this be one of the great film ever make . each frame ache with repressed passion and longing . it be about a lawyer name newland archer ( play expertly by daniel day lewis ) who yearn to break free of the rigid and repressive world of upper class new york in the 1870 . the tragedy be that he can not quite bring himself to do this and for fear of lose the security and prestige that this world offer him . a countess olenska and newland forbidden lover and michelle pfeiffer have never be good and winona ryder be equally strong a newland fiancee and may and who hide a controlling and manipulative nature behind a veil of sweetness and naivete . jay cock screenplay be a true rarity a script that be stimulate emotionally as well a intellectually . the dialogue shine and just click on the memorable quote section of the sidebar for a sampling of this script greatness . and how could i forget the master behind this masterpiece and martin scorsese . his direction be peerless and a always . his camera be always move and but the effect be stylish and subtle rather than intrusive . the framing and composition be exquisite as well . one of my favorite thing about this film be it look . the cinematography ( michael ballhaus ) and art direction ( dante ferretti ) and and costume ( gabriela pescucci ) magically recreate the visual splendor of the era . this film will hold you spellbound until it last scene and which be one of the most heartbreaking and poignant in cinematic ( and literary ) history . and to those who say that nothing happen in this film look close . unlike most film and the action here be mostly covert and not overt .