What's Eating Gilbert Grape? (DVD)

What's Eating Gilbert Grape, is a story of the title character who looks after his mother, brother and two sisters in the home that their father built just before he was 'hung out to dry' 17 years earlier in Endora, Iowa, 'where nothing ever much happens and nothing will.' Mama (Darlene Cates) used to be the 'prettiest gal in these parts' but is now a 600lb mountain of a woman and who hasn't stepped out of the front door for at least seven years ...
...the house they still live in. Gilbert's (Johnny Depp) younger brother Arnie (Leonardo Di Caprio) is mentally handicapped and was never expected to survive much beyond childhood, and may not much longer. In fact, it could be any day now. As Gilbert sums it up in one line, 'Sometimes you want him to live. And sometimes you don't. His older sister, Amy (Laura Harrington), is a home-maker who yearns for normal domestic bliss while the youngest, Ellen( ...

Praski 21.01.2009 (22.01.2009) · Read full review
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Review of What's Eating Gilbert Grape? (DVD)

...I am deeply fond of What's Eating Gilbert Grape and it is one of the few films that I regularly get out to watch time after time. It is gentle, but heart-warming without being overly sentimental, and it always leaves me with a smile on my face. If you are looking for something low-key to watch, but don't want to compromise on the acting, then this film is perfect. Highly recommended. The DVD is available from play.com for £4.72. Classification: ...

sunmeilan 18.05.2008 · Read full review
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Review of What's Eating Gilbert Grape? (DVD)

It's quite easy to dismiss What's Eating Gilbert Grape as being another clichéd love story if you choose to judge the film purely for its tagline "a film about the love you find... in the last place you look." If you choose to venture deeper, beyond the fairytale publicity, you will find that this film is actually a lot more realistic than the headlines attempt to make out. What's Eating Gilbert Grape is a family story with plenty of surprises, based ...
...family around him. Overall, What's Eating Gilbert Grape is an intriguing character drama, studying the lives of a number of different human beings that don't fit into the trend of normality. It does take a while to settle into the film, but when you eventually do you'll be met by a very touching tale of human emotion, devoid of the usual condescending stereotypes that we see in a majority of other films with characters of similar appearance. (C) ...

andycarrington 02.07.2009 · Read full review
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Review of What's Eating Gilbert Grape? (DVD)

...wife persuaded me to watch What's Eating Gilbert Grape, and I found myself transfixed to the screen throughout, particularly mesmerised for DiCaprio's phenomenal turn as a mentally handicapped teenager. The film introduces us to the quiet little town of Endora, Ohio, with expansive fields and small town mentality elements giving off the false impression of an idyllic setting. For, beneath it all, there is tension and heartbreak, as we meet the Grape ...
...years ago, and weighing it at over 600 lbs, Momma Grape has had to rely on her children, Ellen, Gilbert and Amy to look after her and their brother, mentally handicapped Arnie. The film takes us through a relatively short period of their lives together, showing the stresses and strains that can be placed on family life in such situations, with the emphasis very much on Gilbert (Johnny Depp) as he struggles to fit in a job with looking after the ...

pmcds 02.04.2009 · Read full review
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Review of What's Eating Gilbert Grape? (DVD)

What's Eating Gilbert Grape? is the story of a family living in a small town in the middle of nowhere. It stars a young Johnny Depp as main character Gilbert, who sees himself as being the head of the household after his father killed himself a few years back. Of course, this is no ordinary household - his mother hasn't left the house in seven years and is therefore frequently described by Gilbert as being a whale, and his younger brother Arnie ...
...that according to the specialists, he should already be dead. This film is an odd one in that, well, not much seems to really happen. There is no main plot to the story, it is more of a look at daily life for the family. This is exactly the sort of movie that I normally dislike and question why I am bothering - but this was not the case with this movie. I actually really enjoyed the random little events that took place in Gilbert's daily life, from ...

hi_nicola 08.04.2009 · Read full review
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Review of What's Eating Gilbert Grape? (DVD)

di Caprio, unless you're female and about 14. For me, one of the most upsetting things about Titanic was seeing an actor with such genuine and remarkable talent wasted on such a non part, and watching his transformatin into teen idol rather than serious actor. A few years ago, it was all so different. That was when Gilbert Grape came out, and Leonardo made everyone take notice.If you have ever doubted Leonard's talent, this movie will change your ...
...Gilbert Grape (Johnny Depp) and it is the performance of a lifetime. It is a portrayal of such observation and sensitivity that it has to be seen to be believed. And it totally steals the film, even against the beautifully understated performances of Depp and Juliet Lewis, who plays Depp's sort-of love interest. The movie is set in Iowa, in the middle of nowhere, where Depp lives with his family, with Arnie and his vastly overweight mother. It's ...

ImogenW 04.01.2001 · Read full review
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Review of What's Eating Gilbert Grape? (DVD)

Classic films these days seem fewer and further between but every now and then a little gem becomes an unsung hero, and that's what we have here. A true modern day classic. A little on the story later but first a mention of the cast. Johnny Depp was an inspired lead, and plays the part of the bored diligent son perfectly. Mary Steenburgen is quietly steady in her support role as the bank manager’s wife (or Gilbert’s initial love interest). ...
...like Juliette Lewis for what she is, I’ve always thought her to be a bit limited in her variety. She takes the role of the wandering wise wild rose and makes it her own. And then there is Leonardo Di Caprio. Now let’s get this straight, I am NOT a fan. There is something about the guy that makes me want to grab him by the throat, squeeze long and slow, then twist, click and throw away his limp lifeless body into the most decrepit dung ...

brianbarnes 04.07.2001 · Read full review
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Review of What's Eating Gilbert Grape? (DVD)

This is not an exciting movie. I wouldnt' recommend it for a Saturday night in with the girls and a bottle of wine.. This is one for a mid-week, cup of chocolate, time-to-relax evening. You can read the blurb about the story below, but basically, Gilbert (Johnny Depp) and his sister look after his family following his father's death. Gilbert takes on the 24 hour supervision of his autistic brother Arnie (Leonardo di Caprio) while his sister runs ...
...and is scornful of everything and everybody. His mother hasn't left the house in 7 years, but just sits and comfort-eats. She is now so fat that the house (built by his father) is no longer able to hold her weight and is crumbling around them. GIlbert does what he can.The town is very small and he works in the one local food shop that is being killed by a new superstore. He has to take Arnie everywhere, even to work. His life seems to be unbearable. ...

sungold98 23.09.2007 · Read full review
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Review of What's Eating Gilbert Grape? (DVD)

What's Eating Gilbert Grape, 1993, Run time 118mins, Rating 12. This film is based on the novel by Peter Hedges who also wrote About A Boy. The film follows the story of Gilbert Grape (Johnny Deep) and his family coping since the death of their father. Gilbert has become the father figure of the house and has the responsibility of caring for his brother and sisters and his morbidly obese mother. Gilberts younger brother Arnie (Leonardo DiCaprio) ...
...be watched all the time for fear that he will injure himself or others, this puts a strain on the family and the girls Ellen and Amy both look to Gilbert to care for him while they tend to their mother Bonnie. Bonnie suffers fro depression and morbid obesity and has become an embarrassment to her children and a local freak show. Gilberts life is a hard one by all accounts and he sees no end until one day he meets Becky (Juliette Lewis) a she shows ...

LIZKEMPO 08.04.2007 · Read full review
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Review of What's Eating Gilbert Grape? (DVD)

...no real claim to fame, What's Eating Gilbert Grape is one of the few films I can watch over and over. I think most of it has to do with the fact that the movie is remarkably real. It contains conflicts *both inner and outer* that all of us deal with on a daily basis, thus making the audience feel a close connection to the characters and their story. Gilbert (Johnny Depp) longs to leave Endora but is tied down by his autistic brother, Arnie (Leonardo ...
...his family together after his father's death. When an outsider, Becky (Juliette Lewis) gets stranded in Endora, she shows Gilbert just a glimpse of how big the world is, as well as learning a thing or two about life herself. I'd recommend this movie to anyone with a love for indie movies, but also to anyone looking for a good drama. Although it's a little slow moving at times, the brilliant acting and somewhat twisted humour keep you watching. ...

gavvys_girl 03.01.2001 · Read full review
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Review of What's Eating Gilbert Grape? (DVD)

...dicaprio after the premier of what's eating gilbert grape they are terrified as they think dicaprio was actually a mentally challenged boy until they met him.. very understandable!! he is even nominated for a grammy with this performance!! about the story, i am not going to write the summary out as i think you must have read that somewhere, but this story about a family is very touching and will warm your heart in some way for sure... then a little ...
...eyes closed. basketball diaries, eclipse, what's eating gilbert grape, man in iron mask... all with breath taking performace.. so if people who are just talking about his appearance, if they themselves would look into something deeper, they would know what i am talking about. hope leonardo would be able to go throught this stage and be respected by the others in the near future... ...

candice830 20.04.2006 · Read full review
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Review of What's Eating Gilbert Grape? (DVD)

A good film! Well worth a watch**** Gives you Food for Thought... Johnny Depp (Gilbert) is great and brings the character as the eldest brother to life. Leonardo di Caprio as Arnie (Gilbert's retarded younger brother) really takes his part well and is absolutely fantastic! A performance well deserved of his Academy Award nomination. I liked the story and the screenplay was well written by Peter Hedges who also wrote the book with the same name. ...
...as romantic as first thought. When Becky (Juliette Lewis) turns up on the scene as a kind of new-age traveller with her grandmother (Penelope Branning) in their camper van things start to look up for Gilbert. But (Thankfully) the film does not turn into some soppy romantic drama, instead it takes a new dimension and makes Gilbert realise his life isn't what it could be and does not have to remain that way....... Sound Track: Unmemorable Extras: ...

Intactem 19.05.2008 (21.05.2008) · Read full review
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Review of What's Eating Gilbert Grape? (DVD)

I enjoyed this film, it freaked me out and made me laugh. Gilbert is moody and gullible. I like arnie best, his strange brother who is such fun. My favourite moment is when gilbert reverses the truck and nearly runs over his moody sister! His mum is big but I can't believe she's 36 stone! She has a bit of a phobia about herself and should try some diet pills. None of the girls are sexy and none of the blokes are horny... typical picture of downtown ...
...film good, not the people except arnie who is really something special: the way he chops that locust's head off! And the funny way he grins! The plot is bizarre, the things that happen are ordinary, indecent or strange and the characters haven't got any character. It's not set in a place you'd want to visit... I guess it is so DYSFUNCTIONAL, like the people and town in it I find it ARTY! A bizarre arty American film. Not arty really but almost the ...

watchpig 03.11.2007 · Read full review
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Review of What's Eating Gilbert Grape? (DVD)