shannonnikic If this is your first studio film, you may be shocked by the fact that this adaptation is not the same as the source material. This is not Hawthorne's insightful, profound, crushingly depressing novel. As with most studio adaptations, it's been made more tantalizing and easily digestible with a sort of happy ending. In order to enjoy this film, you have to let go of the fact that it only borrows from the characters and theme of the novel and let it stand on its own. You also must accept that it is more entertaining and emotional and less thought provoking. Its also helpful to keep in mind that this is a very 90's studio film. This is a solid romance movie. Gary Oldman brings painfully beautiful depth to a character that, although well written, could have easily been made off-puttingly weak and vanilla, had it been played by one of the typical leading men of the time. The movie is worth watching for his performance alone, despite being made at the eroding peak of his alcoholism. I think this was Demi Moore's finest performance. I would have never thought of casting her for this role but she delivered a believable woman of great strength and character. She could have easily been annoyingly selfish and obstinate but instead, measured with subtlety and calculation, she is both relatable and inspiring and manages to hold her own among her accomplished male counterparts. Robert Duvall gives a solid, yet uncomfortable performance. He felt a bit alien from the rest of the cast but, in a way, it suits the character. The entire supporting cast is absolutely fantastic. The score is one of the best elements of the entire film. Direction is good, there are some awkward aspects but the overall production is beautiful and well conceived. If you take the movie for what it is and just relax, it is quite enjoyable. If you are a romantic and a fan of any of the actors, you will love it.

phinyf I was expecting a bit that I could see a love story that's great and yes for me the movie delivers just that. I can feel the suffering of both leads and how great their love is at the same time which might not be similar to the book as they say. Still, it's a great story with a believable acting. Gary Oldman was really good in acting out the role of a reverend yet he can easily cast out his being a reverend for Demi in the story. It wasn't captured how hard he tried to stay away but was just narrated with a few scenes. Inspite of that, I can feel how great their love is for each other. I thought that one will die in the end but it's good to see a Hollywood movie that doesn't have a terrible ending

Dianne Lynch This movie is a big insult to the great book 'Scarlet Letter' of Nathaniel Hawthorne.It has nothing to do with this amazing piece of Literature.So, if you've read the book I highly recommend you not to see this film. Nevertheless,if you enjoy yourselves by seeing Soap Operas this movie will thrill you to the bone. The only good thing of this movie,I could say, is Gary Oldman,whose performance is truly respectable.The same thing can not be said for his co-star Demi Moore.No one maybe can deny the beauty of this woman.But her talent is poor in this particular movie,better not make any reference to her other 'exceptional' works.

amethystwings32 I love this movie , Demi Moore's portrayal of Hawthorne's character. From his classic novel was excellent, as the woman who had committed the carnal sin of adultery. And was considered a harlot and a witch. For not only did she have an affair , brought on by feelings of lust and desire. But it was with a Holy man sworn to be loyal and faithful to only the Lord our savior. Which was considered forbidden , so as her punishment she was forced to wear the scarlet letter 'A'. Which stood for adulteress, But she when found out she was with child. And out of wedlock she had only two options , neither one was promising. In the end she had only 4 options be hung, burned , end her affair with the Priest (Oldman) which was forced to leave the church. And her final choice leave with her child and never comeback! Great move fantastic acting ! Due to certain controversial content this movie isn't for everyone! But for anyone who appreciates classic literature this is the movie for you!