Review of Sophie's Choice (1982) by Justina M — 12 Aug 2007

Meryl Streep gives one of the finest performances I have seen in film. It is not only the depth of emotion she summons as a Holocaust survivor who experienced unimaginable torment. It is how lived-in the performance is. Streep becomes Sophie as surely as if we were watching a documentary about this woman. Her Polish accent seems effortless. She gives performances in three languages that are equally natural. She imbues every word, reaction, and pregnant pause with a sense of history and hidden tragedy. At one point she gives a speech right into the camera that is a gentle, intimate testimony of profound anguish.

The construction of the film is brilliant in how it leads us gradually towards an inevitable conclusion. The ending of this film is as powerful as it is because the performances, as well as the screenplay and direction of Alan J. Pakula, demonstrate a clear understanding of these characters; we understand that where these characters end up is exactly where they were headed all along. Built on unspeakable guilt and tragedy, nothing could have stopped the momentum.