Good Will Hunting
1997 Directed by Gus Van Sant
Synopsis
Some people can never believe in themselves, until someone believes in them.
Gus van Sant’s film tells the story of a mathematically gifted young man, named Will Hunting, who’s on the search for his identity while ruthlessly eluding his fellow friends. His first introspective look at himself is achieved after meeting with the therapist Sean Maguire.
Cast
Popular reviews
More-
Very rarely does a relatively formulaic Hollywood production with such a conventional narrative supersede its flaws, and indeed it's almighty hype, and provide an experience as powerful, deeply involving and consistently rewarding as Good Will Hunting.
-
Good Will Hunting has some of the best dialogue I've ever encountered in a film. The fact that Damon and Affleck wrote the screenplay when they were in their mid-20s is a testament to how brilliant they both are. It's no wonder they've gone on to do some amazing things - in front of and behind the camera. It's heartwarming without being hokey and poignant without trying too hard. A must-see.
-
Four working-class friends hang out together in South Boston, but one of them, pugnacious Will Hunting (Damon), has an unusual gift, he's a genius. When M.I.T. Math professor (skarsgard) gets wind of this, he insists that he stop wasting his talents, and sends him to psychologist Williams to try to crack his brittle shell.
Also written by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, this is great film making. Robin Williams in particular is amazing. It's a really good story, and a great watch. -
I find it outstanding that the Oscar winning screenplay for this film was written by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck in their mid-20s; if I knew this and had seen this film before, I would of had a lot more respect for them both over the years. Sure they both impress me from time to time, but this is undeniably their biggest achievement.
The pair set up the tone of this film brilliantly as it constantly switches between being humorous and emotional. There is certainly a depth to the story and the characters are all developed incredibly, but most of all the film feels very real, and there is a lot of meaning, honesty, and dynamic behind it all.
With…
-
I absolutely adore this film, and unfortunately I'll never be able to look at it with objective eyes. It's a collection of some of the most brilliant scenes you'll see pieced together, love it!
-
It's not your fault.
Recent reviews
More-
It's not your fault.
-
Cute
-
Good Will Hunting (1997)
I really enjoyed this film! Is it just me or does young Matt Damon look a bit like young Diaprio? Just a little. Anyway, this is a really beautiful and inspirational film with grand performances from Matt Damon, Robin Williams and good supporting roles from Ben Affleck and Stellan Skarsgard. What really made the film great was the psychological aspect of it, and the realistic touch the film has. We are presented with a young 20-21 year old, who drinks with his friends, gets into fights, but is a far more complex person than we think. Through psychological help of Williams, we see a development from him, and it is moving to see the two interact… -
I can't really be bothered giving this a proper review at the moment, but all I will say is that this is a great film and nearly every character seemed to be 'gritty' and they all seemed to have flaws that were shown or explained during the film. I felt this gave the film a stronger affect on the viewer.
-
I think this film is the ancestor of "The Social Network". Matt Damon and Ben Affleck wrote the script long before their popularity.
-
Sometimes emotionally investing, with brilliant performances and great direction, Good Will Hunting may not be perfect, but it's loaded with some great props.
To Connor Carey: Thanks and definitely agreed!
-
Four working-class friends hang out together in South Boston, but one of them, pugnacious Will Hunting (Damon), has an unusual gift, he's a genius. When M.I.T. Math professor (skarsgard) gets wind of this, he insists that he stop wasting his talents, and sends him to psychologist Williams to try to crack his brittle shell.
Also written by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, this is great film making. Robin Williams in particular is amazing. It's a really good story, and a great watch. -
Oh, you think that's funny, chief? My wife is dead.
She's dead, chief.
-
Re-watched this today, an unfortunately I must say that it wasn't the perfect film I had remembered it to be. The writers' amateurism shows at times and the acting by the younger members of the cast falls flat during certain scenes. I thought some scenes could have been lifted directly from a teen-rom-com.
The first act is slow and laborious, with little happening to move along the plot. It is only when Robin Williams appears does the film really get going. Boy, can that man act when he wants to. He's a serious, subtle, world-weary, funny, psychiatrist and he holds the film together.
Don't get me wrong: this is a good film, it just wasn't the masterpiece I thought I had watched originally. It's rare you see so much thought put in a story, it's just a pity they couldn't have gotten a better director.