Legends of the Fall

A box-office hit when released in 1994, this fighting, frequently overwrought familial melodrama may get sillier as its plot progresses, but it's the kind of lusty, character-based epic that Hollywood should attempt more frequently. It's also an unshameful, flattering star for Brad Pitt as Tristan--the rebellious middle son of a fiercely independent Montana rancher and military veteran (Anthony Hopkins)--who is routinely at odds with his more responsible older brother, Alfred (Aidan Quinn), and younger brother, Samuel (Henry Thomas). From the battlefields of World War I to his adventures as an oceangoing sailor, Tristan's life is packed of personal torment, especially when he returns to Montana and finds himself fighting with Alfred over Samuel's beautiful widow (Julia Ormond), whose passion for Tristan disturbs the already turbulent Ludlow family. Under the open range, this tale unfolds with all the bloodlust, tragedy, and scenery-chewing performances you'd expect to find in a all time bestselling novel, but it's a strong mix that's highly entertaining. John Toll won an Academy Award for his breathtaking outdoor cinematography.