A 1980 American drama directed by the famous actor Robert Redford, in his first directional debut. It is based on a 1976 novel by Judith Guest. Redford was already convinced it would be great material for a movie script as he acquired the rights before its publication.

Robert Redford

Redford's carrer is exceptional in many ways, as it is spread over 8 decades. He was a front-man of the "New Hollywood" era of the 70s as an actor, but has always been interested in working on the other side of the camera.

He's known for his rebel and activist personality. In the late 1970s he founded the Sundance Institute and Sundance film festival, which promote independent movies.

Filming

Redford used some Actor's Studio methods to direct the actors, putting them in condition relevant to their roles. In result, one can feel that all actors have powerful parts.

The film won 4 oscars: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor.

Only a handful of movie directors have achieved such a recognition for their directorial debuts (Orson Wells - Citizen Kane - 1941, Sydney Lumet - 12 angry men - 1959, Sam Mendes - American Beauty - 1995).

So, as the tagline of the original trailer mentions: it's truly an exceptional story of ordinary people.