She Said No

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.

please don't discount this film because of the subject matter. Veronica Hamel and Judd Hirsch are very good, but I must admit I am always partial to Lee Grant, who has presence, intensity and always believability in any role she portrays.

Primarily, the story centers around Hirsch, who is an attorney accustomed to getting what he wants. Hamel is the victim, who pursues the case all the way through. The story is very well acted; no grandiose or unreal sub-plots, and Hamel is understated and sympathetic.

The relationship between Grant and Hamel is also a counterpoint in the story. Grant became an attorney relatively late in life, and Hamel congratulates her. Hamel then decides she too will have the strength to pursue this case to the higher courts, where she previously had a defeatist attitude.

This film has a good message in that too many women often give up, and do not pursue their goals. Especially in earlier generations such as my own, wherein women were not really encouraged to "make waves" or "challenge authority". Good film, 9/10.

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 is one of the best movies (TV or otherwise) on the subject of rape and its aftermath that I have seen. And despite the fact that the movie was filmed in 1990, there have not been significant enough advances in the criminal justice system to see that this story is still relevant. The three leading actors are very good, Judd Hirsh as the rapist, Lee Grant as the attorney, first for the prosecution and then in a civil case, for the defense of the victim, Veronica Hamel. Ms. Hamel's victim is unfamiliar with the court system, but it is further complicated by the rapist's having been an attorney, and he is an intelligent manipulator. There are interesting twists and turns and although I believe that this is fiction, it certainly rings very true. It is an acting tour de force by both Ms. Grant and Ms. Hamel. Judd Hirsh plays the sociopathic rapist well.