Martin Scorsese's adaptation of Edith Wharton's scathing account of the tribal customs of the 19th century New York elite. Newland Archer (Daniel Day-Lewis) is betrothed to the demure May Welland (Winona Ryder), a sensible girl who befits his respectable social position. But when May's cousin, the beautiful and sophisticated Countess Olenska (Michelle Pfeiffer), returns from a scandalous divorce in Europe, she provokes a passionate and uncontrollable love in Newland. With his reputation in the balance, Newland must now choose between following his heart or conforming to social convention.