What's Eating Gilbert Grape DVD

Advantages: Superb performances from Depp and DiCaprio
Disadvantages: None

...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: ... Read review

Advantages: Di Caprio
Disadvantages: A little long, maybe

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 ... Read review

Advantages: Sound story, excellent played out and directed. Di Caprio's best perfomance to date (by far)
Disadvantages: On your own preferences, no violence, no drugs, little love interest (sex), no aliens.....

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 ... Read review

Advantages: Great acting! Great Story!
Disadvantages: Sad in parts!

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 ... Read review

Advantages: Superb acting *especially by DiCaprio*
Disadvantages: Slow moving

...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. ... Read review