This happened to me. 40 years ago and seems like yesterday. Ended sadly. The movie feels so real to me.

Meryl’s character was played so well. Meryl Streep is the ultimate genius when it comes to acting. People think acting is so easy. It’s not. She is a very intelligent woman and it takes a very intelligent to be able to bring up the necessary emotions needed for each character. Whether you like the character you play or not - she still gets on with it and masters it to perfection. It’s a great image for women to admire. She handled her character Francesca so delicately and only gave what was necessary. You forget that she is Meryl Streep in her movies. This clearly shows just how fully she morphs herself into the exact character she is playing 👑

This movie broke my heart in every way, and does every time I watch it again.

the "open the door!!" part was me as hell. cried my ass off after he drove off. great film

Thank you Mrs. Streep and Mr. Eastwood, for giving us this jewel

I was amazed when I read that Clint wrote the music...How does anyone write a beautiful melody? Do they hear it in their heads? Gotta be God given. He can do anything!

My favourite movie of ALL TIME! I watch it again every 5 years, I want to "forget" a bit of it first, before watching it again.

This movie totally breaks my heart. I love everything about it. Heartbreaking...

It can hit you at any time in your life, some people dont find it until they're like 50/60 yrs old, others when they're just teens and some call it puppy love. What Meryl's character had found in this film was real and she chose not to act on it, she stayed for her husband and family that takes alot of strength, to live with those feelings for rest of your life always wondering what could have been.

I am not really a romance film genre guy, but this piece of art made me rethink about my choices. What a timeless beauty and pure class.

I watched this movie when it first came out. I was in a similar situation in my marriage and met someone who was charming and charismatic who took my breath away. I have to admit I cried for two weeks after watching this movie and felt more depressed than ever. I did eventually leave my marriage and never looked back. Chose to stay single in the end. So sad. I understand why she didn't get out of the truck near the end of the movie. Too many commitments and obligations. But she did have a short time of true love that she took to her grave. It was a beautiful love story.

I finally saw this great movie the other day. I was a crying mess afterwards. Francesca is a lot like my mom, who is from France and was uprooted from living in Paris to living in a small, somewhat boring town. She has no regrets, but resents how much she stopped being who she was.

Oscar worthy performances in a grossly underrated, Oscar worthy film. I’m not a romance movie person AT ALL. But this film is vastly different from its “peer” group. It’s about so much more than just romance. It’s also a different kind and different looking kind of romance. It has regular looking, maturely aged people unexpectedly finding the loves of their lives just by chance. Then having to make a devastating choice rooted in complete selflessness. It’s about self sacrifice for your children and family, it’s about true love lost but never forgotten, which you hold in the deepest recesses of your heart and soul, a secret knowledge you keep it hidden, just so you can continue living and doing what needs to be done. It’s about how you can live your whole life with your family and children, and give up everything for them, and not only do they never know how much you’ve given, they never really know who you are outside of your roll as “Mom”. Who you are as a human being. Or how much of yourself and your own happiness you have traded in order for them to have theirs. How it’s a bridge no one ever seems to be able cross. It’s about the fact that true love can find you when you least expect it and from the most unlikely of places. One of my all time favorite films. Although I can only watch it once ever 3 or 4 years because it just rips my heart in two. The truck scene (you know the one) and then when she’s trying to hold back the tears until she can get in the pantry and weep from utter and sheer loss and heartbreak, has me weeping uncontrollably right among with her. Because I relate a lot to that pain. To that kind of situation even. I think many of his have experienced it in our lives and in our own versions. The performances are so genuine, their chemistry undeniable, the writing and direction so superb, even the haunting music makes me cry. This film is on a completely different level than most romance films. It’s about so much more. And this film just devastates me totally ever time of watch it. Almost forget it’s a film when watching because it’s so honest and real, and it reaches right down and rips your heart out. It’s a masterpiece of storytelling and performances. And it’s a travesty how underrated it is and how overlooked it and it’s leads’ stellar performances were snubbed by the academy.

Two masters at their craft,what a pleasure it was to watch.

It’s 2019 and I still cry so hard in that scene when she so wanted to open the door of her truck. That tears me apart all the time. The fork in one’s life... what if...

One of my favorite movies forever. They were perfect together. Meryl's acting touches me more than any other actress.

I finally saw the movie 2 weeks ago. I was at my sister's house and didn't know how to work the cable tv remote and this was the only thing that looked good. watched the whole thing, couldn't believe it, and cried like a baby at the rain scene. I had seen a critic years before go over the rain scene and how brilliant it was, but it still affected me. Meryl should have gotten an Oscar for every scene she was in. i am not a movie critic, but there is a strong case to be made she is the greatest actor of her generation.

She was robbed of the Oscar for this great film!!!!!!!!!

“I’ll say this one time, I’ve never said it before, this kind of certainty only comes once in a lifetime”. OPEN THE DOOR❣️❣️❣️

Stories like these are happening all over the world - untold.

She's BRILLIANT in everything she does. Her portrayal is so sensitive to the character. You feel her heart break while sitting in the truck in the rain when clint drives off. I love the film. If you've EVER been in love and felt THAT MAGIC you'll get it. If not, you won't see it, or be impressed. I hope for your sake, someday you will.

One of my favorite movies in the entire universe. Meryl and Clint are brilliant. So honest and timeless.

One of my favorite love stories/ movies. I can watch it many times, just to see their performances.

This movie just tears at the heart - of the possibilities and the realities and the fear we have to take another step - and her character had to be loyal on a larger scale to her ties. Gorgeous film and gorgeous performances - makes me blub every time. The two of them together - couldn't see if working any other way.

Born and grew up in Iowa. Seeing the Bridge in person was a nostalgic flashback of early years and simple farm living.

you can watch this movie infinite number of times you will still cry. Meryl definitely deserved an oscar for her performance. It seems as though francesca and meryl and one and the same person. OMG what an actress.

I’m glad Clint Eastwood made a case for her .. which blows my mind. I couldn’t imagine anyone else in this part

I love everything about the book, everything about the movie... I love Clint and Meryl as actors... the chemistry between them is extraordinary. And damn, I was the one who shout "OPEN THE DOOR!!"

One of the most beautiful films .. I love it and watch it over and over .

I'm sorry I hadn't seen this movie until now! Streep, and Eastwood what a great team! It was destiny for them to make this wonderful movie. It was so believable. It's a real heart felt, work of art! Thank them both for bringing it to the world. Judy Sherry

What a movie... her performance quietly pulls at your heartstrings until they are on the floor weeping. When she sees him in his truck and can't take her eyes off of him... No words are needed.

I can't count how many times I have seen this film. The chemistry that builds between them is so real. To fall in love so deeply in such a short time - and then to know in her heart she can't leave her life - breaks ones heart. She wanted so badly to open that door - and he wanted her to - but had she done that - and left - that type of intensity between them would change - there would be no more being in a secretive relationship - then the everyday living would begin. So - in the long run, she stayed where she belonged - and he went back to his photography. By the way - I cry every time I see it .

To have been lucky enough to walk through Francescas house is so powerful. Its almost as though you find yourself in the movie. To simply walk through the old farmhouse where all those scenes were shot is just magical.

I can see this movie over and over again it’s a beautiful love story and Meryl really makes you fell all the love that Francesca feels for Robert 💕💕

i watch this movie again and again and again, she was flawless in this movie........ (love from Singapore)

The scene with her in the pickup truck next to her husband in the pouring rain had me sobbing ! Her hand on the door ready to make a run for Clint‘s truck---man, soaked up my hankerchief ! Not one word of dialogue, but one of the most heartbreaking scenes on film. Streep was brilliant and Eastwood no less as a director. Streep often comes across as being too "actressy" in her roles, but she gave this movie heart and soul. Eastwood is known as an "Actor‘s Director", he gives the actor plenty of space, never gets in the way. That's why actors in Hollywood clamor to work with him.

She and Clint are brilliant in this movie. A true love story. A rare talent by both. Eastwood is one in a million!

I opened the door... Brilliant film you can feel emotions of both.

The best romance movie. Beautiful!

Greatest love story ever - period!

one of my favorite movies of all time.

I'll never get enough of this film. I can practically recite the script! The magic between them is powerful. And two amazing, hugely naturally talented people. I love them both in everything they've done. Thanks for the memories. Judy

This film....

Very few movies can touch you the way this movie does! This is a masterpiece!

Loved the movie so much I went to Winterset Iowa to see the bridges . A thing I had to do .

I loved that film. I wonder how many people can relate to that desperate yearning only to put their heads before their hearts and let it go?

She cannot stop blushing while talking about Clint, I totally understand. Loved loved loved this movie.

The part when Meryl talks about manipulation of the actors and their lack of freedom emotionally is fantastic. I did not expect anything less from her. For the movie, what can I say for the movie? I was stunned by the chemistry of Clint and Meryl and I loved them both through their little romance. I bonded with them. The "OPEN THE DOOR!" part was so true, I remember crying my eyes out during the last scene with the rain, and her holding so tightly the car's handle... When I watched it, I was about to leave for university, and I was facing some difficulties about leaving behind my goddaughter, who I cherish. And that movie bewildered me, especially that ending scene... Amazing movie, it often reminded me of "Nights in Rodanthe", but I concluded that the former must have been a discreet copy of "The Bridges of Madison Country".

one of my all time fav movies, love this movie!!

I Love this movie...so magical!

It will be a very sad day when this wonderful actor/director finally passes away. He is as talented behind the camera as he is in front of it. I have seen virtually every film he has ever done, and have loved him. He really is very,very special. As for Meryl Streep, she was made for the role of Francesca. In terms of direction this is about as perfect as you will get.

interesting that you never forget this movie ever. The book is nice, but the acting especially MS took it to a memorable level

I always wondered why people would watch a movie more then once. I never ever came across one that I would really want to sit through more then once. That is until I saw this movie. I've watched it at least 5 times lol. Maybe more. (and read the book twice too) Such a romantic story.

i m speechless....just finished watching this movie....overwhelmed beyond words beautiful....pure and absolute

I’ve watched this movie at least five times and know I will watch it again...My all time favorite love story.

I can't explain what I'm feeling right now. Just completed watching this film. It's one of the greatest film I have ever seen. The background music was more than beautiful. Had no idea how heart breaking film it could be in the first half

One of the finest actresses Hollywood and in the world. For me she is the best actress of all time.

[Spoiler Alert] I saw and liked this movie in 1995, at the movie theater. I had a strange synchronicity with it. Shortly before seeing it, I went through almost the same events with my mother's passing. It was even also throwing out the ashes next to a bridge, even with the bridge looking similar. It was my mother's happiest time at the cottage, in childhood, with fishing. (The bridge was the old Mackay Bridge at Sundays River, by Port Elizabeth, South Africa. I was staying in Johannesburg at the time.) When the movie came out, I thought that I must go see it. I had such a lump in my throat afterward. At the end of the movie, when it was said 'Go well my children', it seemed like it was my mother saying that, to me and my brother, only sibling. I then got the DVD, in memory of my mother.

From deer hunter to the very presence on TV in BLL Meryl deserves all the accolades n rewards n awards ...she gets so involved in the character it's so hard not no take your eyes off her, I don't notice anything else but only her on the screen...

Girlfriend made me watch it last night. Glad she did. One of the very best love stories I've ever seen. Absolutely top notch, and haunting.

She's got to be one of the most beautiful and charismatic women. Hands down.

This movie makes me ugly cry...every time

I never viewed this movie , i guess i missed something very touching filled with bliss and pain . I personally have a unforgettable Love Story to share . He was the most handsome charming , exiting kind gentleman that ever graced my life He was American visiting Berlin and i am German so our time together was limited in time . We met in such an unusual way it was rather magical and our Love Affair was so thrilling our world stood still for that moment in time . Our chemistry was undeniable and our personality's matched so perfectly What followed was sheer bliss when that sweet moment of surrender occurred . We had 8 glorious days together , holding nothing back and we developed a deep bond in such a short time that would leave a incredible impact on our life to come separately . I never forget the day we had to part and i knew deep in my heart i would never see him again and sad to say i was right . I received 2 letters (i still have them today) from him telling me that it was the happiest time of his life he spent on my side in Germany and he shall never forget it. He was inviting me to come to America so we could be together , but i was not able to take that invitation at that time for various reasons . We both went on with our lives and got married to different people . Many Years later i immigrated to America finally got divorced and then i started to search for my lost handsome Lover . After an extensive search i came across a Legacy /Obituary in June 2018 and only God knows why i clicked on it and what i saw shocked me to the core it was HIM , the pain that pierced my heart i can't form in words. He died of a fatal cardiac arrest he was divorced and died alone . I am left with only one regret that i did not find him before he died . This man left a giant print on my heart and life and the once in a lifetime Love we shared was never duplicated , So needless to say total happiness eluded both of us and i shall never ever forget him until i go out to eternity too ! Just one more detail , i had the honor of meeting his grown son and he shared with me that his Father told him that he had this unforgettable Love Affair with a beautiful German Lady and that he never could forget her , that's how i know he kept his word till he died ! Now i can truly say to my once in a lifetime love , You & I we have not missed that "Many Splendored Thing" ! The most wonderful thing happen through all this, i became friends with his ex wife and his also very handsome son and we are in steady communication and i am truly blessed even in my sorrow !

LOVE this movie totally engrosses me everytime w the bittersweet passion n letting go of what cannot be....I cry for days....just love it....she was robbed of oscar

This story took place in 1965, thirty years before the movie was released 25 years ago in 1995. The story would likely have had a much different ending if it had taken place more recently. The thing that would have made that difference is the arrival of the digital era. Francesca and Robert could have stayed in touch discreetly through email and cellphones. Google would have filled in any gaps. After Richard died they could have reunited. But back in the time of the story, once you lost track of someone it could be almost impossible to find them again except by chance. That's what I find so sad about the movie. Today it would be so easy for it to have a happy ending.

Amazing film! I appreciated that I could experience the deep caring and emotional pain of these characters under these circumstances, just as if it were happening to me. I am surprised that the film and the performers do not get the recognition they deserve!

One of the best of all time.

Without a doubt my favorite actress!

will always be one of my favorite movies of all time

My favourite film ever! Brilliant acting, direction, dense romantic story... So beautiful... When I watch always brings me a big emotion... A masterpiece! Thank you Clint to choose always great stories to tell us! Glad Meryl was chosen to be Francesca! My two favourite actors together! ❤️🌹

Truly the best love story I have ever seen, I could watch it over and over again! you just can't forget it

One of my all time favourite movies and also amazing actors 💕 This movie really moves me!Brilliant!!

The beauty of this movie is the deep love and then great sacrifices made to do the right thing because of their locked in obligations. I don't know how much this happens today with such a "me" way of living now.

Hand's up how many of us have experienced this. I totally relate and no just how heart breaking it is to say good bye or to say nothing at all.

She is truly the finest actress of our generation, and a case can be made for the finest actress ever.

Meryl got the italian, charming, sensual lilt to her voice so well. She and Clint sizzled. I loved the film, utterly compelling. Also the music was very special, the slow, sexy bluesy jazz..mmm. Bravo ! 💜🌱🌿🧡 (i shed a tear when they realized it could not be forever, i only saw the dvd for the first time on 17th Jan 2023.).

Life is so much better with Meryl Streep. God bless her.

i loved the work the cameramen put into this movie! so much passion! (but seriously, great movie and great acting, i love it)

Loved the film, loved the story, and the actors.

This movie made me cried everytime i watched again.

This is not a usual Clint movie. He is usually the tough guy. I love seeing him play with such honesty. Believed every second. Meryl is amazing also. As an actor, I learned alot from watching these two work. I think I have seen this film 3 times. Fabulous.

Not usually my type of film but this was just excellent.

Well, that’s how older generations were.... committed to their families. She (Francesca) would not leave her children or husband or the stability of that life just for her personal feelings ( love for Clint’s character).... I wanted her to, but by staying and not running away, she brought me back to my senses, and I had respect for her for not destroying the life that she build with her husband, and her children. 😔💝

When I watched this I had no idea what the movie was about. I was not prepared for the range of emotions I was going to feel. I sobbed from the moment she put her hand on the door of the car and had to make that important decision all the way to the end.

One of me favorite films of all times... True love story.

Brilliant film - the painful dilemas of the heart beautifully told.

I've never cried so hard in a movie

What a memorable movie. Cannot believe how much I identified with this movie. That was also me in the car and ITCHING to open the door,but feeling helpless as his truck drove away ... lost love. That was intense. We all have secrets that may never be known. I'm glad her kids found his cameras in her trunk. They just took their mother for granted.

It’s funny I’ve seen this movie twice and I loved it the first time probably six years ago. I saw it again last night and it is absolutely one of the best movies I’ve ever seen.

Its one of mymyrle favorite movie. With Clint Eastwood and Streep

love this movie. love her. exceptional. she was perfect in this

still the story of my life.....always in love with this short novel....

I had a love like this once. The heartache of walking away from someone, something all came rushing back. I sobbed openly in the theatre with my nose running and my face was soaked. I made the wrong decision.

Francesca is one of my favourite Meryls characters.

And the music was amazing! Especially at the end. I need the soundtrack.

At my first time watching this movie, by it's end, I was laying flung across the couch surrounded by numerous paper towels soaked in my tears. Now I can watch it with only 2 or 3 paper towels, and I still gasp out, 'Open the door!!!!" I'd love to see a movie short made about what if she HAD opened the door. There just is no happy ending!

This is great movie ,2 great movie stars ,Clint Eastwood, Meryl Streep, and I love that Clint Eastwood put Johnny Hartman's music in it.

I'm so in love w/ this movie & never get tired of watching it again & again. It's brilliant & it's so involving, you feel as tho it's your love story. And the music makes me cry everytime.

I can’t imagine anyone else playing these roles.

Beautifully captured moments that I experienced first hand from the book. As in Roberts description in the book of Robert Kincaid stepping down from his motor...it caught my breath and I cried (in a coffee shop too) I just wasn't able to hold back the tears One of the very best movies ever made ❤️❤️❤️❤️