*Spoilers marked at end* I'm a little puzzled by the low rating here. I gained some light by reading the more negative reviews and it seems that the points of the film may have been missed by some. Those who did get it and still didn't like it I can totally respect, but so many here just aren't getting it.If you have any interest in the film, give it a chance, please. This is seriously underrated, as it is one of the most complex and mature films to come out of the 80s. Winger and Berenger both deserved Oscars, honestly. She is so underrated herself. Winger absolutely inhabits this role. She IS this woman. Her beautiful eyes are so expressive. She can convey everything we need to know just by her face. She carries this film through any faults it has.Berenger is equally fantastic. No wonder this was his favorite role.**SPOILERS AHEAD**After he discovers that she's with the FBI, we see him laying in bed with her, tears falling silently on his pillow. In this moment we find the point of the film. People who do terrible things are still human. They are not monsters. Just people. They can be wicked and disgusting and twisted, but still have love and gentleness in their souls. In the film's last moments, this point is driven home in a bittersweet goodbye with her almost-stepdaughter Rachel. We can see the path Rachel is on, the same as her father. In just a few years she could behave just as wickedly as he did.But there's a glimmer of hope that she will remember Winger's character, remember her words, and choose a different path. And so, how will we ever address these societal issues unless we can realize these are just people? That doesn't mean sympathize or excuse. But knowledge is required for true change.Amazing film.

"Betrayed" has a gripping start but for a while after that it seems like it's not up to much (maybe because the trailer gives away too much of the plot)....gradually it emerges as a disturbing, thought-provoking and emotionally complex (even the title is ambivalent) political thriller. This may be Joe Eszterhas' weightiest script ever, though it does require major suspension of disbelief at some points. Costa Gavras directs with old-fashioned efficiency (the "hunting" sequence is harrowing), and the two leads, especially Tom Berenger, give their roles more dimensions that you might expect from reading the basic outline of the plot. All in all, it's a flawed but underrated movie. **1/2 out of 4.

The artistry in this film is evident, the plot is gripping from beginning to end. I was pleased to see so many familiar faces in the cast: Betsy Blair, (a 1955 Oscar Nominee for "Marty"), "Frasier" dad John Mahoney, John Heard, and character actor Ted Levine ("Silence of the Lambs") all are here, and all do a wonderful job.The plot unfolds slowly at first, with only faint hints of what is to come. (Actually, the less you know about this film going in, the more you will be surprised by it.) The "wholesome" farm community which seems so "normal" holds so much more--something troubling and sinister. But yet, these people still retain that "wholesome" normalness to them, even after we see what is underneath. The "normalness" never completely goes away, and in some cases, we still are actually able to sympathize with these characters, as depraved as they are. As a previous reviewer said, the "insanity of normality". "Betrayed" depicts this well. The whole cast is wonderful--Winger is compelling and convincing, as is the rest of the cast. The characterization (and acting) of Tom Berenger as the "insane/normal" Gary should be applauded particularly. All through the film his character is consistent--a man with a "normal" ability to love those close to him. Even when see how his motivations and world view are so completely warped, we see a Gary who feels deeply, loves, and wants many the "normal" things in life. These qualities do not disappear when the darker side of him is revealed, which makes his character all the more fascinating and even sympathetic at times. The "insanity of normality" is most evident in his character.The production quality of 'Betrayed ' is good with fine acting all around. Honorable mention is deserved by underrated actor John Heard who plays Katy's commander and suitor. In 1988 he was still thin.Overall rating: 8 out of 10.

"Betrayed" is really a movie of underdeveloped, mostly unlikable, characters. Other than Debra Winger and Tom Berenger, we know next to nothing about everyone else. Sure, John Heard alludes to a past relationship with Winger, but really all he does is complain about a lack of evidence. Between a few shockingly evil events, there is way too much repetitive relationship nonsense, which makes the film seem overly long. The ending is a real stretch, as Beringer's cat and mouse game with the now unmasked F.B.I. agent, should have clued him that she just might try and get the drop on him. Overall the movie becomes tedious, and is not recommended, except for Tom Berenger's performance. - MERK