Saccharine pap. A fawning depiction of a quasi-abusive Old South relationship. I recognize that it's a 35yo film in a 70yo setting but Hoke's dialogue made me flinch for almost two straight hours.
On the other hand, Tandy and Freeman's performances--aided by perhaps the best aging effect I've seen--were subtle and full of heart and I understand why they were pelted with awards. The cast took something full of cringe and elevated it against all odds to a solid mediocre.