Meryl Streep and Jeremy Irons star as two seperate pairs of lovers in this engaging and beautiful film adapted from the novel by John Fowles and sensitively directed by Karel Reisz. Embraced by audiences and critics alike - and garnering five 1981 Academy Award nominations including Best Actress - The French Lieutenant's Woman will forever remain one of the most literate, imaginative and stunning love stories ever to grace the screen.As Mike and Anna, two film actors involved in a tumultuous affair, and Charles and Sarah, the star-crossed Victorian lovers whom the actors portray, Streep and Irons are at their compelling best. Just as his character Charles's reputation is ruined by the enigmatic Sarah, Mike finds he cannot accept the intangiable affections of the wiley Anna. The skillful interweaving of these two love stories - one period, one contemporary - yields a fascinating insight into the passion and mystery that can pull two people together... and just as easily tear them apart.