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Brad Pitt's star, already on the ascent when Legends was released in 1994, zoomed to stratospheric heights as a result of his work in this multilayered saga of Montana ranch life during the early 20th century. Anthony Hopkins contributes one of his customarily assured performances as the former cavalry officer who, disgusted by the government's persecution of Native Americans, concentrates on building the sprawling cattle ranch that will one day belong to his three sons. The siblings are Aidan Quinn (playing the oldest), Henry Thomas (the youngest), and top-billed Pitt (the unruly middle brother), whose squabbling and rivalries intensify when pretty Julia Ormond happens along. Director Edward Zwick (Glory) focuses his storytelling energies on the conflicts among the sons and their relationship with their iconoclastic patriarch, maintaining the integrity of Jim Harrison's novella and never allowing the narrative to degenerate into mere soap opera. Ormond is radiant, and Quinn and Thomas are superb as the "bookend" brothers, but Legends belongs almost entirely to Pitt, who, in this lyrical period piece, finally reveals himself to be a charismatic leading man. Ed Hulse

All Movie Guide

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 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

Product Details

• UPC: 043396115163
• Source: SONY PICTURES
• Region Code: 1
• Aspect Ratio: Theatre Wide-Screen (1.85.1)
• Presentation: Wide Screen
• Sound: Dolby Digital Surround, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround
• Language: English, Français
• Subtitles: English, Français
• Time: 2:12:00
• Sales Rank: 2,237

This DVD is also available as part of a box set:

• Anthony Hopkins
• Leading Man Pack

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