I have not read Pat Conroy's book but I plan to. You will note that he wrote this screen play. This movie was quite intense. I did have a problem with the psychiatrist (Barbara) sleeping with her patient. Barbra's wardrobe would have been professional, had the skirts not been short. I also had some problems with the way Nick Nolte's character was played. I lived in South Carolina for 20 years and found many of Nick's traits to be outlandish and not typical of a southern man. Yet, Tom Wingo (played by Nick) wasn't just playing a southern man; he was playing a severely traumatized man.

I gave this movie a 4 star rating because I was awestruck by the way in which Barbra Streisand played various facets of the psychiatrist role - cool and professional at the beginning, tough as nails to protect the life of her suicidal patient, quiet and analytical with Tom, asking the right questions, putting the pieces together (Savannah's "splinter that festers") and, finally, showing so much compassion. The scene where she held Tom when he cried was priceless. In this fantasy world, Barbra held the person who was hurting. People who hurt that badly need to be held. This probably doesn't happen a great deal in real life because of professional boundary concerns or sexual harrassment worries. There are many Barbra Streisand movies I have not seen, but her acting in this movie showed so much versatility. I don't think any another actress could have portrayed love, compassion, sorrow, and loss with such intensity.

Like I said in the title read the book, and more of Pat Conroy. And forget about this movie. It only shows two actors, too old for the part playing together and not talking about this great story.

Barbra Streisand's second film as a director is also her most successful, most well-liked, and by far her most oscar-nominated. It isn't hard to see why, as the film tackles the near-universal topic of dysfunctional family life, and how it ends up effecting other families as time goes on.

At the same time, this film has many controversies and flaws to it. Many fans of the novel condemn Streisand for totally changing the story around, and attempting to make the movie more about her character, Susan, when originally her role was not quite as central. It is also (agreeably) criticized for implying that revealing a secret repressed with just magically make everything better.

As far as flaws go, most of them come in the form of bad casting and unrealistic performances. The biggest miscast was Barbra's son, Jason Gould, as her son, wannabe football player Bernard. He comes across far too dorky and does not have the proper body to be completely believable as a football player. The other major problem is Barbra Streisand's performance as a psychiatrist. It has to be said that the way she acts is extremely unprofessional behavior for a psychiatrist. Real psychiatrists don't get confrontational, talk to their patients like they are stupid, yell at their patients, and certainly do not become friends with/date their patients. But you could argue that that is just something you need to suspend disbelief on.

Those flaws mentioned and ranted about, there are plenty of strong aspects to the movie. For one, the photography is just stunning, with some stunning scenery, sunsets, and even Barbra Streisand herself, looking very lovely, and difficult to take your eyes off of. Another strong point, perhaps what saves this production, are the fantastic performances. Nick Nolte, Kate Nelligan, and Blythe Danner especially give truly raw performances as complex, emotional, and not always likeable people. But nobody, not even Streisand and her son, gives a terrible performance. Finally, the storyline is very involving and heartbreaking, and even the romance between Nolte and Streisand, while a little more prevalent than it should be, is very touching.

Though nominated for many Academy Awards, it isn't hard to see why it won zero. When watched today, it has the feeling of a Lifetime tv-movie, and I'm sure the Academy felt that what could have been a raw, educational look at psychiatry and coming to terms with your past was made into not much more than a soap opera. But still, this is a very engrossing film that, love it or hate it, will stick with you. Not destined to be a classic, but good nonetheless.

Barbara strived to be someone as she was growing up in Flatbush. She was always told that she couldn't do this, wouldn't be this, and with that nose........
Barbara gives a performance of dignity and determination. Her personal belief and life's experiences are interwoven in this production.

The Price of Tides.......it will make you proud and give you hope.

I have seen this film a number of times, realized I wanted a copy to keep. While Pat Conroy's books are too often "over-written," including PRINCE OF TIDES -- I still love this particular book, and the script for the film -- brava to Streisand. And Nick Nolte is marvelous!

This dvd is not easy to find locally. Great plot and favorites Barbra Streisand and Nick Nolte were great together-a good watch.

The book was great, although the timelines were messy. I really enjoy Nick Nolte, that tough-guy creampuff, but he was too old, as was Blythe Danner. Barbra Streisand directed, & her first rule was "Any shot I'm in is MY shot, so make sure I dominate that scene". Melinda Dillon was OK, but Gwyneth Paltrow would have been far better. Of course, it's such a big, rich book that a mere commercial theatrical release could never do it justice, however, looking at this film dispassionately, Tom Wingo was the only character I cared about. By the way, why are George Carlin & Blythe Danner the only cast members listed in the Amazon header I've ever heard of? Nolte? Streisand? I'd think the stars should be listed. This happens frequently on Amazon

This is a savage ruination of a wonderful book. I don't know why Pat Conroy let Babs ruin his masterpiece...but ruin it she did.

Read the novel. Skip this mess.

I didn't notice this was the video. I have not received it yet but the book was absolutely the best I have ever read.

I had to laugh at the review the New Yorker gave to this film and to everyone and everything that seemed to be involved in the making of it. They came off like a spurned lover that was left for a much prettier woman, or someone who was stood up for the prom two years in a row. Talk about bitter. I think their review has more to do with the New Yorker's anger about Pat Conroy's statements made by his character, Tom Wingo, concerning New York and the New Yorker being less than desirable.

Tom Wingo makes them look a bit foolish and I believe that is why the New Yorker has given the writing of this movie such a bad review. They even go so far as to bash the music. The music in this film was lovely, it went beautifully with the amazing South Carolina cinematography. The New Yorker does try to say that the movie would have been fine if it weren't for the writer, Pat Conroy and his book. But, the book is far superior to the movie in so many ways. The movie is amazing, but as with many movies there is not enough time to include everything.

Pat Conroy sings a song of southern healing, of love and regret, like no other author I have ever read, and he does it all with humor. He is not a metropolitan man. He is a great southern writer, and that is what the New Yorker hates so much about Pat Conroy. But, Mr. Conroy is more than just a great southern writer, he is a great writer from the south, and that is what the New Yorker hates most about Pat Conroy.

Do not pass by this great film, The Prince of Tides, and do not, whatever you may do with your life before you die, do not pass by your life without first reading The Prince of Tides by Mr. Pat Conroy. It will make your life a better one if you allow it to, and not every book is capable of that.

Not too bad for the most part, though the ending is pretty unconvincing. The cynical, distant Nick Nolte goes to NYC after his twin sister (played by Melinda Dillon) there tries to commit suicide. He begins seeing her psychiatrist (Barbra Streisand) and through flashbacks we learn about the demons of his family's past - all of which he's learned to suppress his whole life. Conveniently Nolte's wife (Blythe Danner) takes up with another man while Nolte is falling in love with Streisand; at the end he returns to his wife though he still loves Streisand. Nolte is excellent in his role, and as is often the case when he's on screen, his persona dominates every scene he's in; Streisand is fairly bland in comparison. The movie begins to show its weaknesses after Nolte and Streisand fall in love: where the movie should be exploring their love and "obligations" in a hard, meaningful way, it only goes soft and paisley romantic. Why Nolte goes back to his wife, why she even wants him back, is hardly touched on; instead we get the throwaway lines, "You love her more," says Streisand; "No," replies Nolte, "just longer." Not a whole lot of substance there.

Because i love Barbra Streisand, she can do no wrong, great movie. seen it 6 times and will watch it again

Only the Nolte and Streisand characters are well-drawn; the rest are stereotypes. The dialog attempts to be moving, but is more often cliche. Even the climactic revelation has an ersatz, made-for-TV quality to it. Not a bad film, just not a good one.

I didn't think you could do another psychological drama that was that new or different about people who overcome buried emotional problems, finally face their repressed and dysfunctional pasts, and now have a chance for a better life, but Streisand managed it with this film based on the Pat Conroy novel. But Nick Nolte in the lead role must overcome the demons from his own parents' upbringing as well as another terrible secret still hidden in his own unconscious. In addition to Streisand's capable direction, the film wouldn't have been possible without Nolte's superb (and possibly best) performance, who really carries most of the film on his capable shoulders. I'm also reminded of Nolte's role in the later movie, "Damage," where he played another tormented, dysfunctional character, but unlike in this film, that character never confronts his demons and goes into an apparently inexplicable downward spiral. Overall a fine film and a surprisingly good cinematization of the original novel.

Sensible and poignant melodrama about an alcoholic. With a sumptuous reference frame, Streisand made possibly her finest masterpiece.

Penetrating script with a towering acting of Nick Nolte.

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE THE EARLY 90S AND WAS AMAZED AT WHAT A WONDERFUL PICTURE IT IS. THE FILM WAS NOMINATED FOR BEST PICTURE, BEST ACTOR FOR NICK NOTLE AND BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS FOR KATE NELIGAN - UNFORTUNATELY, MISS STRIESAND WAS NOT NOMINATED FOR BEST DIRECTOR, WHICH SURELY IS A MISFORTUNE BECAUSE IT WAS SHE WHO COAXED THESE MARVELOUS PERFORMANCES FROM THESE ACTORS. WATCH IT AND LOVE IT.

I hadn't given this movie much thought since seeing it when it came out originally in '91. I remember finding it a fascinating film at the time which even prompted me to read the book and discover the writing quality of Conroy. Unlike most such situations when I am disappointed by movie adaptations of great books, I found both genres to have their own beauty. This past weekend I was loaned a copy of Prince of Tides and I spent a leisurely 2 hours enjoying this masterpiece for a second time. Flashbacks are beautifully interspersed with real time discoveries. Characters to love, hate, envy, pity and laugh with abound. What impresses me most about this film is the impeccable way you find yourself switching from the lifestyle of the coastal south to the frenzy of New York City. All cinematic elements combine to take you back and forth in time and location as the characters experience their pasts and make new memories for the future. Nolte was brilliant. Streisand was lovely as an actress and obviously gifted as director. Blythe Danner was touching and talented as always, and the passage of time reveals the beauty both inner and outer she has bestowed on her daughter Gwyneth Paltrow. Buy this film and plan an evening of enjoyment whether you are male or female, young or old. The passage of time has done nothing to dim the quality of this film. It is as impressive now as it was originally, maybe even more so since it has stood the test of time so well.

This film was dreadful. Streisand is absolutely unlikeable. To enjoy this film, you would need to buy into the romance between Streisand and Nolte and I just can't see how that is possible. I couldn't believe it when I found out how critically acclaimed this film was. Along with The English Patient, this is one of the worst 'critically acclaimed' films I have ever had the displeasure of viewing.

This movie starring Barbara Striesand and Nick Nolte is a fantastic movie. Although long, you never become bored. You are drawn in from the moment it starts. I think the story is beautiful and has beautiful scenery. Anyone from the south knows why they live here. It's a wonderful place. Great movie of redemption for Nick Nolte's character and Striesand as his savior.

I saw this film for the first time three weeks ago, and it is my second favorite film, behind only Schindler's List. This film contains every element a person could want in a film: great acting, great music, excellent directing, and a fantastic and moving story.

The biggest thing i have against this movie is what people say about it, it is not a chick flick, nor a "Tear-Jerker" Yes it is very emotional, but the story is not about the love between the two main characters, it is about the redemption of Nick Nolte's character. This film is in my opinion the best film of Streisand's for any man to watch. It has managed to discuss something that most men have a hard time discussing; Their emotions!!

I played this for my father, who is forty-six, and it is his favorite film. Anyone who is beyond sterotypes and can respect the story, and the man's situation, and not afraid of a little love and emotion, should love this film.

This is Nick Nolte's best film, and he has not done anything after this that even comes close. That goes for Streisand, Krabb, and George Carlin. They are well casted, and their performances make this film a very memorable one.

This film is not for anyone who thinks women are the only ones who watch love stories, and guys are the only ones who enjoy the Terminator.

In only her second directorial effort (after "Yentl"), Barbra Streisand proves to be a masterful storyteller with an almost exaggerated romantic sensibility and an unfettered preoccupation with psychoanalysis. She obviously found the perfect vehicle in Pat Conroy's epic novel about Tom Wingo, a Southerner whose failing marriage and career reflect a deep suppression of an abusive childhood, the memories of which are triggered by his twin sister's suicide attempt. That the story revolves around a man's personal crisis versus a woman's may strike some as odd given Streisand's particularly female perspective, but she actually makes Tom's complex personal journey resonate with greater sensitivity as a result. In fact, the emotionalism Streisand invests in her musical performances is very much in evidence here, and her lush, almost Baroque style fits the contours of this soap opera very well.

The 1991 movie is helped immeasurably by a galvanizing performance from Nick Nolte, who captures all the layers of pride, regret, anger, sadness and humiliation in his character. He propels the storyline with the unbridled passion of an actor sinking his teeth into a juicy part as only a female director could define it. In fact, Streisand steps back to play the subordinate role of Dr. Susan Lowenstein, the pricey New York psychiatrist treating Tom's sister, Savannah. Granted, she does make herself rather beatific even in her high skirts and flimsy blouses, but such expectations come with Streisand as she basically plays Tom's savior. At the same time, it is probably her most subtle work onscreen even with the touches of excess that often detract from her performances. She also hands out plum parts to both the wonderful Kate Nelligan, who gets to age convincingly as Tom's upwardly driven mother with a dark secret, and Blythe Danner, dependably effective as Tom's conflicted wife. Both especially excel in their revelatory conversations with Tom, the dialogue insightful without delving too much into psychobabble. Credit should be given to Conroy and Betsy Johnston, who wrote the superb screenplay. Melinda Dillon has little to do as Savannah except look traumatized, which she does well. And in a not too subtle display of nepotism, Streisand's son, Jason Gould, sullenly plays the doctor's son, a musician-in-training who is coached on the finer points of football by Tom.

The movie is not without flaws. First, there is a critical scene where Tom confesses to Lowenstein (as Tom calls her) what exactly happened in his childhood that none of the Wingos have been willing or able to share with anyone else. Because of Streisand's effective juxtaposition of the long-ago violent crime with the present-day therapy session and Nolte's superb work, this is an especially powerful sequence. It feels climactic in nature given the depth of the catharsis we have been presented at that point, but the problem is that it comes about 45 minutes before the end of the movie. It is around this point that the story shifts to an inevitable affair between Tom and Lowenstein following a tense, pretentious dinner party with Jeroen Krabbe holding court as her psychologically abusive husband, a world renowned violinist out to humiliate Tom. Consequently, we are given a flagrant detour into Lowenstein's own catharsis, which brings up valid questions about her character's professionalism in even having an intimate relationship with a patient. This part of the story is Streisand at her most self-indulgent as both director and actor, as we follow these two smitten people on gauzy romantic walks and sweaty lovemaking by candlelight. Luckily the film recovers toward the end before any serious damage is done. Special mention should be made of the beautiful cinematography by Stephen Goldblatt, who perfectly captures the burnished aura of the lowlands of South Carolina, and the symphonic, often swooning score by James Newton-Howard. It's an impressive accomplishment to translate Conroy's lengthy, often florid narrative into a cohesive movie that retains the major themes of its source material, and Streisand has done a splendid job in pulling it all together.

Great acting and development in the multi-linear plot movie. Very heavy movie however, that may be out of some people's "reach" as to understanding and appreciation. Strisand and Nolte were both brilliant.

Ok, ok, the scenery is beautiful, Nick Nolte is a great actor, but I still can't understand why this movie was so highly acclaimed. I thought it was a pain to watch. Plus, the "moral" of the story seems to be "Have an illicit affair...it's good for you, and it's good for your marriage."
My other gripe about this film is that much of it seems centered around the glorification of Streisand and of the character she plays. The film seems to be singing out, "Look at me. I'm hot. I'm brilliant. I'm irresistable...and I heal people." Yep, this character's only flaw seems to be that she didn't pick a husband as perfect as herself. I take that back--she can heal people, but not her son.
Anyway, I have a list of films labeled "don't bother" but I had to put this one in a new category: "don't watch. seriously."

Streisand's semi-controversial adaptation of THE PRINCE OF TIDES may not have completely satisfied fans of the book, however, the general public fell instantly under the film's hypnotic spell - and turned it into a surprise box office smash! The decision to keep the film's focus in the present rather than the past results in the elimination of most of the novel's lengthy backstory. However, the well-condensed script (written by Conroy himself and Becky Johnson) manages to seamlessly fill in the missing information, and allows all central characters to reach a level of character development that is unusually high for a mainstream Hollywood film. As the film progresses, these characters seem especially real, and they are embodied by an absolutely flawless cast.

As anyone who has read the book can attest, the characters of Tom and Lila Wingo would seem to be extremely challenging (if not almost unplayable) roles, both of which are brimming with contradictions and hidden emotions. However, Nick Nolte and Kate Neligan find the perfect balance in their portrayals, which earned them both well-dissevered Oscar nominations. Blythe Danner, Jason Gould, and Melinda Dillion all also turn in memorable performances, even though Dillion's Savannah (a lead character in the novel) has precious little screentime due to the film's structure. Barbra also gives an affecting portrayal, however, the director's chair is where she really shines this time. With it's moving storyline, compelling characters, and breathtakingly beautiful cinematography, THE PRINCE OF TIDES is film that will continue enchant audiences for years to come.

About the DVD: The picture quality and sound are excellent, although it's disappointing that the many extras (which included a featurette, deleted scenes, a gag reel, and Streisand's full-length commentary track) that were included on Criterion's special edition laserdisc release are not found on this DVD. The film's original trailer and teaser are included, but I hope that all of the extras from the laserdisc will someday make their way to DVD.

Barbra Streisand has made a very good-looking movie, and competently directed a very good cast, so this movie isn't a total dud. The problem lies in the story itself. It's simply too unbelievable, formulaic (the "childhood trauma" at the center of the film doesn't have any resonance, it's simply a glibly Freudian attempt to tie the narrative together), and full of overripe rhetoric that cannot disugise the vacuity of the tale.

The one redeeming feature in this film is Nick Nolte's SUPERB performance. This is far and away the best performance I've ever seen him give. He deserved the Oscar for this.

My whole family loves this movie. The acting and story are so powerful. I've read the book, and like nearly every adaptation, there are parts that are left out, but the movie is still excellent despite the omissions.

Anyone with a heart will love this movie. If you are not easily moved by sentiment and poignancy, then you probably won't appreciate it.

If you like movies such as 'Steel Magnolias', 'The Hours', or 'To Gillian on Her 37th Birthday', then I think you'll love this movie.

This was one of the worst films I have ever seen. I watched it because my girlfriend made me. This was depressing and boring. I guess the message of this movie is if your sister tries to commit suicide and you come from a screwed up family, have sex with your sister's unattractive shrink and you will open up and live happily ever after! This is definitely a movie for the Oprah crowd or Doctor Phil fans. If you are a regular red-blodded American heterosexual you will despise this inane nonsense. The acting is terrible. This movie perpetuates the worst stereotypes of southerners as well as New Yorkers. As far as Nick Nolte, all he does is grunt and make bad self-deprecating jokes the whole movie. Why would any woman be attracted to this loser? Avoid this movie!!!!

Having just a read a book that reminded me of Prince of Tides, I was shocked to see how popular this movie is on Amazon! I saw this movie back in 1991 and it still haunts me.

In 1991, I was appalled by Ms. Streisand's miniskirts and in particular her pink sweater cut SO low in the back. The wardrobe wasn't appropriate for one Dr. Lowenstein. The wardrobe was clearly a vehicle for one reluctantly aging pop star.

Also, the music was so loud, so epic at times that I literally had to cover my ears. In one scene Blythe Danner left the room, but you could still see her reflection in a picture on a wall, waiting for her cue.

I loved the first half of the book, hated the second. The movie was like fingernails scraping down a chalk board from the time I entered the theater.

Prince of Tides is entertaining and also an excellent study of human frailty. Streisand has directed a masterpiece with Nick Nolte as its centerpiece. The performances, particularly by Nolte, Streisand, and Kate Nelligan are complex and convincing. At over two hours in length, plenty of time is allowed to explore the characters and their dilemmas. Nolte is Tom Wingo, a tortured Southern football coach, husband, and father whose burial of the past imperils his connection to the present. Nelligan is magnificent as Tom's distant mother with an uncanny ability to suspend some very dark secrets. Streisand is the psychiatrist who unlocks the past for both Tom and that of his suicidal sister Savannah. Jason Gould and Blythe Danner round out the cast with small but pivotal roles. The subject matter is intense but not maudlin as Streisand sprinkles joyous moments amid the sad. Many can relate to this film though our travails are mild compared to Tom Wingo's.

As a whole, Prince Of Tides appears, at first glance, as a more than decent film: the acting of both Nolte and Streisand is very, very good, with Streisand turning in one of her best roles which she might not be expected to play. The storyline is excellent, with appropriate twists and turns and twists.
The problem with the film is this: it builds itself as a large, cinematic film, with it's grand music and it's seamless editing, and long sequencing. And the film simply is not that: the music and editing are especially innapropriate, tinting the film to grand cinema, while it is actually rather dark and trimmed. After building to an anti-climactic ending, the film suddenly ends, leaving the viewer with unresolved ends (Barbra and her husband, their son, Sally and her adulterer), and wanting more. Had the film been created on a much less nostalgic and grand scale.

This movie is one of Barbra Streisand's best, plotwise, direction wise, and most importantly acting wise. Her and Nick Nolte's acting is great, making this a very lovely movie in every single way. Except adaptation-wise.
I do respect the fact that if the book were to be totally copied it would have been endless, but still, there are many points in plot and dialogue that are a lot stronger than that of the movie
Still this movie is wonderfull, and even though it does not give the book its total value, it is one to see.

Barbra Streisand is Lowenstein - a shrink trapped in an unhappy marriage to a violinist (Jeroeme Krabbe) and who ultimately finds salvation in the arms of Tom Wingo (Nick Nolte) the brother of one of her patients, Savanah, who has attempted suicide. This is a love story with plenty of treakle but more than an ounce of vinegar as Tom and Lowenstein hit things off, become lovers, but ultimately part company forever to resolve their differences with their respective spouses.
Columbia Tristar has given us a truly awful looking print of this film. Colors are muddy and undistinguished. Everything takes on an orange characteristic that is unbecoming to the story. Night scenes suffer from low contrast levels. Aliasing, shimmering and edge enhancement are all present throughout the print. Fine grain elements and regular wear and tear have not been cleaned up for this presentation either. Flesh tones are inaccurately rendered, either too orange or too pink. There's a considerable loss of fine detail throughout, presumably because of noise reduction equipment used in mastering the print. The soundtrack is dated, strident, unnatural sounding and very tinny. It's 2.0 but almost sounding mono in spots while presenting the music at very boisterous listening levels that intrude on an otherwise very subdued audio presentation. No extras - big surprise. Columbia's penny pinching started with this release. You can see where it's lead to by examining my reviews of "The Awful Truth" or "Talk of the Town". For a studio that entered the DVD race so early on and so prominently, I've little in the way of flattery to offer for its current trend in the digital format! BOTTOM LINE: DON'T BOTHER.

I am not a fan of Streisand's music, but her acting and directing abilities are TOPS, and no movie proves it more than The Prince of Tides. I saw the movie *before* reading the book, and after seeing the movie, the book was a disappointment. It is over-descriptive of details that are unessential to the theme of the book, which to me is that you have to deal with your past in order to face the future head-on.

Being a survivor of rape, molestation and emotional abuse, I was EXSTATIC(sp?) to finally find a film that realistically portrays the LONG-TERM effects of sexual and emotional abuse. As Nolte so brilliantly put it "The silence was worse than the rapes," and, "Savannah could stay silent, but she couldn't lie." Being asked, or worse, FORCED to keep a secret as heavy as abuse and rape eats away at you until you feel as if you have no soul left, and you become unable to deal with even the smallest day-to-day issues without closing yourself off into a shell and building protective barriers (like Nolte's joke-cracking whenever someone wanted to discuss a serious issue). It's obvious to anyone who is a survivor, loves a survivor, or works with survivors, that all of Tom Wingo's "present-day" issues, from his failing relationship with his wife to his inability to have rational conversation with his mother, to the loss of his job as a coach and teacher - all stem from the strain of trying to hide the horrible secret his mother forced him and his siblings to keep. You can't deal with an issue like rape unless and until you are able to TALK ABOUT IT. Then and ONLY THEN can the healing begin. It was only after telling "the secret" that Tom Wingo began to be able to open his heart in order to trust again. I think the sex between Wingo and Lowenstein was simply a symbolism for Wingo's new-found ability to trust the women in his life. Thank you Nick Nolte and Barbara Streisand and Pat Conroy for writing a script that so realistically gets to the heart of the matter.

I found this movie very moving and Nick Nolte's character portrayal superb! I recommend this movie for viewers who enjoy a good drama that will tug at your heartstrings. P.S. re/ Mourning Cloak reviewer... remember this is a fictional production. Don't take it so Personally!

Actually, the sentence in the title is not mine; the author of the book Pat Conroy was so grateful for the film that he gave the director such a name...

Conroy must have realised limitations of a film in comparison with the book. "The Prince of Tides" book is rather thick and to make a two-hour movie out of it is difficult. The film "Cider House Rules" was also criticised of being too thin in comparison with the book -- and, in fact, the author John Irving himself wrote the script.

Romantic side is highlighted over a complex, dark family story, with Streisand enjoying the starring female role to the full. She does so alongside the great performance by Nick Nolte, who plays Tom Wingo, a teacher from American South hiding much of his painful past until he gets familiar with New York psychiatrist Susan Lowenstein (Streisand).

The film love story between Wingo and Lowenstein is one of the most memorable of the past decades, yet the picture also encompasses deep social undertones -- suicide, hypocrisy, lack of family understanding. There is a couple of memorable scenes; the most special one comes when Wingo finally lets the demons of the past out -- this is acting at its best on both Nolte's and Streisand's part. Although some other films also attempted something similar (e.g. "Good Will Hunting", with Matt Damon and Robin Williams), it never was so powerful as here. The ending is bittersweet, not typically romantic but ultimately inevitable and logical for the story.

Beautiful cinematography and great musical score to a large extent made this film to achieve five stars in my book. I know I will keep on returning to "The Prince of Tides" video.