The Mighty (1998)

Two young boys, both social outcasts in their small town, form an unlikely friendship.

Director:

Peter Chelsom

Writers:

Rodman Philbrick (novel), Charles Leavitt (screenplay)

Stars:

Kieran Culkin, Elden Henson, Sharon Stone

Nominated for 2 Golden Globes. Another 3 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Harry Dean Stanton	...	Grim
Gena Rowlands	...	Gram
Elden Henson	...	Maxwell Kane
Douglas Bisset	...	Homeless Man
Joe Perrino	...	Blade
Dov Tiefenbach	...	Doghouse Boy #1
Michael Colton	...	Doghouse Boy #2
Daniel Lee	...	Doghouse Boy #3
Eve Crawford	...	Mrs. Donelli
Kieran Culkin	...	Kevin Dillon
Sharon Stone	...	Gwen Dillon
John Bourgeois	...	Mr. Sacker
Bruce Tubbe	...	Officer
Rudy Webb	...	Mr. Hampton
Ron Nigrini	...	Man in Diner

Storyline

This tells the story of a strong friendship between a young boy with Morquio's syndrome and an older boy who is always bullied because of his size. Adapted from the novel, Freak the Mighty, the film explores a building of trust and friendship. Kevin, an intelligent guy helps out Maxwell to improve his reading skills. In return, Kevin wants Maxwell to take him out places since he is not allowed out unauthorized. Being the social outcasts of the town, Kevin and Maxwell come to realize that they are similar to each other and accept that they are "freaks" and nothing will stop them.

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Plot Keywords:

bully | school bully | gang | switchblade | baseball cap | 

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Taglines:

Courage comes in all sizes.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for elements of violence and peril

Did You Know?

Trivia

Originally, the author of the source book, Rodman Philbrick, also wrote the screenplay, but that screenplay was scrapped because it was too much like the book.

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Goofs

Kevin uses the term "South Cincinnati." There is no South Cincinnati, as Downtown sits as far to the South as the geographical limit of the State allows, abutting the Ohio river. People will say they are from the Northside, or the Westside, or the Eastside, but no one in Cincinnati would ever use the term Southside.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Maxwell Kane: [narrating] It was Freak who told me about King Arthur. How he got this round table, and how he got the bravest knights, and the whole world to sit at that table. You will be brothers, said King Arthur. And you will fight for all those who ask for help. You will be gentle to the weak, but terrible to the wicked. It was Freak who told me about King Arthur. It was Freak who told me everything.

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Connections

Referenced in Who Wants to Be a Millionaire: Million Dollar Movie Week 5 (2009)

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Soundtracks

Strip Bar Style
Written and Performed by Peter Haycock
Courtesy of Ark 21 Records

User Reviews

Rent it. Buy it. Borrow it. SEE IT!!!!

I heard about "The Mighty" after I saw The Battle of Shaker Heights and thought I'd find more movies with Elden Henson. I find that he has an ability to play the stupidest characters well ("Idle Hands") and the most clever ("Shaker Heights"). Anyway, I rented The Mighty because of its good rating and strong cast.

It was not what I expected.. it was so much greater. I have seen more than one's share of films and trust that the Mighty will not disappoint. A gem in the rocks? Much more. I have never read "Freak the Mighty" but this movie has me out seeking a copy.

Of course, Rowland's and Stanton's acting was solid. Elden Henson's and Kieran Culkan's are stunning. I believe this is one of Sharon Stone's best performances and Gillian Anderson shows her ability and range. Gandolfini was also as strong an asset as anyone else. This movie was just filled with stellar performances and moments that just make the audience get into the scene.

I really wish this movie had been advertised much more. I mean, my seeing it was quite an oddity. Makes me wonder how many of these great unseen movies I'm missing. Rent it. Buy it. Borrow it. You will not regret it.

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

30 October 1998 (USA)

Also Known As:

Freak the Mighty

Filming Locations:

Centreville, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$87,705, 11 October 1998

Gross USA:

$2,652,246

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$2,652,246

Company Credits

Production Co:

Chaos Productions, Jane Startz Productions, Miramax

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1