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Good Will Hunting (1997)

1997 • 2h 7m • Drama • R
On September 27, 2026
#260▲ 97
260th by Pulse movie online
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All reviews

Filipe Manuel Neto on Good Will Hunting

9/10 · Aug 13, 2023

It's a really solid movie, though there are some issues worth pointing out. The plot centers on a young man from Boston’s underprivileged areas who possesses an exceptional talent for mathematics, effortlessly tackling complex theorems that stump even Harvard professors. He gains recognition after anonymously solving one of these problems late at night, and a professor takes it upon himself to nurture his abilities. The difficulty lies in the fact that the boy is reluctant to accept help, struggles with trusting others, and has a complicated relationship with justice. Consequently, he seeks out an unconventional psychiatrist in hopes of assisting him. The film’s initial idea is quite compelling, and the narrative possesses qualities that are hard to dismiss. It's one of those enjoyable films that makes time fly by. You can tell he isn’t inherently malicious, but it’s not always easy to connect with his character given his choices and social awkwardness. What I found most problematic was how Robin Williams’ character was developed, along with his performance and approach to treating the patient. Anyone who has experience with therapy knows there are boundaries that therapists adhere to, and Williams' portrayal disregards several of them. Regarding the acting, while I appreciated Williams’ contribution, it doesn’t reach the heights of some of his other work. Matt Damon also delivers a strong performance, perhaps among the best he’s given, which likely helped advance his career. Stellan Skarsgard made good use of the opportunity to establish himself in American cinema, and Minnie Driver did an interesting job as well, possibly more so than Ben Affleck, whose character has less prominence. From a technical standpoint, the film boasts several strengths, including impressive cinematography, detailed sets, and appealing costumes. The special effects are subtle but effective, and the musical score is also quite good. However, it isn't particularly remarkable for its technical aspects, nor would that be expected. What truly matters in this movie is the story itself and the performances of the actors involved.

Source on TMDB