What's Eating Gilbert Grape
Director: Lasse Hallström
Actors: Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, Juliette Lewis
PlotIn a small Midwestern town, Gilbert Grape is burdened with more responsibilities than most people his age. He works at a grocery store to support his family, which includes his morbidly obese mother, who hasn't left the house in seven years, and his younger brother, Arnie, who has a developmental disability. Gilbert's life is a cycle of care, as he provides for his family and ensures Arnie's safety, often saving him from his own misadventures. The monotony of Gilbert's world is compounded by the stigmatization his family faces from the community, and his personal dreams and desires are constantly put on hold.
The arrival of Becky, a free-spirited young woman traveling through town with her grandmother, brings an unforeseen spark into Gilbert's life. Her presence and perspective offer him a glimpse of what life could be outside the confines of his responsibilities. This new friendship challenges Gilbert's sense of duty and loyalty to his family, forcing him to confront the choices he has made and the ones he has avoided. As Gilbert grapples with these conflicting feelings, he begins to question what it means to truly love and care for someone while trying to carve out his own identity and happiness.
Writers: Peter Hedges
Release Date: 04 Mar 1994
Runtime: 118 min
Rating: PG-13
Country: United States
Language: English
Home Video Reviews
'What's Eating Gilbert Grape?' is an unexpected, moving classic with excellent Paramount Blu-ray release.
Read our review of What's Eating Gilbert Grape Blu-ray to find out more