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

John Irving:  the writer makes an uncredited appearance as Mr. Prescott, the butcher, seen sweeping the sidewalk in front of his shop during the scene when Simon and Joe are sitting on the local pharmacy steps eating ice cream and pondering who Joe's father might be.

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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've been thinking.
Joe: Yeah?
Simon: Last year we were in the squirt league, and this year we're in the pewee.
Joe: So?
Simon: So what do they want us to do, play baseball or urinate? Anyway, I was just thinking.

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Connections

Referenced in Action: Twelfth Step to Hell (1999)

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Soundtracks

"Peter Gunn Theme"
Composed by Henry Mancini

User Reviews

Its all about Faith

There are a lot of people who will see this and probably not understand its message,but then again there are a lot of people who will see it and realize movies such as this come along very rarely.Simon Birch is a man within a boys body with a specific purpose and a simple message for mankind.You see,Simon is a little different from other boys his age,but then again,so was all of God's chosen.He's a little of all of us to be sure,yet he has one thing that few have.Simon is blessed with unmoving,solid as the rock its founded on FAITH.Nothing anyone says or does will change this.He will be picked on,poked,prodded,and teased but this fact will ever remain.The brotherly love that bonds Simon and his best friend will remind you of times long thought forgotten and memories you will treasure always.Its rare indeed that a movie will make you laugh,cry,and otherwise feel that true love for life and mankind exists in this world as it is today.This movie is that special.Just like Simon.