Rain Man
“Rain Man” is one of those films you are supposed to watch because it’s such a classic. I think I have known it forever, but never came around to watching it. Originally it was another one of those films Shii recommended to me, and since I figured that we will not come around to watch it together, I decided to see it during a moment of strong urgings for it.
It clearly is not my favorite movie, let alone my favorite Tom Cruise film (I think my favorite would be “In the Name of Honour” because it’s a childhood memory). But I understand the appeal of the film, which obviously does not come from Tom Cruise but from the character of the autistic brother, and the relationship unfolded during the 7 day trip.
The said 7 day trip really got to my heart, and I could literally feel the beauty of the two brothers having pancakes together. I can see how the bittersweetness of the film captures the general feeling in beginning of the 1990’s. Touching films about people’s lives were very en vogue at that time, and many Hollywood movies I remember from my childhood fall into that category.
“Rain Man” also has the benefit of having a lot of naturally cute scenes. If there is something that differs “Rain Man” from your usual Hollywood melodrama, it’s how it managed to describe Ray’s autism with funny scenes without belittling it nor making it unrealistic. Without knowing all that much about autism myself, I think that both the actor as well as the writers did a great job with it. It surely must have had some positive effects on people’s awareness of the illness.
I am glad that I have finally seen this classic, even if it was not mind-blowing. It’s one of those movies I would show my children one day, when they are still relatively young.
I can’t remember recommending it to you, but my recommendation is probably just as old as my memory of the film itself, hehe. I still know that I liked it though, and I guess I’d like it even more “nowadays”.
Haha, “touching” is probably the best adjective for the movie. (It’s a bit too tearjerky to actually be, say, impressing or stunning) And Dustin Hoffman is pretty much perfect. I wonder why he doesn’t get any good roles any more and has turned into a supporting actor.
BTW: Is it a coincidence most of the films I recommend to you are the ones you want to watch with your future children? XD
Yeah, you are very much into educational children’s movies =P
We actually planned on seeing it together (right after the Ch’tis), but it’s been so long! Hahaha. It’s a classic for real, and perhaps Dustin Hoffman’s best role. (And boy he’s old, my my. XD)