Pub.lished Movie Reviews
What's Eating Gilbert Grape (1993)
In the quaint yet surprisingly lively world of Gilbert Grape, crises are an everyday occurrence. His younger brother, Arnie, has a knack for scaling the town's water tower and then forgetting how to descend. His morbidly obese mother, weighing in at 500 pounds, can often be found spending entire days just sitting on the couch.
Gilbert's best friend, Bobby, is learning the family business at his father's funeral home and is always eager to share his newfound knowledge. Meanwhile, Gilbert's employer, the local grocery store owner, is feeling the pressure as a large supermarket opens on the outskirts of town, complete with a live lobster tank that has the townsfolk of Endora, Iowa (population: 1,091) buzzing with excitement.
Despite the challenges, Gilbert seems to handle everything life throws at him, though it isn't easy. The small-town setting offers a form of solace; in a bustling city, the Grape family may be viewed as isolated and dysfunctional, but in Endora where everyone knows everyone, Gilbert fits right in and their life becomes more manageable. The family manages to function, albeit in a somewhat unconventional way.
"What's Eating Gilbert Grape" pulls together these threads to create one of the most captivating films of the year. It's a tale of individuals who only avoid the label of misfits because they refuse to see themselves as such. The film doesn't treat them with a heavy, tragic seriousness. Sure, it's a problem to have a mentally challenged younger brother and a mother so obese she never leaves the house. But Gilbert takes it all in stride, even helping neighborhood kids sneak a peek at his mother.
Nevertheless, the Grape family appears to be stuck in a rut. Gilbert, seemingly around 21, spends his time with peers, engaging in small talk and quizzing Bobby about the funeral business. During his grocery delivery rounds, he frequently stops at the home of Mrs. Carver (played by Mary Steenburgen), a lonely housewife who seems less lonely after Gilbert's visits.
However, when a young woman named Becky (Juliette Lewis) arrives in Endora with her grandmother (Penelope Branning), driving an RV on their aimless vacation, things begin to change. Becky and Gilbert start a romance, and as love often does, it acts as a catalyst for the Grapes, breaking them free from the patterns that have held them captive for so long.
What truly sets this movie apart is its empathetic portrayal of the obese mother and mentally challenged brother. Standout performances by Johnny Depp, a young yet impressive Leonardo DiCaprio, Darlene Cates, Juliette Lewis, and Penelope Branning, make "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" a must-watch.
- You are younger than 15 years old. The movie contains mature themes and content that might not be suitable for younger audiences.
- You are not comfortable with watching films that depict emotional trauma and family dysfunction.
- You prefer action-packed films. This movie is a drama.
- You are not a fan of slow-paced narratives.
American Beauty (1999)
"What's Eating Gilbert Grape" and "American Beauty" are emotional dramas that delve deep into the complexities of familial relationships and the struggle of living in a small town with big aspirations. Each film features exceptional performances from their ensemble casts, including Leonardo DiCaprio in "Gilbert Grape" and Kevin Spacey in "American Beauty". They highlight characters who are trapped in their mundane lives and are seeking escape, leading to transformative personal journeys. These films also beautifully capture the essence of American suburban life with a touch of dark humor, making them appealing for viewers who appreciate introspective cinema with powerful narratives.
Little Miss Sunshine (2006)This movie is a comedy-drama about a dysfunctional family going on a cross-country trip so their daughter can participate in a beauty pageant. Just like "What's Eating Gilbert Grape," the film beautifully portrays the complexities and bonds within a family unit. It provides both humorous and deeply moving moments that will leave a lasting impression.
Harold and Maude (1971)Devotees of "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" will appreciate "Harald and Maude" due to their shared themes of unconventional relationships, familial obligations, and personal growth. Both movies explore complex human emotions with a gentle balance of drama and humor. The nuanced performances, compelling storylines, and poignant explorations of life's challenges in these films will certainly appeal to those who appreciate character-driven narratives and unconventional love stories.
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)"What's Eating Gilbert Grape" (1993) and "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" (1971) are films that celebrate the beauty of eccentricity and the importance of family, with a fine blend of drama and comedy. They both feature unique and lovable characters, and their narratives revolve around a sense of discovering and accepting oneself and others. Moreover, the exceptional performances by Johnny Depp in the former and Gene Wilder in the latter make them truly memorable. These films are characterized by their whimsical charm and emotional depth, making them a perfect match for audiences who appreciate unconventional storytelling and bittersweet themes.
Labyrinth (1986)"What's Eating Gilbert Grape" (1993) and "Labyrinth" (1986) are coming-of-age stories that beautifully explore the themes of responsibility, self-discovery, and personal growth, making them deeply relatable and engaging. They feature brilliant performances, with Johnny Depp's portrayal of Gilbert Grape and David Bowie's mesmerizing turn as the Goblin King, painting vivid characters that remain etched in the viewer's memory. Moreover, both films are known for their unique storytelling, with "Labyrinth" diving into the realm of fantasy, while "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" focuses on realistic portrayal, offering viewers who appreciate these aspects in a movie an enriching and immersive cinematic experience.
Edward Scissorhands (1990)Fanciers of "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" will likely enjoy "Edward Scissorhands" as both films share a similar thematic core of isolation, self-discovery, and the struggle for acceptance. They are both character-driven stories with unique, eccentric protagonists who are navigating the complexities of their lives and relationships. The films share a balance of drama, romance, and humor, and are delivered with a depth of emotional resonance and cinematic artistry that can leave a lasting impression on viewers.
Finding Neverland (2004)"What's Eating Gilbert Grape" (1993) and "Finding Neverland" (2004) are both heartfelt dramas that explore complex familial relationships, personal growth, and the power of imagination. They both showcase extraordinary performances, with Johnny Depp playing unique, compassionate characters who are thrust into caregiver roles. Each film expertly blends the harsh realities of life with elements of whimsy and fantasy, ultimately delivering uplifting messages about love, sacrifice, and the importance of finding joy in the midst of hardship.
Garden State (2004)Buffs of "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" will also appreciate "Garden State" as both films share a common theme of exploring the complexities of familial relationships, personal growth, and self-discovery. Just as Johnny Depp's character Gilbert navigates the trials of his unique family life, Zach Braff's character in "Garden State" also wrestles with understanding his family, past, and mental health. Both films employ a similar narrative style, blending drama with moments of light-hearted comedy, and successfully tug at the heartstrings with their genuine, relatable characters and poignant storytelling.
The Station Agent (2003)Aficionados of "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" will enjoy "The Station Agent" as both films delve into the complexities of human relationships and the struggle of overcoming loneliness. Both movies offer a heartwarming exploration of unconventional friendships that form in small-town settings, with quirky yet endearing characters that are dealing with personal loss and isolation. The nuanced performances, combined with the films' thoughtful and introspective storytelling, create a captivating viewing experience that leaves a lasting impression.
Hotel Rwanda (2004)"What's Eating Gilbert Grape" (1993) and "Hotel Rwanda" (2004) are films that provide a deep, emotive exploration of human relationships and resilience in the face of adversity. They revolve around central characters who, despite living in challenging circumstances, show immense courage and sacrifice for their loved ones. While the settings and situations are vastly different, the emotional intensity, the superb performances, and the nuanced portrayal of complex human emotions in both films can resonate strongly with viewers who appreciate powerful dramas about the human spirit.
The Basketball Diaries (1995):If you enjoyed Leonardo DiCaprio's brilliant performance in "What's Eating Gilbert Grape," then you should definitely consider "The Basketball Diaries". It's a hard-hitting drama based on Jim Carroll's autobiographical book, which tells his story of struggle with addiction. DiCaprio's performance was highly praised in portraying a bright, young individual swept into the dark world of substance abuse.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012):This is a coming-of-age drama based on a novel of the same title. The film digs deep into themes of mental health, family dynamics, and friendships in a way that is deeply relatable and impactful, much like "What's Eating Gilbert Grape".
A Beautiful Mind (2001):This is a biographical drama about John Nash, a brilliant Mathematician who struggles with Schizophrenia. It provides a realistic portrayal of living with a mental illness, an echo of "What's Eating Gilbert Grape". Russell Crowe gives an outstanding performance in the lead role, with a supportive cast that brings depth and realism to the characters and their struggles.
Ordinary People (1980):If you were impressed by the intricacies of family dynamics in "What's Eating Gilbert Grape," then "Ordinary People" is worth checking out. It's a profound and heartfelt drama about a family going through a traumatic experience. The film features strong performances and offers an uncompromising look at family relationships and grief.
Like this? Then click here to see more drama movies
