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The Indian Runner (1991)

 -  Drama  -  20 September 1991 (USA)
7.0
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Ratings: 7.0/10 from 5,129 users  
Reviews: 52 user | 19 critic

A Viet Name vet comes home to his small town and finds himself in conflict with rules that his brother has vowed to uphold.

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Title: The Indian Runner (1991)

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
...
...
Frank Roberts
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Maria
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Dorothy
...
...
Mrs. Roberts
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Caesar
...
Randall
Enzo Rossi ...
Raffael
Harry Crews ...
Mr. Baker
...
Mrs. Baker
Trevor Endicott ...
Brandon Fleck ...
7-Years-Old Frank Roberts
Kathy Jensen ...
Lady at Carwash
James Devney ...
Deputy #1 (as Jim Devney)
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Storyline

An intensely sad film about two brothers who cannot overcome their opposite perceptions of life. One brother sees and feels bad in everyone and everything, subsequently he is violent, antisocial and unable to appreciate or enjoy the good things which his brother desperately tries to point out to him. Frank understands the atrocities of life as a big picture; Joe does not. Joe is content to enjoy smaller pleasures: children, family, routine. Joe mistakenly believes he can straighten his little brother out and convince him that life is good. Frank is a cursed man. He is cut between his love for his brother and his repulsion at self-indulgent contentment. The result is a painful story of heartbreak, heartache, disappointment, despair, and the tragic side of love. Written by wedgwood

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Genres:

Drama

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for violence, language, and some drug use | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

|

Language:

Release Date:

20 September 1991 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Indian Runner  »

Filming Locations:

 »

Box Office

Budget:

$7,000,000 (estimated)

Gross:

$191,125 (USA)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Color:

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Burt Reynolds turned down the role of Mr. Roberts. See more »

Goofs

During the "mirror" scene, the "from behind" shot and the "mirror" shot don't match. (This actually makes sense, given that the camera would have been visible from the angle the scene is presented.) See more »

Quotes

Joe: I thought you were done with this shit.
Frank: Well...
Joe: What about Dorothy? What about the baby? Can you touch that?
Frank: Outside party.
Joe: What?
Frank: Outside party. Give me a light.
See more »

Connections

Featured in At the Movies: 25 Years of Margaret & David (2011) See more »

Soundtracks

"COMIN' BACK TO ME"
Written by Marty Balin
Performed by Jefferson Airplane
Courtesy of the RCA Records Labels of BMG Music
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User Reviews

 
Sean Penn's debut as a director and writer isn't perfect but shows a lot of promise
25 January 2007 | by (Worcester, MA) – See all my reviews

Sean Penn's debut as a director and writer isn't perfect but shows a lot of promise (which was later capitalized with "The Pledge"). The film is a lethargically paced and there are moments when Penn should have been more subtle (especially at the beginning when Joe Roberts shows his distress by vomiting). Fortunately, those minor missteps are compensated for by Penn's writing. All the characters are multi-layered and sympathetic, if not always likable. Ultimately this is a very touching and honest film. Be warned, its also very sad in moments.

The acting all around is fantastic. Viggo Mortensen has become a major Hollywood player lately with his roles in the overrated "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, but he was at his finest here. Its a shame it took so long for the man to become a star. David Morse and Valeria Golino both turn in very likable performances and Patricia Arquette does good with an oddly under-written part. The biggest surprise is Charles Bronson, best known as an action star in the "Death Wish" films. Its good to be reassured that Bronson is able to act after all. "The Indian Runner" isn't perfect but is powerful and guaranteed to elicit tears from the audience. (7/10)


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