"The Age of Innocence" was Martin Scorsese's first effort at a period drama; in a sense, a cinematic prequel to his successful "Gangs of New York". It is often overlooked as one of his finest films, perhaps because the psychological tension so vividly depicted on screen isn't nearly as captivating as what he has accomplished in films such as "Taxi Driver", "Raging Bull", "Goodfellas", and of course, "Gangs of New York". But both he and his long-time collaborator, screenwriter Jay Cocks, have done a splendid job capturing the atmosphere of 1870s upper class New York City, ranging from the costumes to the fine - if somewhat muted - performances from the cast. Both Scorsese and Cocks have crafted a visual feast which is reminiscent of many Merchant-Ivory films.

Daniel Day Lewis is most impressive as Newland Archer, who conducts a secret romance with young May Welland, played by Winona Ryder, in a dignified performance that may leave some wondering whether the passion between May and Newland is absolutely real. Michelle Pfeiffer's performance of Countess Olenska, May's cousin, surprisingly also lacks some of the sexual sparks she had set off in her performance in "Dangerous Liaisons". Still, the cast performs credibly in this long, though faithful, adaptation of Edith Wharton's novel.

As a huge fan of Martin Scorsese, I was always anxious to see this. Many people I know have criticized the film for being too long and too boring, and after seeing it, I can agree. I have not read the novel that this film was based off of, which apparently after reading some reviews here, I should have. Nevertheless, I shall review the film as is, without knowledge of the book, the way this medium should be reviewed.

Newland (Daniel Day-Lewis) is engaged to May (Winona Ryder), but has this increasing yearning to be with Ellen (Michelle Pfieffer), a recently divorced siren in the late 1800s. They constantly long for each other behind everyone's back, especially May's. In the midst of this basic story, the film sporatically comments on the societal complexities of this age in early New York, as well as morals and morality. The main problem I had with the film is the pacing of it. Tension needs to be built, and long periods of dialogue with no evident threat of being caught doesn't help. The film may be faithful to the book, but in the cinema world, this is not always a good idea.

Ryder as May is also sorely underused in the story. She seemingly randomly appears whenever it's convenient for the film to remind us that Newland is engaged to her. On the bright side, Day-Lewis, Pfieffer, Ryder, and the rest of the cast turn in pitch-perfect performances in their roles, and the costumes and settings look great, but all this can't help the fact that the film drags on too long.

This movie was based on a book by Edith Warton. I liked Enya's song in the one part of the movie, but the story I thought was very shallow because everyone was so obsessed with being proper and rich. Some of the food looked good, but I got sick of seeing all of the cups and saucers and plates and watching men clipping and smoking their cigars. Everybody was always feeling sorry for themselves, and they all had too much to be feeling sorry for themselves. It drove me crazy. I liked Winona Ryder in Little Women.

I think you had to have read the book first to enjoy this movie. I searched for the big prize winning book within it and didn't find it. I was bored.

I have found the Age of Innocence, to be one of the most charming of all the Films which I have ever seen.
If I didn't know better, I'd have thought that the Film was a production of Merchant and Ivory.
All together, a Major Film!