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

A music video was released where Kenneth 'Babyface' Edmonds is featured alongside the bus from the movie.

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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: I don't think God's plan includes breaking and entering.

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Connections

Referenced in Loser (2000)

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Soundtracks

"Peter Gunn Theme"
Composed by Henry Mancini

User Reviews

this movie is a miracle!

I saw Simon Birch for the first time yesterday. I rarely see a film when it first is released so I did not remember anything about its previews. it was not anything that I expected. I expected cute but it was better, not just cute.

it was philosophy and religion. Simon has his own philosophy about life. He challenged adults and they did not approve of it. He challenged the religious teaching that he was given, but they did not know how to handle it. it was values. Simon and Joe knew right from wrong. It was part of how they lived during the fifty's and sixty's. it was truth. At the age of twelve, physical development is natural for everyone, even for the small Simon. He could feel the urges and desires that others feel for the first time. He could sees Joe's mom as a sexual beauty and he said it. it is one of those great stories about growing up. Joe was the person who the story was really about but Joe was not the interesting character. in 1964, Joe had to grow up in many ways. Just like Simon, he was beginning to notice the opposite sex. He wanted to know more about himself and who he was. It was his best friend, Simon, who helped him to do this. It was his best friend Simon who helped him when his mother died. It was his best friend Simon who helped him when he learned the truth about his father. It was his best friend Simon who helped him realize who he was and what he could accomplish.

everyone needs a friend like Simon to grow up with, and even after Simon died, he was still part of Joe's development. everyone should see this movie once. I want to see it again and again.