What's Eating Gilbert Grape

Paramount Pictures | Release Date: March 4, 1994

7.9	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 59 Ratings

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DawdlingPoetJan 8, 2022

This is a surprisingly touching film about a dysfunctional rural American family, with some pretty quirky characters and a number of now big name actors, including Johnny Depp as the titular character, Gilbert, and carer for the disabledThis is a surprisingly touching film about a dysfunctional rural American family, with some pretty quirky characters and a number of now big name actors, including Johnny Depp as the titular character, Gilbert, and carer for the disabled brother, Arnie, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, Juliette Lewis who plays Becky and John C. Reilly (of Stan & Ollie fame etc.), who plays 'Tucker Van Dyke' (a local). I also recognised Mary Steenburgen, as Better Carver - she may be more well known as the mother in the short lived US show 'Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist'. At first this film seemed no more than ok but by the end, I thought it had become really rather poignant. Its a bit hard to review in depth, without giving away spoilers but I'd say its a good film in terms of depicting how difficult teenage carers may find things, when having to look after disabled siblings and parents. There is a sad side to it and there are some mildly amusing moments too. All in all, its a fairly thoughtful watch, one I'd recommend if your interested in the story or particularly keen on the cast then I'd say it's worth seeing, yes. I certainly can't say I've seen Leonardo DiCaprio in quite such a similar role before, certainly.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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LegitSaltApr 9, 2018

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I only recently watched this film, but I can already tell that I will be returning soon. This movie is stunning in many aspects, and it creates a world that is anything but unbelievable. I truly felt engaged and enthralled throughout the entirety of the film. All of the characters felt tangible and real and the intertwined sub-plots were handled expertly. Personally, I found an abundance of symbolism present, especially those of biblical orientation. After the film was over, I felt like I had just come out from a tunnel, only then seeing the light, and putting together what I had seen. Leonardo DiCaprio gives an especially believable performance, had I not known prior, I would have truly believed his disability's presence. Johnny Depp was a very interesting character, and the movie worked as quite the character study of Gilbert Grape. The score and cinematography of the film as a whole were thoroughly engaging, especially when it came to the penultimate scene, of the house burning, which was especially powerful. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a compelling if a sometimes slow narrative.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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TyranianApr 14, 2019

Quirky drama with good performances and a quite compelling story. Very melancholic.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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gracjanskiJan 30, 2021

There is only one reason to see this movie: Leonardo DiCaprio. His performance is out of this world. The rest of the movie is not so interesting. And Juliette Lewis is a bit annoying.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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keanexFeb 10, 2021

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This movie is filled to the brim with a wide variety of scenarios that made me fearful, happy, sad, and concerned for the characters. It feels incredibly dense and I quite enjoyed the ride of emotions. Hats off to all of the actors in this movie, it was pretty well-acted throughout, especially the widow and the mom. Despite being packed with sub-plots through the movie, I did feel that it drug a bit long overall. I also felt that some of the dialogue was awkward, or perhaps awkwardly delivered. I very much loved the ending, how it left things on a hopeful note and up to the viewers interpretation of what happened next.… Expand