a superb retelling of a much told tale

Rating: Null/10 (21 February 2000)

This is Julia Roberts' film, just as Roman Holiday was Audrey Hepburn's film. While Greg Peck's generosity toward Audrey Hephurn is well known, so far as I know, no one has commented on Richard Gere's similar generosity to Julia Roberts. Instead, Billboard magazine comments that he mailed in his performance. He didn't - he stood out of the way, and let the limelight shine alone on Julia Roberts. Perhaps a later generation will acknowledge Richard Gere's extraordinary generosity.
As for the film itself, there are masterful performances all around, from Mr Gere to Miss Roberts, from Hector Elizondo to the master overseeing it all, Gerry Marshall. One of the best films of its time, and an example of how to do it right.