Number 91 on the AFI Top 100 list is Alan J. Pakula’s Sophie’s Choice (1982.)

If you’re like I was and you’ve never seen Sophie’s Choice, you’ve probably asked the question, “Why the hell does Meryl Streep get so much respect?”

Watch Sophie’s Choice and you’ll find out why.

TCM.com gives this synopsis:

A concentration camp survivor resettles in New York City but can’t escape her past.

Sophie’s Choice is not a good film.  I don’t think it works at all as a dramatic narrative.  It would make a better stage play.

But…

Meryl Streep is amazing.

Sophie’s Choice was nominated for 5 academy award but only won for Best Actress – Meryl Streep.

If you haven’t seen Sophie’s Choice, eat your vegetables and see the film.  You probably won’t enjoy the experience but you’ll see a master at work.  Kevin Kline also does a fine bit of acting though not as nuanced as Meryl.

On a side note, my favorite Meryl Streep film is The River Wild (1994.) What is yours?