June 20, 1995 -- ``The Bridges of Madison County'' is based on the much-maligned, but very popular book of the same name by Robert James Waller. On one level, the story is maudlin, but on a deeper level, it is powerfully moving.

The story is first and foremost a love story, but it is more than that. It is a story about how people must live by the choices they make and how sometimes they are noble enough to sacrifice their own happiness for the people they love.

Such tales of self-sacrifice are rare in films today. The story is a nice change of pace from the normal self-centered view. The main reason this film works, however, is fine acting by Clint Eastwood (who also directs the film), who plays Robert Kincaid, and by Meryl Streep, who plays the disillusioned housewife, Francesca Johnson. They breathe life into characters that could easily have become laughable if not handled expertly. After all, it's no easy trick to portray adultery as something noble.

The film seems to drag on a little too long and is slow moving in spots, but it will certainly jerk more than a few tears from audiences around the country. It rates a B.

Click here for links to places to buy this movie in video and/or DVD format, the soundtrack, books, even used videos, games and lots of other stuff. I suggest you shop at least two of these places before buying anything. Prices seem to vary continuously. For more information on this film, click on this link to The Internet Movie Database. Type in the name of the movie in the search box and press enter. You will be able to find background information on the film, the actors, and links to much more information.