The Mighty (1998)

User Rating:

7.1/10   

Director:

Peter Chelsom

Writers (WGA):

Rodman Philbrick (novel)
Charles Leavitt (screenplay)

Release Date:

9 October 1998 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama

Tagline:

The quest for friendship is the noblest cause of all.

Plot:

This tells the story of a strong friendship between a young boy with Morquio's syndrome and an older boy who is always bullied because of his size...

Plot Keywords:

Friendship | Tutor | Knight | Imagination | Quest

Awards:

Nominated for 2 Golden Globes. Another 3 wins & 2 nominations

Cast

Harry Dean Stanton	...	Grim
Gena Rowlands	...	Gram
Elden Henson	...	Maxwell Kane
Douglas Bisset	...	Homeless Man
Joseph Perrino	...	Blade (as Joe Perrino)
Dov Tiefenbach	...	Doghouse Boy #1
Michael Colton	...	Doghouse Boy #2
Daniel Lee	...	Doghouse Boy #3
Eve Crawford	...	Mrs. Donelli
Kieran Culkin	...	Kevin Dillon
Sharon Stone	...	Gwen Dillon
John Bourgeois	...	Mr. Sacker
Bruce Tubbe	...	Officer
Rudy Webb	...	Mr. Hampton
Ron Nigrini	...	Man in Diner

Also Known As:

Freak the Mighty (USA) (working title)

MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for elements of violence and peril.

Runtime:

100 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital | SDDS

Certification:

Iceland:L | Portugal:M/6 | South Korea:All | Philippines:G | Argentina:Atp | Australia:M | Brazil:Livre | Chile:TE | Finland:K-12/9 | France:U | Germany:6 | Hong Kong:IIA | Norway:11 | Peru:PT | Spain:T | Switzerland:7 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:7 (canton of Vaud) | UK:PG | Singapore:PG | USA:PG-13 (certificate #35748)

Filming Locations:

Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

Company:

Chaos Productions

Trivia:

Trailer features two scenes not used in the final film: Max playing with one of Kevin's toys and Kevin gets a computer on Christmas.

Goofs:

Miscellaneous: Geoff Alexander is credited as conductor twice.

Quotes:

Gwen: You see, my son, Kevin, has been called names and made fun of his whole life. When you've been made fun of as much, you find another place to live, and he's found that place up here, in his mind. Kevin lives in a world of books, and words, and things I don't even understand. I do know this: Kevin would trade it all for a chance to be normal, to have a friend, and to do what other kids do. Max Kane has given that chance.
[voice cracks]
Gwen: Well, I'm not going to let that get taken away from my boy.

Movie Connections:

Spoofs The Godfather (1972)

Soundtrack:

Don't Count Me Out

Rent it. Buy it. Borrow it. SEE IT!!!!

I heard about "The Mighty" after I saw The Battle of Shaker Heights and thought I'd find more movies with Elden Henson. I find that he has an ability to play the stupidest characters well ("Idle Hands") and the most clever ("Shaker Heights"). Anyway, I rented The Mighty because of its good rating and strong cast.

It was not what I expected.. it was so much greater. I have seen more than one's share of films and trust that the Mighty will not disappoint. A gem in the rocks? Much more. I have never read "Freak the Mighty" but this movie has me out seeking a copy.

Of course, Rowland's and Stanton's acting was solid. Elden Henson's and Kieran Culkan's are stunning. I believe this is one of Sharon Stone's best performances and Gillian Anderson shows her ability and range. Gandolfini was also as strong an asset as anyone else. This movie was just filled with stellar performances and moments that just make the audience get into the scene.

I really wish this movie had been advertised much more. I mean, my seeing it was quite an oddity. Makes me wonder how many of these great unseen movies I'm missing. Rent it. Buy it. Borrow it. You will not regret it.