yusef67

I remember when I first saw this and thought this is the piece that will re-energize Diana Ross' acting career. An argument can be made that it is her best acting performance ever! even better than "Lady". For the simple reason is that there was no singing, or music for that matter in this film. Diana had to draw on other things to pull this off. And pull it off she did.. Why she didn't receive major accolades for this role is perplexing. Also this made for t.v movie has been locked in a vault somewhere for the last decade. I can't recall ever seeing this replayed again on t.v. The subject matter is very serious and reaches millions of people. It was handle well and with integrity. And the lead performance was as strong as any seen on the small screen.. So why has this performance and film been socio overlooked over the years? Very disappointing...

My initial viewing of this was somewhat lackluster.. Yes I thought it was a good movie, but Oscar winner? Then I saw it a second time and suddenly, like someone turned on a light, I go it! My revelation manifested itself in the performance of Mary Tyler Moore. My first viewing left me wondering what the big deal was about her in this movie.. My second viewing found a wonderful performance that in my opinion certified her entire career.. I thought she was that good! Her cold and distant demeanor engrossed the screen whenever she was on it.. Does this woman have a pulse? does she have blood running through her vines? This movie is a dark journey into the heart and soul of dysfunctional family USA... So many can relate to the emotions that were flowing through this family.. The setting may change but those feelings are universal...

I haven't seen this movie since its first release, but the mere mention of it still gives me chills.. Not just for the subject matter, which on its own is deep and haunting.. But for the greatest performance ever seen by an actor.. Meryl Streep has since proved she is probably the greatest actress in cinema, and her portrayal of Sophie will be all that will be needed to certify that assertion... She has done brilliant work since then, and of course there are some who deserve to be mentioned in the same breath with her, but her body of work cannot possibly be out-done. And Sophie's Choice is her signature piece.. Her effortless tackling of complex languages with such ease and clarity was a jaw-dropper. Streep changed the ballgame with this gem. The bar was raised so high for her generation that it became crystal clear that no one would ever come close... And now over twenty years since its release it is safe to say.. No one ever did...