She Said No

"She Said No" is an intriguing and chilling made-for-TV movie that raises interesting and complex issues but also heartbreakingly and powerfully portrays the ordeal of a rape victim whose suffering and pain at the hands of her tormentor continues long after the actual incident Beth Early accepts a ride home with a seemingly charming lawyer classmate at the French language course she is taking. He turns out to be an abusive and cruel rapist and, after he rapes her, she does the right thing and reports him to the police who subsequently charge him with the offense. But the prosecution's case collapses and the lawyer then uses his knowledge of legal proceedings to sue Ms Early for defamation.

The cast in this movie are fantastic. Judd Hirsch does a great job in portraying all the complex dimensions of his character -sinister, charming, evil and scheming all in one. Lee Grant is also great here in a sympathetic role.

But the real star of the show is Veronica Hamel. Rarely have I seen an actress bring a character to life with the depth and dimension that Veronica Hamel is able to do for the character of Beth Early. She gives the character all qualities, characteristics and emotions that enables the viewer to really empathize with her and what she is going through and she gives the character such believability and substance that you almost feel as though she is a real person. This is one of the best performances I have seen and it is a credit to Ms Hamel's ability as an actress that she is able to do this This movie is very well-made, powerful and intriguing and, despite the uncomfortable subject material, it is worthwhile viewing

One of the better TV movies to come out of America in the early 1990s. Veronica Hamel is superb, as ever and, Judd Hirsch is effectively cast against type. Definitely worth a viewing when the opportunity arises.

Where should I start. Bad acting by this lead female actress and her lawyer and a weak plot. Judd Hirch(the rapist) was the only one who did a good job. Of course I have seen a lot worse movies then this one, but a rating over 6 for this one is way to much. And I have Seen tons of rape movies that are much better then this one. First I didn't find any empaty for this woman as I usal do in rape movies, because when the movie start she is having sex with his ex husband and in a very cold manner say it was a big mistake and implying in a way that the sex wasn't good. So why is it always men who must perform in bed and not women? And then she meet this not good looking man who is charming her with dinner and a bottle of wine. Then she have no problem to visit him in his office allthough she have never seen this man before and had sex with her ex husband just hours before. Then he turn of the lights and rape her. Then she call the police and reporting the rape. So next is she get a lawyer.that looks like she's gone true a meat grinder and they loose the first round in court. And she's not willing to go true more humuiation. And then this rapist which is a former lawyer is defending himselves as Ted Bundy did and suing her for a lot of money. And I'm not sure what happened in the end, but If this man was convicted allthogh there was not one bit of evidence in both trials. The only evidence that could turn this man to jail was woman that got raped by the same man, but the jugde didn't allow her to witness. I found that really ridiculous. The only witness that could prove that she's telling the truth not allowed!! I have never seen a movie with two trials with not one bit of evidence.

Although I am usually wary about films involving rape because it is difficult to define where consent ends and rape begins ( depends on both the man and the woman and their interaction ) I found this film excellent because the conditions are clear from the outset. There was no incitement or provocation to sexual activity on the part of Veronica Hamel and the fault lay clearly in the hands and in the sexual organs of Judd Hirsch ! This all being the case, the spectator witnesses a magnificent actors' performance on both sides and wonders just how Veronica Hamel will win through at the end ! The tension and violence is constant throughout the film and doesn't let up for one minute. Also, Judd Hirsch has a very kind face, and it is difficult to imagine him as a rapist, but there again, we must suppose that all rapists do not sport cruel or evil countenances ! This makes the film ring even more true to life. Definitely to be highly recommended on account of the performances of all involved !

This brilliant court room drama is a must-see movie. It features a woman who has been raped by a sleazy lawyer, he gets the verdict "not guilty", and then turns around and sues the woman for slander, acting as his own attorney. With two brilliant actors (Veronica Hamel an Judd Hirsch), who plays out their parts well, makes this movie one of the greater courtroom dramas of all time.