David Ansen

“…. It's designed to exact an ambivalent response to its heroine, Susan Traherne, whom some will see as a brave soul, and some as a madwoman. And neither Fred Schepisi… nor Meryl Streep, who plays the ragingly difficult heroine, betrays Hare's heretical intentions….[lo little]

“…. Against the "peace and plenty" and genteel repression of the rebounding British nation, Susan stands as a loud and increasingly unstable critic… But Susan is not some pure, uncorruptible soul. What makes her exasperating is her refusal to actually do anything about her discontent. Much as we want to embrace her idealism, we can't deny that she's a selfish, self-absorbed scold, as much a product of her time as its victim. Unable to change the world, she acts out her disdain in destructive outbursts.

“…. [A]bove all, "Plenty" is graced with a sterling cast, dominated by Streep's daring and splendid performance. Her very first scenes as a young woman seem far too brittle and edgy, but there is little else to quarrel with….”

David Ansen
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