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

Author John Irving doubted his novel, "A Prayer for Owen Meany", could ever be turned into a film, and sold the screen rights on the condition it not be released under the same name as his book. Irving himself provided the name Simon Birch for the producers to use in place of Owen Meany.

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Goofs

Throughout the entire film, Simon can be seen wearing a hearing-aid (behind the ear). These were developed in the 1960's, however the model seen in the movie was not available until after 1964.

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Quotes

Simon: What I want to do and what I do are two separate things. If we all went around doing what we wanted all the time, there'd be chaos.

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Connections

Referenced in Action: Twelfth Step to Hell (1999)

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Soundtracks

"Papa's Got a Brand New Bag (Part 1)"
Written & Performed by James Brown

User Reviews

This is an amazing and brilliant movie. Should be watched by everyone.

Simon Birch is an amazing, touching and emotional drama about 12 year old Simon Birch, a small boy who can't grow and believes he has a destiny. The movie is one of the most amazing movies I have ever seen. It's a very well made movie and VERY sad, especially the ending which had me in tears. There were even a couple of funny bits here too, like the scene at the school play.

Simon Birch is played brilliantly by the amazing Ian Michael Smith who gives a fantastic and touching performance. I REALLY hope to see more of him in the future. Joseph Mazzello also gives a great performance as Simon's best friend, Joe Wenteworth. Oliver Platt is also really good here too as Ben Goodrich.

Like I've already is Simon Brich is a brilliant movie and should be watched by everyone of all ages as it's really amazing. It's one of those movies which deserved some Oscar winnings. I give Simon Birch a 10/10. See this movie now, if you haven't already.