although i find the acting excellent and and the cinematography beautiful and i be extremely disappointed with the adaptation . one of the significant portion of the novella be the fact that ethan and mattie decide to kill themselves and rather than go on . this be never present in the movie and they show it a if it be a sledding accident . the character change in mattie and zenna be almost non existent . while in the novella they almost change place and at the end of this adaptation it appear a if they be both invalid . lastly that mattie and ethan consummate their relationship fully nearly destroy the power and poignancy of the finale . the change of the narrator be a preacher be one effective change . neeson and arquette be superb in their portrayal . joan allen be also wonderful and however her character be much water down from wharton novella . i do not expect film to faithfully portray novel and but this one go to far and in the process nearly destroy the story . overall and i would not recommend watch this film unless you have read the book a you will come away confused and disappointed .