I recently saw this movie again after first seeing it in the movies when it first came out.The premise of the story was good - what would you do if you suspected a family member of creating a terrible crime. Would you try and cover it up or would you turn the person in and tell the truth. These are some of the questions Liam Neeson and Meryl Streep as the parents have to contend with. I enjoy both of their acting and felt that Liam Neeson as the father was more realistic, while I felt that Meryl Streep seemed a little wishy washy. I didn't care for the son, played by Edward Furlong at all. I thought he was too blah and mopey and I didn't have much sympathy for him at all. There were also good performances by Alfred Molina as the defense attorney and Julia Wheldon, who played Liam and Meryl's daughter. The movie moved along well and I felt that the ending was satisfactory. I was glad that the movie showed that people must take responsibility for their actions. All in all a good movie.

I first watched this film several years ago on cable, and then watched it again tonight. I walked away from it this time being even more impressed -- overall -- with it as a drama, and with the much of the acting. And that's saying a lot because I very much dislike Liam Neeson, and usually ignore films in which he stars.The story itself is rather depressing because it tells of the virtual disintegration of a family as a teenaged son is accused of murdering his girlfriend. The mother (Meryl Streep) is probably the parent acting most responsibly, although she cannot conceive that her son might actually murder someone (the "That's just not him" scenario that is all too common among modern parents -- and I say that as a long time teacher and school principal). The father is taking more the attitude that he's guilty, but we'll protect him no matter what -- literally destroying crucial evidence.Streep and Neeson are superb here (although that doesn't mean you'll like or respect Neeson's character). We've come to expect perfection from every Streep role, and here she does not disappoint. Julia Weldon, as the young teen daughter, is also excellent; very believable.As good as those performances are, there are two disappointments. Edward Furlong, as the son, well...as his later career has demonstrated, just doesn't have it to be a successful actor. His only real talent in this film seemed to be his ability to look mournful. He was almost painful to watch. And Alfred Molina...I've seen some performances of his that have been quite good...but not this one. I feel he totally misplayed the role of defense attorney.I thought the movie was quite good, and the acting both good and poor, depending on the actor. But, twice is enough.

If you've read to this point in the reviews then I suppose you will not be distressed by spoilers, but be on the alert. I discuss the ending. Spoilers coming.This movie is about a family in crisis and I found it quite involving overall. It also raises ponder-worthy questions about personal and legal ethics. I was afraid it would end in typical Hollywood style with the kid getting off scotfree. But telling the truth doesn't give him a pass; he must suffer the consequences of his actions. Of course the aggressive gotta-win attorney thinks his clients have acted in their own worst interests. But have they? Father and son do some prison time and then, the film suggests, the family heals and each member of it can move forward with a clear conscience. I agree with some of the complaints aired here by others but not all. I thought the production values were fine. It's a cold movie, a twilight and night movie, and the murky snow-filled landscapes and shadowy interiors seemed perfect. I don't see how anyone can complain about Meryl Streep's performance, which is understated and nuanced. Neeson's character is fierce; it's gotta be played fiercely and Neeson comports himself well. The son and daughter were not as effective; these young actors lack vocal power and fail to put across any subtext.

From the beginning I had my doubts about this film. During the opening scene, I braced myself for an onslaught of Sundance clichés, but as the film progressed, I was pleasantly surprised. Before and After is a gem of a character study with believable performances by Meryl Streep and Edward Furlong. Liam Neeson's performance as a father with a reserved psychotic sense of protection toward his son is one of the film's highlights. There were some weak spots in the dialogue, but otherwise the script was well-written and engaging.Be prepared to be sucked into this movie; it's slow-paced, but the subtle suspense will make it nearly impossible to stop watching. Just when you think the film has told its story and can't develop any further, you discover that you've seen the beginning of Act II instead of the film's climax.