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Sommersby

Play trailer Poster for Sommersby PG-13 Released Feb 5, 1993 1h 52m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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63% Tomatometer 27 Reviews 60% Popcornmeter 10,000+ Ratings
A man returns to his home town after a lengthy absence spent fighting in the US Civil War. Although his apparent character transformation arouses his wife's and others' suspicions, everyone is delighted when his tobacco-growing scheme is profitable for the whole town. Just as he is settling into an idyllic routine with his family, he is accused of the murder of a man killed many years before.
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Sommersby

Sommersby

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Critics Consensus

Sommersby stumbles as a consistently compelling mystery, but typically solid work from Jodie Foster and Richard Gere fuels an engaging romance.

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Critics Reviews

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Edward Guthmann San Francisco Chronicle What sounded like an embarrassing blunder -- the romantic pairing of Richard Gere and Jodie Foster -- turns out to be surprisingly entertaining and persuasive. Rated: 3/4 Jan 11, 2023 Full Review Adam Mars-Jones Independent (UK) His (Amiel's) direction is full-blooded and unafraid of sentiment, but he reins in the film's epic possibilities, which could easily have bogged things down. Nov 14, 2017 Full Review Owen Gleiberman Entertainment Weekly Rated: B Sep 7, 2011 Full Review Malcolm Johnson Hartford Courant Sommersby has everything to succeed. There's just one minor problem in this Americanized remake of The Return of Martin Guerre: Who can believe Richard Gere and Jodie Foster as a Tennessee Ashley and Scarlett? May 31, 2018 Full Review Susan Granger www.susangranger.com Rated: 3/5 Dec 27, 2007 Full Review Michael Dequina TheMovieReport.com Rated: 3/5 Jan 11, 2007 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (295) audience reviews
matthias s "Somersby, a cinematic rollercoaster that leaves you torn between applause and yawns. The stellar cast delivers great acting, with performances that elevate the film despite its shortcomings. The plot, initially promising, meanders between captivating and downright boring. The courtroom sequence is a standout, a shining moment that makes you wish the entire movie had the same pulse-pounding energy. While the script fails to maintain its momentum, the film's saving grace lies in its excellent soundtrack, setting the mood with finesse. The ensemble cast does their best, but the lack of a compelling twist at the end leaves you feeling unsatisfied. Somersby is a cocktail of highs and lows, a good watch for those seeking a mix of great acting and courtroom drama, but be prepared for the occasional dip into the realm of boredom." Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 01/20/24 Full Review John R Tonally, this movie was kind of all over the place. There are some interesting ideas, such as how much of our identity is based on who other people think or say we are and whether your good name is worth your life. On the whole though, this is the sort of movie you put on once and then never think about again. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 04/25/23 Full Review Audience Member Good not great. Gere and Foster make it compelling enough for one man’s love and sacrifice. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 02/06/23 Full Review dan b Great plot, great acting, I loved it Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member It's been a long time since I watched this, but it made an impact on me. Sad, emotional- he was trying to be the right person for once. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/25/23 Full Review Jeffrey J This movie would be much better with another female lead rather than Jodie Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 02/06/21 Full Review Read all reviews
Sommersby

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Cast & Crew

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Jon Amiel

Director

Richard Gere

John Robert "Jack" Sommersby

Jodie Foster

Laurel Sommersby

Bill Pullman

Orin Meecham

James Earl Jones

Judge Barry Conrad Issacs

William Windom

Reverend Powell

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Sommersby

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Movie Info

Synopsis A man returns to his home town after a lengthy absence spent fighting in the US Civil War. Although his apparent character transformation arouses his wife's and others' suspicions, everyone is delighted when his tobacco-growing scheme is profitable for the whole town. Just as he is settling into an idyllic routine with his family, he is accused of the murder of a man killed many years before.
Director
Jon Amiel
Producer
Arnon Milchan, Steven Reuther
Screenwriter
Nicholas Meyer, Sarah Kernochan
Distributor
Warner Bros. Pictures
Production Co
Canal+, Alcor Films, New Regency Productions
Rating
PG-13
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Feb 5, 1993, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Mar 1, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA)
$46.4M
Runtime
1h 52m
Sound Mix
Surround
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