Review of The Bridges of Madison County (1995) by Michelle C — 03 May 2008

I remember when "Bridges of Madison County" first came out, it was a huge deal because it was an older couple, it had to do with an affair, and so many older married women related to it.

Nowadays, it doesn't feel scandalous for those reasons, as we know that older people have sex and affairs are relatively common. Also, I don't think that women now would relate as much to sacrificing oneself for the husband and kids. Instead, today the approach is more "seize the day" and "self-fulfillment," a la Oprah.

As Jocelyn pointed out, the movie was very much a woman's fantasy. I noticed how everything was portrayed from a woman's perspective, including the outcomes of the adult children. I didn't understand or buy Clint Eastwood's motivation -- what drew him so much to Meryl Streep?

Also, and maybe I'm cynical, but the time they had together was only four days. Can you really find the love of your life in four days? It would have been more believable it if it was an affair that ran the course over several years.