I first saw this great film about 6 years ago, and have seen it twice since then; and have only two weeks ago gotten it on DVD (At Wast, as Elmer Fudd would say!) Diane Lane (as usual) excels in this story of a young girl age 14, who marries a 40's Confederate veteran and it basically tells the story of (literally) the rest of their lives. Very touching,moving at times, and VERY well acted. Also turning in a stellar performance is Donald Sutherland as the veteran, and a Cecily Tyson, also in her case AS USUAL! It's simply an excellent film from start to finish - even the supporting cast does that; support the film with exceptional acting. I recommend it highly!!!

I gave this movie a '10' primarily because of the acting skills and filmography. Being a Southerner, at times some movies about the South are a little hard to swallow. I found this movie very interesting as it gave insight not only into situation but the feelings and thoughts of the characters. I especially enjoyed seeing Mr. Ed Grady in the roll of Robert E. Lee. It sometimes amazes me that he is so versatile and yet has not shown up in more movies. I believe we should have more movies in which the actors are so well suited to their parts, rather than just using some of the more established names in the movie industry as 'draws', whether they have the ability to 'become' the character they are portraying or not.

Along the lines of Miss Jane Pittman, even has Cicily, I stayed involved all the way through, enjoyed it enough to buy a copy so that I could view it without commercials. Donald is a brute, the widow deserves all the bonuses that she got, in the end. a good tale. easier to stay with that the book.

a lot of people don't know that she continued to receive his pension after he died. The government didn't plan on her living as long as she did.Not too many people get one over on the Government legally. Way to go girl. I liked this story because My great grandfather was one of the last surviving Union soldiers. He died in 1932 at the age of 90.