When Amish boy, Samuel Lapp, witnesses a brutal murder in Philadelphia train station, he and his mother Rachel get caught up in the investigation. Officer John Book is shot after he uncovers police involvement and he is given shelter within the Amish community. Here he learns a quiet and traditional way of life in which his gun has no place, and he and Rachel fall in love. Ultimately, however, when his former life catches up with him. He has to defend the Amish Family and make a difficult choice.

A new title for Leaving Cert. 'Witness', starring Harrison Ford and Kelly McGillis, is considered 'an American classic '. Combining different textural elements of a love story, a western and a police thriller. As a leaving Cert. comparative text, 'Witness' is an excellent choice, offering possibilty for analysis of theme, social context, literary genre, character roles and relationships.

Following the film, there will be a question and answer forum for students, with Alicia McGivern (Irish Film Institute ' Education). There will also be a teachers pack on 'Teaching Film', with analysis on 'Witness'.