Wow, I was wrong.

Rating: 8/10 (5 August 2001)

Maybe it is that it is because it is so steeped in "southern tradition." I certainly don't like to see the way African-Americans are portrayed. Maybe it is because the last time I saw the film it was on TNT(?) and they mercilessly cut and subdivided the movie - putting freeze frames in prior to commercials.
Today, I just watched the movie from beginning to end - uncut and I must say that I enjoyed it. It is very well written and a powerful romance.
I recommend this to anyone who wants to see a good movie - as long as they too watch it uncut and uninterrupted.