Legends of the Fall

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Legends of the Fall

R

Released Dec 16, 1994

2h 14m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

61%

Tomatometer

62 Reviews

87%

Popcornmeter

100,000+ Ratings

In early 20th-century Montana, Col. William Ludlow (Anthony Hopkins) lives in the wilderness with his sons, Tristan (Brad Pitt), Alfred (Aidan Quinn) and Samuel (Henry Thomas). Eventually, the unconventional but close-knit family encounters tragedy when Samuel is killed in World War I. Tristan and Alfred survive their tours of duty, but, soon after they return home, both men fall for Samuel's gorgeous fiancée, Susannah (Julia Ormond), and their intense rivalry begins to destroy the family.

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Critics Consensus

Featuring a swoon-worthy star turn by Brad Pitt, Legends of the Fall's painterly photography and epic sweep often compensate for its lack of narrative momentum and glut of melodramatic twists.

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Wendy Ide

The Times (UK)

It may take place in a man’s world, but this is a women’s picture, in the vein of the overwrought family epics of the 1950s.

Jan 4, 2024

Full Review

Duane Byrge

The Hollywood Reporter

In general, director Edward Zwick does a commendable job of keeping things apace, while... John Toll's scrumptiously pristine cinematography and James Horner's piercingly full score.

Jan 23, 2019

Full Review

Terrence Rafferty

The New Yorker

At first, the picture plays like East of Eden with a bonus brother; it gets sillier as it goes.

Apr 2, 2014

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Nick Rogers

Midwest Film Journal

While some segments of the film seem to comically lurch from one tragedy to the next, a cosmically melancholy underpinning lingers — that time’s cruel sweep is how mankind tends to minimize moments between our sadness and undervalue the peace we find.

Rated: 3.5/5

Jan 16, 2025

Full Review

Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Thelma & Louise and A River Runs Through It may have gotten the wheels turning on the Brad Pitt Heartthrob Express, but it was this handsomely mounted epic that turned the actor into a pinup fave and, more significantly, a genuine star.

Rated: 3/4

Jan 5, 2025

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Nick Bythrow

Screen Rant

Brad Pitt leads an epic Western highlighting the sprawling beauty and tragedy of life in this 1994 movie from The Last Samurai director Edward Zwick.

Rated: 9/10

Dec 2, 2024

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Ace R

This truly is an excellent movie. It captures your interest, and your heart. It's a very inspiring movie with happiness and sadness. Make sure that you have a box of tissues, because you are going to need them. I highly recommend that you see this movie.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/22/25

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Andrew B

Brad Pitt in one of his early commanding performances. His portrayal of Tristan Ludlow demonstrates remarkable depth and is a commanding presence every time on film. While the ensemble cast delivers consistently strong performances, the film's pacing becomes somewhat uneven in its final act. The dramatic intensity escalates to heights that occasionally overshadow the plot's natural progression. Despite this, the film's sweeping cinematography and compelling family saga maintain viewer engagement.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

06/19/25

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david o

Man, terrific movie. One my all time faves. Great story line, acting, music. Watch it.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/30/25

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Susannah Z

Better late than never on my review. This movie is a Legend!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/21/25

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Phil B

One of the most emotionally charged and well written movies ever made. Incredible cast with incredible performances. Cinematography, directing, casting… one of the best movies ever made

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/21/25

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Leprechaun K

Wonderfully directed by Zwick. Great performances and cinematography.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/11/25

Full Review

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Edward Zwick

Director

Brad Pitt

Tristan Ludlow

Anthony Hopkins

Col. William Ludlow

Aidan Quinn

Alfred Ludlow

Julia Ormond

Susannah Fincannon Ludlow

Henry Thomas

Samuel Ludlow

Legends of the Fall: Official Clip - Alfred is Reconciled

2:12

Legends of the Fall: Official Clip - Isabel Dies

2:13

Legends of the Fall: Official Clip - Four Beers

1:59

Legends of the Fall: Official Clip - Tristan Returns

2:13

Legends of the Fall: Official Clip - Gravesite Visit

2:12

Legends of the Fall: Official Clip - Meeting the Bride

2:12

Legends of the Fall: Official Clip - Samuel Dies

2:08

Legends of the Fall: Official Clip - Susannah at the Ranch

2:12

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Legends of the Fall: Trailer 1

2:11

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Synopsis

In early 20th-century Montana, Col. William Ludlow (Anthony Hopkins) lives in the wilderness with his sons, Tristan (Brad Pitt), Alfred (Aidan Quinn) and Samuel (Henry Thomas). Eventually, the unconventional but close-knit family encounters tragedy when Samuel is killed in World War I. Tristan and Alfred survive their tours of duty, but, soon after they return home, both men fall for Samuel's gorgeous fiancée, Susannah (Julia Ormond), and their intense rivalry begins to destroy the family.

Director: Edward Zwick
Producer: Marshall Herskovitz, William D. Wittliff, Edward Zwick
Screenwriter: Jim Harrison, Susan Shilliday, William D. Wittliff
Distributor: Columbia Tristar, TriStar Pictures
Production Co: TriStar Pictures, Bedford Falls Productions
Rating: R (Some Sexuality|Language|Violence)
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 16, 1994, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 16, 2012
Box Office (Gross USA): $63.2M
Runtime: 2h 14m
Sound Mix: Dolby, Surround, Stereo

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