. Each is very different. Lenny has become a spinster (well she was a spinster even before she was old.) Meg has always been a free spirit and has fled the small southern town (well, she left a under a cloud.) Babe had everything come easy to her and married a successful lawyer. Also, there is cousin Chick (Tess Harper) who married above her station and is quick to point out the sisters faults.

As the film starts Lenny is celebrating her birthday, alone. Babe returns to the family home after shooting, but not killing, her husband. Meg also returns for a reunion under these unpleasant circumstances. Of course, what follows is the sisters reopening old wounds. Meg also opens up one of her own old wounds by reuniting with her high school sweetheart, Doc (Sam Sheppard or Mr. Jessica Lange). But the big question is why did Babe shoot her husband (Beeson Carroll)? She won't even tell her own lawyer (David Carpenter).

This is a brilliant comedy with great performance by all. Sissy got the Oscar nomination but all three sisters were great. This is a great look at the early eighties mores from a small town point of view.

DVD EXTRAS: None

Not only was this movie very true to the play, it was very well acted by three wonderful Oscar winning actresses. Diane Keaton plays Lenny, the oldest of the three, who seems to be the most sane sister of the three. Jessica Lange can't seem to keep a man. She just sort of jumps from one relationship to another and Sissy Spacek plays Babe, the youngest of the three, and she has just shot her husband, so she has a few problems there. Yet it is that that brings the three together again for a bittersweet reunion. Sam Shepard also shines as Doc Porter, a long time friend of the family. I would classify this movie as being a 'chick flick', but a very well done one at that! So if you like these actresses, I would highly recommend this movie to add to your collection.