Watch The Age of Innocence

The Age of Innocence, released in 1993, is a historical drama film based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Edith Wharton. The film adaptation was directed by Martin Scorsese and stars Daniel Day-Lewis, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Winona Ryder. Set in the 1870s in New York City, the story revolves around Newland Archer (Daniel Day-Lewis), a wealthy lawyer who is engaged to the beautiful and well-respected May Welland (Winona Ryder). However, his world is turned upside down when he meets Countess Ellen Olenska (Michelle Pfeiffer), May's mysterious and unconventional cousin, who has recently returned to New York after leaving her abusive husband in Europe.

Newland is immediately drawn to the Countess's vitality and passion, and soon finds himself questioning the restrictive social conventions of his privileged world, where appearances and reputation are everything. As he spends more time with Ellen, he begins to see the hypocrisy and superficiality of the society he is a part of.

Despite his growing feelings for Ellen, Newland struggles with the expectations placed upon him as a member of the upper-class society. He must decide between following his heart and being true to himself, or conforming to societal norms in order to preserve his reputation and position in society.

Throughout the course of the film, the audience is taken on a journey through the lavish and ornate settings of New York's upper-class society in the late 19th century. The audience is offered glimpses into the characters' inner lives, as they navigate the strict social norms of the time, and try to reconcile their inner desires with the expectations of their communities.

The performances of the actors are exemplary, with Day-Lewis delivering a nuanced and compelling portrayal of Newland, torn between his loyalty to his fiancée and his growing infatuation with the Countess. Ryder brings a sense of innocence and purity to the role of May, while Pfeiffer imbues her character, Countess Ellen, with a fiery spirit and a fierce independence that makes her stand out in the restrictive society she finds herself in.

The Age of Innocence is a masterfully crafted film, with stunning cinematography and a meticulously researched and designed set that transports the audience back in time to the world of 19th century New York society. The dialogue is sharp and intelligent, capturing the nuances and intricacies of the social mores and cultural norms of the era.

At its heart, The Age of Innocence is a timeless story of love, sacrifice, duty, and the struggle to find one's own identity in the face of societal pressure. It is a beautifully crafted film that will appeal to fans of historical drama, period pieces, and anyone who appreciates a good love story.

The Age of Innocence is a 1993 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 19 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 90.