The Bridges of Madison County

1995

The Bridges of Madison County

Critics Consensus

Sentimental, slow, schmaltzy, and very satisfying, The Bridges of Madison County finds Clint Eastwood adapting a bestseller with heft, wit, and grace.

90%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 58

87%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 48,125

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Movie Info

The brief, illicit love affair between an Iowa housewife and a post-middle-age free-lance photographer is chronicled in this powerful romance based on the best-selling novella by Robert James Waller. The story begins as globetrotting National Geographic photographer Robert Kincaid journeys to Madison County in 1965 to film its lovely covered bridges. Upon his arrival, he stops by an old farmhouse to ask directions. There he encounters housewife, Francesca Johnson, whose spouse and two children are out of town. Thus begins their four-day affair, a liaison that fundamentally changes them both. Later Francesca chronicles the affair in a diary which her flabbergasted grown children read; never would they have expected their mother to be capable of the passion she experienced with Kincaid. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi

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Cast

Clint Eastwood
as Robert Kincaid
Meryl Streep
as Francesca Johnson
Annie Corley
as Carolyn
Victor Slezak
as Michael
Jim Haynie
as Richard
Phyllis Lyons
as Betty
Debra Monk
as Madge
Sarah Kathryn Schmitt
as Young Carolyn
Christopher Kroon
as Young Michael
David Gilbert
Richard Lage
as Lawyer
Michelle Benes
as Lucy Redfield
Walter Slezak
Alison Wiegert
as Child No. 1
Brandon Bobst
as Child No. 2
Pearl Faessler
as Wife
R.E. 'Stick' Faessler
as Husband
Tania Mishler
as Waitress
Billie McNabb
as Waitress
Art Breese
as Cashier
Lana Schwab
as Saleswoman
Larry Loury
as UPS Driver
James Rivers
as James Rivers Band Member
Mark A. Brooks
as James Rivers Band Member
Peter Cho
as James Rivers Band Member
Eddie Dejean Sr.
as James Rivers Band Member
Jason C. Brewer
as James Rivers Band Member
Kyle Eastwood
as James Rivers Band Member
George Orrison
as Cafe Patron
Ken Billeter
as Cafe Patron
Judy Trask
as Cafe Patron
David Trask
as Cafe Patron
Edna Dolson
as Cafe Patron
Dennis McCool
as Cafe Patron
Michael C. Pommier
as Cafe Patron
Jana Corkrean
as Cafe Patron
M. Jane Seymour
as Cafe Patron
Karla Jo Soper
as Cafe Patron
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Critic Reviews for The Bridges of Madison County

All Critics (58) | Top Critics (19)

  • With Eastwood as Kincaid and Meryl Streep as Francesca, this carefully observant love story turns Waller's pop-lit passion into screen art.

    Jul 31, 2013 | Rating: 3.5/4 | Full Review…

    Jeff Shannon

    Seattle Times
    Top Critic

  • Bridges is an admirable achievement, one that probably does more to reposition its maker as someone who can carry a movie without carrying a gun than as the director/star of a Love Story for the Loving Care set.

    Jul 31, 2013 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review…

    Carrie Rickey

    Philadelphia Inquirer
    Top Critic

  • The result, if rather thin and certainly far from a masterpiece, is nevertheless quite lovely. This affecting little film is easily one of Eastwood's best efforts as a director.

    Jul 31, 2013 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review…

    Jay Boyar

    Orlando Sentinel
    Top Critic

  • The two leads' sly comic rhythm is miles removed from the book's failing solemnity.

    Jul 31, 2013 | Full Review…

    Anthony Lane

    New Yorker
    Top Critic

  • Eastwood's Bridges has the energy and spontaneity of a picture that was shot quickly. And that serves the material well, because it removes the solemnity that could stiffle a modern classic.

    Jul 31, 2013 | Rating: 4/4 | Full Review…

    Gene Siskel

    Chicago Tribune
    Top Critic

  • Despite all his craft and sincerity, [Eastwood] and screenwriter Richard LaGravenese can't quite turn Robert James Waller's cardboard best-seller into flesh and bone.

    Jul 31, 2013 | Full Review…

    Jonathan Rosenbaum

    Chicago Reader
    Top Critic
View All Critic Reviews (58)

Audience Reviews for The Bridges of Madison County

  • Sep 09, 2018
    This was a quite a slow and sombre film but it was incredibly directed by Eastwood. The film has that old stylish storytelling that is lacking in modern filmmaking, it is heart wrenching even though at its core is an over the top plot. This is one of those times you must go with the plot and not pick it apart, there are holes but at its centre is two master actors at the height of there careers. I thought this was going to be a boring love piece and avoided it for this reason but I must say it is an adult focused film that is incredible. If you are lacking the adult focused drama that the 80s and 90s was quite excellent at producing, this is one of those films that you need to see. Eastwood as both the star and filmmaker exceeds, but Streep is the anchor of the film. 08/09/2018.
    Brendan N Super Reviewer
  • Nov 11, 2013
    A perfectly executed film.
    Graham J Super Reviewer
  • Mar 29, 2013
    It is deep and sentimental films like this one that make me realize how good I am listening to people. And both characters revealed their true hearts in a way that amazes. More interesting than their random anecdotes was how each spoke about him/herself. It is about "listening between the lines", if you can say. 78/100
    Edgar C Super Reviewer
  • Dec 02, 2011
    Same as the book, boring and cliche
    Bradley W Super Reviewer
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