“We don’t really move. I mean, we’d like to, but… my mom is sort of attached to the house. Attached is, I guess, not the right word. She’s pretty much wedged in.”
– Gilbert Grape
SYNOPSIS: Gilbert Grape lives in Endora, a place where nothing much happens. The only times the police get something to do is when Gilbert’s autistic brother Arnie tries to climb up on the watertower nearby. Taking care of Arnie is mostly Gilbert’s task which can be pretty demanding, at least while you are working at the local grocery store. Then one day Becky and her grandmother pass through Endora getting trouble with the car. Gilbert falls in love with Becky, but gets problems when he tries to find time for his own private life. – via IMDB
I am sure most people have seen this, and if not, that is certainly something that needs to be changed! There is a lot to like about this movie, even after so many years. For one, DiCaprio. Of course I was going to start there, you all know I head up the DiCaprio club around here hahaha. No matter how young or how old, or how complex the role, DiCaprio never ceases to amaze me. His portrayal of Arnie was heartwrenching and heartwarming both at once, and his character was adorable. He really shines here, stands out, and is so totally believable every step of the way. Johnny Depp is not to be forgotten, playing Gilbert Grape, back when he still used to take on diverse roles. I was a fan of Gilbert, he was a complex and layered character, someone I could identify with and root for. The relationship between Arnie and Gilbert is beautiful, and DiCaprio and Depp give it so much power, too. The movie is a slow burn and a heavy drama, so don’t think you are going to sit down, get ninety minutes of simple film, and move on. The story tells us about Gilbert, the obstacles in his life, the people he is surrounded by, his friendships and his family, the burden he bears, and the responsibilities he perceives. Watching his struggles is quite an ordeal, and you admire Gilbert for holding things together for so long. I think he and Becky were a great fit for each other. The humour is very entertaining in here, and at the same time it can get so damn depressing you actually feel it inside (think – bathtub, slaps). The supporting characters all contribute to the story in their own way, too, and help make this film something that lingers after you have seen it. What’s Eating Gilbert Grape gets you thinking on a lot of things in life, and is shot well, the pacing is right, drawing you into a lazy day in Endora, showing us that small town and the life it holds and the people that populate it. I enjoyed this, and would highly recommend this, even after all these years it holds up quite well.
I haven’t watched that movie in quite a long time! (I may have to remedy that situation.)
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Totally worth revisiting it!
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absolutely right, this movie holds a special place in my heart, you can really relate. it’s been a while, need to re-watch soon!
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I hope you enjoy it, truly a lovely film!
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Oh one of my all-time favorites. Have to rewatch this again.
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It’s worth every second Nish, so I hope you have fun with it again!
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WHY CAN’T LEO EIN AN OSCAR!?? This movie is brilliant, as is your review 🙂
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Ugh…WIN*
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Thanks Mel 🙂 It was a great little flick for sure!
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Great movie! Leo is so good in this. 🙂
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Leo is so good EVERYWHERE xD
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That sounds kinky… Lol
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For me Leo has never been better, and 90’s vintage Juliette Lewis wasn’t bad either!
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She was very good here, and I will always watch DiCaprio, no matter what 🙂
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ive never seen this one, sounds very good tho
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You should check it out Rob, great flick!
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Added to my list 😉
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I sooooo need to see this!
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You must!
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Nice! This reminds me I *still* need to give this my undivided attention. I’m slacking on my duties here.
And look how cute and innocent DiCaprio and Depp look here! Wow hahahaha. Depp looks more different, uncorrupted by Captain Jack Sparrow.
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You haven’t seen this? I think it is well worth the time!
Right?! Back when he still did other things! They were so good together!
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Have it in my Netflix queue actually but since I have moved, I had to get rid of the DVD plan i had, and this one’s not available online streaming for god knows what reason. Sigh. Someday . . . someday . .
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😦 Ah no! That really sucks!
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I need to rewatch this. It’s a great movie!
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For glory!
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Mah bestest
I need to watch this. Like yesterday
Kidney
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Mah Kidney!
You need to! Like NOW!
Bkushi
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