Review of What's Eating Gilbert Grape (1993) by Jay L — 01 Apr 2012

"We can go anywhere we want ... WE CAN GO ANYWHERE.".

An absolutely touching, emotional and intensely moving drama-comedy. A masterpiece that stands tall as one of the great films of all time. Director Lasse Halstrom (Chocolat, The Cider House Rules) has crafted a powerful film that is guaranteed to touch the heart. What's Eating Gilbert Grape is simply extraordinary, you will laugh, you will cry and you will be memorized by the all around wonderful story. A concoction of equal parts drama and equal parts comedy, it just simply took my breath away. It's not often that a film that can capture the harsh realities of life with such hypnotizing precision. Adapted from the novel by the same name, Whats Eating Gilbert Grape is a pure masterwork of cinema and timeless with its brute force and powerful concepts. This film is the real deal, if your in the mood for a touching film, then this one is for you. Incredible, stunning, touching, vivid, powerful, legendary and an instant classic an early 90's gem. It's got all the heart and soul to go around for everyone, it literally injects you with seriously powerful emotion and keeps you watching for the entire duration. An incredible story that highlights the power of family and the deep struggles of life's realities that are completely out of your reach. Everyone must see this film at some point in their lives.

A young Leonardo DiCaprio gives a legendary and splendidly brilliant performance, this kid was destined for greatness, watch this film and witness a star in the making. Johnny Depp gives an endlessly powerful performance, one that carries the film with an effortless ability. Juliette Lewis gives a subtle yet excellent performance that's easily one of her best. John C Reilly is great as well. A brilliantly acted, brilliant written and marvelously crafted cinematic masterpiece that you need to see to believe.