... One such film is 1988's "Rain Man", an exceptional film which not only won the Oscar for Best Picture but also showed that a film can have everything from a decent story, fine performances, humour, emotion, drama, despair and make them work in perfect harmony to make a touching yet also entertaining ... Read review
Dustin Hoffman joins Tom Cruise to bring a funny and moving tale of brotherly love to the ... more
screen. Heartless Charlie Babbitt expects a vast inheritance after his estranged father dies. But Raymond his institutionalised older brother someone he's bee...
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In his Oscar winning role* Dustin Hoffman joins Hollywood heart-throb Tom Cruise to bring ... more
a funny and moving tale of brotherly love to the screen.Heartless Charlie Babbitt expects a vast inheritance after his estranged father dies. But Raymond, his ins...
Iko Iko (The Belle Stars) Scatterlings Of Africa (Johnny Clegg) (Savuka) Dry Bones (The ... more
Delta Rhythm Boys) At Last (Etta James) Lonely Avenue (Ian Gillan) (Roger Glover) Nathan Jones (Bananarama) Leaving Wallbrook / On The Road (Hans Zimmer) Las Vegas / End Credits (Hans Zimmer) Stardust (Aaron Neville) (Rob Wasserman) Beyond The Blue Horizon (Lou Christie)
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There are people you meet unexpectedly who will change your life forever. For Charlie ... more
Babbitt, it's his brother Raymond.Charlie Babbitt (Cruise - The Last Samurai) has just discovered he has an autistic brother named Raymond (Hoffman - The Graduate) and is now taking him on the ride of his life. Or is it the other way around?From his refusal to drive on major highways to his obsession with watching popular TV game-shows, Raymond first pushes hot-headed Charlie to the limits of his patience and then pulls him completely out of his self-centred world!But what begins as a reluctant and unsentimental journey for the Babbitt brothers becomes a remarkable story which connects these two vastly different people in this poignant and powerful look at the unlimited potential of the human spirit.
Rain Manis the kind of touching drama that Oscars are made for--and, sure enough, the film ... more
took Academy honours for best picture, director, screenplay and actor (Dustin Hoffman) in 1988. Hoffman plays Raymond, an autistic savant whose late father has left him $3 million in a trust. This gets the attention of his materialistic younger brother, a hot-shot LA car dealer named Charlie (Tom Cruise) who wasn't even aware of Raymond's existence until he read his estranged father's will. Charlie picks up Raymond and takes him on a cross-country journey that becomes a voyage of discovery for Charlie, and, perhaps, for Raymond too.Rain Manwill either captivate or irritate you (Raymond's sputtering of repetitious phrases is enough to drive anyone crazy), but it is obviously a labour of love for those involved. Hoffman had been attached to the film for many years, as various directors and writers came and went, but his persistence eventually paid off--kind of like Raymond in Las Vegas. Look for director Barry Levinson in a cameo as a psychiatrist near the end of the film. --Jim Emerson, Amazon.com
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Rain Manis the kind of touching drama that Oscars are made for--and, sure enough, the film ... more
took Academy honours for best picture, director, screenplay and actor (Dustin Hoffman) in 1988. Hoffman plays Raymond, an autistic savant whose late father has left him $3 million in a trust. This gets the attention of his materialistic younger brother, a hot-shot LA car dealer named Charlie (Tom Cruise) who wasn't even aware of Raymond's existence until he read his estranged father's will. Charlie picks up Raymond and takes him on a cross-country journey that becomes a voyage of discovery for Charlie, and, perhaps, for Raymond too.Rain Manwill either captivate or irritate you (Raymond's sputtering of repetitious phrases is enough to drive anyone crazy), but it is obviously a labour of love for those involved. Hoffman had been attached to the film for many years, as various directors and writers came and went, but his persistence eventually paid off--kind of like Raymond in Las Vegas. Look for director Barry Levinson in a cameo as a psychiatrist near the end of the film. --Jim Emerson, Amazon.com
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Production Year: 1999 - Drama, Thriller - Director: M. Night Shyamalan - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Olivia Williams, Glenn Fitzgerald, Mischa Barton, Bruce Willis, Haley Joel Osment, Toni Collette
Production Year: 2004 - Drama - Director: Nick Cassavetes - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over, 12 years and over - Starring: Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling, Gena Rowlands
Advantages: Entertaining, educational and emotional Disadvantages: Slightly too long and drags in places.
● Synopsis
When Charlie Babbit (Tom Cruise) discovers that the huge inheritance he believed he was entitled to has been put into trust for an autistic brother, Raymond (Dustin Hoffman), that he didn't even know existed he takes matters into his own hands. Kidnapping Raymond from the care home, that he has lived in for the most of his life, the two go on a road trip back to Los Angeles, and learn about each other and life along ... ...
Sometimes the Hollywood glitz machine manages to deliver a film which is not only commercially entertaining but is also educational in its subject matter. One such film is 1988's "Rain Man", an exceptional film which not only won the Oscar for Best Picture but also showed that a film can have everything from a decent story, fine performances, humour, emotion, drama, despair and make them work in perfect harmony to make a touching ... more
● Synopsis
When Charlie Babbit (Tom Cruise) discovers that the huge inheritance he believed he was entitled to has been put into trust for an autistic brother, Raymond (Dustin Hoffman), that he didn't even know existed he takes matters into his own hands. Kidnapping Raymond from the care home, that he has lived in for the most of his life, the two go on a road trip back to Los Angeles, and learn about each other and life along the way.
● Opinion
Sometimes the Hollywood glitz machine manages to deliver a film which is not only commercially entertaining but is also educational in its subject matter. One such film is 1988's "Rain Man", an exceptional film which not only won the Oscar for Best Picture but also showed that a film can have everything from a decent story, fine performances, humour, emotion, drama, despair and make them work in perfect harmony to make a touching yet also entertaining experience.
On the surface the storyline to this great film may seem just a simple tale of greed, but below the surface there is a much greater story, one of a journey of understanding, compassion and learning which touches us, the audience, from start to finish. There are no clever twists or cunning subterfuge which make you wonder what is going to happen next, it is the sheer beauty of the developing relationship between the two brothers especially that of Charlie as not only does he realise that he loves his brother but also his understanding of the mental affliction which Raymond lives with day in day out. It is this journey that makes you sit there watching every moment, taking pleasure in the littlest things which although not played for humour makes you smile but at the same time giving you an insight into what Autism is all about. But the film is not perfect and at times the way director Barry Levinson headlines the emotion he wants to draw from the audience is embarrassingly obvious, but it works and it does achieve its goal. It also sometimes feels that Levinson dwells too long on a scene where the emotional punch has been delivered and this dragging out makes it lose its effectiveness. This need to overly dwell is part of the reason that the film feels uncomfortably long at 128 minutes and just cutting out some of these moments who have helped to not only make the film shorter but also move at a much more consistent pace.
Now I will readily admit that I know very little about autism and cannot think of a single person that I have met who suffers from this, but for me the character of Raymond and also the performance of Dustin Hoffman in this role is probably the biggest reason why this film was such a huge success on it's release and why I still enjoy watching it now. Sometimes I feel that the level of affliction Raymond suffers from is a bit over the top but even so it is an amazingly interesting character which helps the audience understand how Autism can affect someone. It is also testament to Hoffman as an actor that he manages to portray such a memorable character without over egging it, from the nervous ticks, to the need for routine and most impressively his mental ability with numbers as well as remembering things. Not only does he achieve great characterisation but he also keeps it going throughout the film, never lapsing for a moment. For Tom Cruise this was a role which proved that whilst he could deliver the over top, cocky performances such as those in "Top Gun" and "Cocktail" he could also do a reasonable job of drama. Coming in between "Cocktail" and "Born on the Fourth of July" this was a huge stepping stone which although still relied on Cruise's ability to be over the top also allowed him to demonstrate that he didn't need to be so flamboyant and basically cheesy. For me the best parts of Cruise's performance appear later on in the film as his understanding of what looking after someone with Autism entails, he manages to say so much with a simple expression rather than his usual grin. That is not to say his performance is perfect and sometimes you get the feeling he was not so much in awe of Hoffman but trying to show off in front of a peer. Is there anyone else in the film, well yes most notably the lovely Valeria Golino as Charlie's girlfriend but to be honest the film is about Charlie and Raymond and there bond.
Whilst I have already criticised director Barry Levinson for a couple of flaws which spoil this film slightly I will applaud him for managing to deliver a film which is as much entertaining as it is educational. You get a sense that he wanted to make a film which raised awareness of autism with out being overly factual and he certainly does this side brilliantly. Also the way he manages to make moments funny with out feeling like he is mocking this illness, such as when Raymond walks into Charlie's bedroom whilst he is having sex is very funny and helps lighten the mood of the film.
● Film Summary
So whilst I readily admit that "Rain Man" has its flaws it is still one of the best films I have seen which manages to combine entertainment with education. The two best things about the film are the brilliant journey of understanding and Hoffman's performance, which even now after nearly 20 years and numerous watches I still enjoy. Even Cruise puts in a performance which for those who dislike him would be reasonably surprised at. I actually find it hard to say if you like such and such then you will more than likely enjoy this as other than the loosely related "I am Sam" I cannot think of another similar film to compare it to.
● Price & Availability
www.amazon.co.uk : £5.97
● Technical Details
Certificate: 12 Duration: 128 mins Year of Release: 1988 Genre: Drama
Director(s): Barry Levinson Writer(s): Barry Morrow
Cast: Dustin Hoffman, Tom Cruise, Valeria Golino, Gerald R. Molen, Jack Murdock, Michael D. Roberts, Bonnie Hunt
Advantages: A good film with all around excellent performances Disadvantages: None
== RAIN MAN ==
=== INTRODUCTION ===
1988 was a great year for 'the Barry Levinson drama/comedy 'Rain Man'. Not only did the film win the Oscar for the Best Picture, Levinson also picked up an award for directing, Dustin Hoffman won Best Actor, and the film won Best Original Screenplay, as well as being nominated in four other categories. This review is for the 2004 Special Edition DVD from MGM Home Entertainment. I could remember a little of watching ... ...twenty years on, so Amazon received 187 of my new pennies and I received a brand new DVD. === THE STORY ===
Charlie Babbit (Tom Cruise) is a young hotheaded Ferrari dealer in Los Angeles. His business isn't going very well so he decides to take a holiday with his girlfriend and co-worker, Susannah (Valeria Golino). As they drive Charlie gets a phone call to tell him that his father has died. Charlie, who thinks he's an only child, returns to Ohio ...
oldchem 29.08.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Rain Man (DVD)
...My brother who has seen Rain Man in the cinema, told me that's its one of those films that is an instant classic, it's just something that you would love. I like most mid teenagers, thought it was another one of those drama films with no concept what so ever, I didn't even like it the first time round. It took me at least another 6 or seven years, when I was about 18 that I really enjoyed the film, perhaps this was due to the fact that this film ... ...adolescent kid.
I was never a big fan of Tom Cruise, don't know what it is but to this day I just don't like him, didn't say I don't like his movies, but something just didn't feel right about him. Nevertheless, I also thought Cruise did magnificently well playing his character.
Plot: Charlie Babbitt (Cruise), is a hot shot car salesmen in LA, hes arrogant, verry cunnig and very detremined. Charlie is experinceing some financial difficulties and ...
jaygami1986 12.02.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Rain Man (DVD)
Advantages: Excellent acting, powerful story Disadvantages: Dated now
On my latest shopping trip and the usual walk past the bargain DVD’s I happened to spot this one and wondered to myself my I had never seen it before as it stars two actors which I really do like.
At the start of the film we meet Charles Babbitt, played by Tom Cruise who owns a business and is in desperate need of money to save this business. He is off on a business trip with his girlfriend when he gets news that his father has died. Charles is ... ...father since he was 16. Charles does attend the funeral as he needs to find out what is going to happen to all his father money and property as he really could do with this money.
Charles soon discovers that he has only bee left the car and the money and property have been given to a trustee. With some research Charles is lead to a hospital where he soon discovers he has an elder brother, who has been left all of the $3 million. Raymond, the brother ...
sewbizzie 15.07.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Rain Man (DVD)
Advantages: A fuuny yet serious film Disadvantages: None
Rain Man tells the story of two brothers; the younger played by Tom Cruise is a volatile pushy person, who imports high performance Italian sports cars as a living. The elder brother played by Dustin Hoffman is autistic he has spent the main part of his life in institutions. When the brother's father dies, uncanny enough it's Hoffman who inherits his father's vast wealth. Cruise is outraged by this, and takes his autistic brother on a car journey ... ...almost miraculous powers. Rain Man try's to delve into the live of an autistic person, but the film is somewhat overlong and it seems tentative about portraying the message it set out give. Dustin's performance in this film is amazing, he plays the character in depth, and this is probably one of his best performances. The same cannot be said for Cruise he plays an acceptable younger brother, this performance is nowhere near his best. This is a great ...
mandyco 17.03.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Rain Man (DVD)
Advantages: Wonderful cast, fit Tom Cruise! Disadvantages: Storyline can lack in places
...found in my stocking the Rain Man DVD. Now, being a 14 year old girl who was born when the film was made, I'd never heard of this film before. Being the kind person that I am, I decided to give it a try and sat down to watch it Christmas evening.
The film stars Tom Cruise as Charlie Babbitt, a heartless man who's only interests are money and his business. He expects a huge inheritance after his father dies, but instead, the entire fortune is willed ... ...who Charlie's never even heard of before. When Charlie kidnaps Raymond in order to try and get some money from the lawyers, the cross-country ride back to Los Angeles ensures the brothers a painful, but reassuring bond in their pasts, presents and futures.
This film is full of little storylines, mixed together to bring a fantastic 2 hours of entertainment. I didn't really understand the beginning, so it may be quite hard for idiots (like myself) ...
jellytotsgirl 21.01.2003
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Rain Man (DVD)
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I do remember watching RainMan at the cinema many years ago but I never had it in my DVD collection until just recently when I spotted it on offer at play.com. The film was made in 1988 and was much acclaimed at the time, winning four Oscars including the best actor in a leading role for Dustin Hoffman, best director and best picture.
For those who do not know, RainMan tells the story of Charlie Babbitt (played by Tom Cruise) and his discovery of his brother Raymond (Dustin Hoffman) who he never knew existed until the death of their father. Charlie fell out with his dad many years ago but was still hoping to inherit more than three million dollars. This is until he discovers that he has only been left his father's old Buick Convertible and a few plants while the bulk of the estate has been left to an unknown beneficiary. A little ...
Advantages: Great story, great acting, great directing, score and production Disadvantages: Can tug on the heart-strings
Having a film where the lead character has difficulty in communicating doesn't sound an idea that producers would be tripping over themselves for, but here we indeed have one such film.
A very powerful film at that. It won an award for Best Picture in 1988, far exceeding the idea that this would be just a good road movie.
Autism was a rarely acknowledged subject before RainMan and the fact that this movie became a huge success helped bring focus on it.
Dustin Hoffman plays the part of Raymond (the title RainMan is a mispronunciation nickname for Raymond) Babbitt who is an autistic savant; despite difficulties communicating and understanding his own and others emotions, he has an exceptional ability in memory recall and number crunching.
Hoffman (who studied the behaviour of actual autistics) 's portrayal is frighteningly ...
Advantages: This movie is a testament to a sister's love and faith. It's well worth watching. Disadvantages: None
UNDER THE PIANO
1996
DVD 2003
*******************************************
INTRODUCTION
After discussing ?RainMan? with a friend, they recommended that I watch this film ? ?Under the Piano?. I had never heard of the film, but it turns out that it is a Canadian film that was released in 1996, and is based on the true story of the astonishing bond between two sisters - Dolly and Henrietta Giardini, who lived in Canada during the1940?s/50?s.
Henrietta was autistic, their mother was a frustrated opera singer who was over protective to her daughter even when she was older. But Dolly, even though she had a paralysed arm, supported and encouraged her sister.
Is this another ?RainMan?? You may ask. That may be the first impression you get from Under the Piano. After all, both deal with someone ...
When a luxury car dealer (Tom Cruise) discovers that he has an autistic brother (Dustin Hoffman), who has inherited the bulk of his father's estate, he kidnaps his sibling in a bid to get a share of the fortune. Barry Levinson (GOOD MORNING VIETNAM, DINER) directs Barry Morrow and Ron Bass's script with impeccable timing and a wonderful sense of humour. All three were awarded Oscars for their efforts, as was Hoffman for his truly mesmerising performance as the autism-afflicted Raymond.
8 Page Making Of Booklet, Chapter Search, Theatrical Trailer
Aspect Ratio
16:9 Wide Screen
Sound
Dolby Digital 5.1, Surround, Stereo
Dubbing Sound
Dolby Digital 5.1 English Surround French German Spanish Stereo Italian
Award information
OSCAR
Best Director 1988 (Barry Levinson)
OSCAR
Best Actor In A Leading Role 1988 (Dustin Hoffman)
OSCAR
Best Screenplay Written Directly For The Screen 1988 (Barry Morrow, Ronald Bass)
Professional reviews
Review
"...Has to be seen..." (Daily Mail, )
"...Remarkable..." (Daily Telegraph, )
"...Touching.. and funny--very funny..." (Financial Times, )
"...[For] Hoffman, RAIN MAN is a star's dream of a role....A becomingly modest, decently thought-out, sometimes funny film..." (New York Times, p.C12, 16/12/1988)
DVD Description
Callous hustler Charlie Babbitt (Tom Cruise) is busy working on his next deal when he receives word that his estranged father has died. After travelling back to Ohio from Los Angeles for the funeral, Charlie is miffed to find that although he will receive a vintage Buick from his father's estate, he isn't getting a cent of the three-million-dollar fortune. Instead, Charlie finds that the money has been left to the caretakers of his institutionalized autistic brother, Raymond (Dustin Hoffman). Once he gets over the shock of the existence of a brother of whom he seems to have no recollection, Charlie kidnaps Raymond and heads cross-country in the Buick in an attempt to get a cut of the inheritance to pay off some of his failing deals. However, during their adventure, Charlie not only learns how to deal with Raymond's many idiosyncrasies, but he also actually begins to care about his older brother, surprising even himself with his ability to love and his realization that money isn't necessarily the most important thing.
Barry Levinson (GOOD MORNING VIETNAM, DINER) directs Barry Morrow and Ron Bass's script with impeccable timing and a wonderful sense of humour. All three were awarded Oscars for their efforts, as was Hoffman for his truly mesmerising performance as the autism-afflicted Raymond.
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![Rain Man [DVD] [1989]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/78538507.jpg "Rain Man [DVD] [1989]")
![Rain Man [DVD] [1989]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/83419609.jpg "Rain Man [DVD] [1989]")
