It’s a good example of a movie that was very important when it came out, but isn't as relevant now. Some people consider this to be one of the best films American cinema has produced. It also brought Dustin Hoffman, a consistently strong actor, to wider recognition. He certainly earned his reputation, both in this film and others he made afterward. However, I don’t think it’s fair to call it one of the greatest American movies ever: it's perfectly acceptable, had considerable success when it was released, and influenced popular culture, but it hasn’t held up well over time; today it feels like a minor work. The script is probably the most important thing to understand about this film: it centers on a love triangle involving an inexperienced young man, a seductive older woman, and her teenage daughter, with whom he develops feelings. Released in 1967, during a period of social change and questioning of traditional values, the movie focuses heavily on the characters' sexuality and portrays women as temptresses before a young, awkward male character. The sexual suggestions seem mild by today’s standards—we’re accustomed to more explicit content—but they were enough to shock and excite audiences back then, contributing to its box office success. Still, let's be honest: it’s forgettable when you watch it now. I understand why it was so impactful and how people viewed it at the time, but it hasn’t aged well and feels somewhat dated, uninspired, and ordinary. On the other hand, there is a lack of moral guidance, an underlying sense of meaninglessness that is only countered when Hoffman's character fights for love, discovering purpose beyond physical attraction, even though the relationship between those two characters seems completely unrealistic. Technically, the film isn’t particularly remarkable; it relies heavily on the story and the performances. There’s just a little extra attention paid to certain aspects, such as the soundtrack featuring songs by Simon & Garfunkel, composed specifically for the movie and now recognized even by people who haven't seen it. Dustin Hoffman deserved all the praise he received: he essentially carried the film and skillfully used the opportunity to advance his career. He’s really the only actor who stands out; Anne Bancroft does what is needed of her but nothing more, and Katherine Ross isn’t utilized effectively.

Source on TMDB