before all and i would like to point out that i have not read the book and so there be no chance i would be disappoint in that aspect . the major flaw i spot be historical detail and with several car and train and clothes and etc . i think do not belong at that time . possible spoilerthe technical aspect of the film be ok and nothing to brag about . but the acting and i think and be terrific . i do not have no experience in acting and still i can not believe how people can consider this terrible . maybe they have only see two movie ( ever ) and and the other one must have be very good indeed . i specially liked jeremy iron and and really understand his character and someone who crawl up the social ladder with very hard work and then fight against those who would take his life work from him and only he get so involved in this fight and he doesn not realize reason be no long at his side and and he end up a beaten and disappointed man . iron make this so believable and i sympathize with the character despite his brutality . after jeremy iron and winona ryder be also wonderful a a romantic young woman and who be draw into the revolutionary ideal by her boyfriend ( banderas and he have an under developed part and i think ) and and glenn close be also very good . meryl streep have an average performance and it be not bad and just not up to the standard of the other actor . watch out for miguel guilherme and a fine portuguese actor and between so many star . in contrast to today movie and here only the interpretation and only people matter and but at the same time and it be not a pretensious film and too worried try to be intellectual . the best proof i really like it and i be write a review 7 year later .