Simon Birch (1998)

A young boy with stunted growth is convinced that God has a great purpose for him.

Director:

Mark Steven Johnson

Writers:

Mark Steven Johnson (screenplay), John Irving (novel)

Stars:

Ian Michael Smith, Joseph Mazzello, Ashley Judd

2 wins & 3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Ian Michael Smith	...	Simon Birch
Joseph Mazzello	...	Joe Wenteworth
Ashley Judd	...	Rebecca Wenteworth
Oliver Platt	...	Ben Goodrich
David Strathairn	...	Rev. Russell
Dana Ivey	...	Grandmother Wenteworth
Beatrice Winde	...	Hilde Grove
Jan Hooks	...	Miss Leavey
Cecilley Carroll	...	Marjorie
Sumela Kay	...	Ann (as Sumela-Rose Keramidopulos)
Sam Morton	...	Stuart
Jim Carrey	...	Adult Joe Wenteworth
John Mazzello	...	Simon Wenteworth
Holly Dennison	...	Mrs. Birch
Peter MacNeill	...	Mr. Birch

Storyline

Simon Birch tells the story of Joe and Simon's heart-warming journey of friendship. Simon Birch was born with a condition that makes him much smaller than all the other kids in town. Now, due to his condition, Simon thinks God made him this way for a reason and highly believes in God. Together, Joe and Simon go on a journey of trust and friendship to find the answers to many things. Their friendship is put to the test when some unfortunate events happen.

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Plot Keywords:

friendship | illegitimate son | boy | destiny | best friend | 

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Taglines:

Destiny has big plans for little Simon Birch.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for language, emotional thematic elements, and an accident scene

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

11 September 1998 (USA)

Also Known As:

A Prayer for Owen Meany

Filming Locations:

Elora, Ontario, Canada

Box Office

Budget:

$30,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$3,321,370 (USA) (11 September 1998)

Gross:

$18,252,684 (USA) (25 December 1998)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Hollywood Pictures, Caravan Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

114 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Sandra Bullock was, at one point, considered for the part of Rebecca Wenteworth.

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Goofs

In the scene where both boys are in the school, just before breaking in Father's office, the dog is licking Simon's glasses, this leaves a wet smeared mark. In the next shot, the glasses are clear again.

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Quotes

Simon Birch: I'm sorry! I'm sorry!

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Connections

Referenced in Loser (2000)

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Soundtracks

"Up on the Roof"
Written by Gerry Goffin, Carole King
Performed by The Drifters

User Reviews

Really good movie, very little flaws.

There was something that compelled me to see this movie. I don't know what it was, maybe subliminal messages in the TV ads or something. After all, why would I watch a movie like this when some of my favorite films are "Blood Sucking Freaks", "Nekromantik", and "Cutting Moments"?

Anyhow, I eventually rented this movie and watched it, and to my surprise, I really enjoyed it. The story was very well acted, well written, and tear-jerking.

Sure, there were a FEW flaws, which was why I rated it with an "8", such as some ridiculous, unrealistic plot twists, and the film's attempt to be TOO upsetting. It was like the director/writer said "All right. We're gonna make this film for the sole purpose of having our viewers cry, dammit! And we're not just gonna have 'em cry once, we're gonna MAKE them cry THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE LENGTH OF THE MOVIE! And they're gonna like it, dammit!" (Not that I cried THIS much, but you can tell they obviously tried.)

All in all, a good film that shouldn't be avoided.