At First Sight

PG-13

Released Jan 12, 1999

2 hr. 8 min.

Romance

Drama

List

32%

38 Reviews

Tomatometer

45%

10,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

In the midst of a desperately needed vacation, cynical Manhattanite Amy Benic (Mira Sorvino) meets blind massage therapist Virgil Adamson (Val Kilmer). Fascinated by his independence and seduced by his positivity, Benic falls for him hard. As their relationship deepens, the two plan to leave the tiny resort town Adamson knows by touch for the hustle and bustle of New York City, where Benic suggests he undergo a cutting-edge medical procedure that could repair his sense of sight.

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Critics Consensus

Interesting premise, but too long and conventional.

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Dudley H

I am 47 now in 2023 and I can't believe that I am just seeing this movie. I also can hardly believe that it has gotten such bad reviews and ratings. No it is not packed full of action and blood and guts and gore. It's just not that kind of movie, but if you are looking for great acting from AMAZING actors then this is a great movie to watch. Val is just an awesome actor as well as the rest of the cast. This is a beautiful movie that shows us the simple things that we take for granted everyday. PLEASE give it a shot and you will walk away from this movie with a different outlook on things. To finish this all I want to say is that the 90s was the last great decade. Back when life was fun and simple and not so much hatred and political tension in the air. God do I long and hunger for those days again everyday. Y'all be good to each other out there. Life is to beautiful and short. I love you ALL. Be well.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/27/23

Full Review

Steve D

Effectively made but you know where it is going.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/12/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Based on the story of a real life couple, this movie is one of those quiet gems that is surprisingly underrated. If someone you love is living with a disability, the questions raised by the story are many of the hard ones we face today. Perhaps this movie was a little ahead of the times in stepping right up and pointing out that being 'normal' is not the right fit or ultimate goal for everyone. Kilmer's performance is absolutely wonderful. Sorvino nails the fascination that people sometimes feel for perfectly able individuals who live with a disability and the instant desire to solve their 'problem' that pops up in a relationship. Raising a neurodivergent child, this movie spoke to me in so many ways. The dignity and good humor in Virgil, the unfailing support from a sibling who sacrifices so much to support him and the well meaning 'help' pushed on them by someone who genuinely wants to help is brilliantly true to life. The final message of the movie really resonated with me. That accepting someone for who they are is truly loving them.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/16/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Between 2.5 and 3 stars. The medical case is quite interesting, not so much the way to show it on screen.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/25/23

Full Review

Audience Member

As a visually disabled person, I appreciated the transition from blind to sighted, as performed by Val Kilmer. I have Nystagmus and stagger the world of the sighted and the blind. Social miscues and depth perception issues -- as portrayed in this film -- are issues that many visually disabled -- and especially persons with Nystagmus experience in their very real worlds.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/18/23

Full Review

Audience Member

I'm surprised that this movie has such poor ratings! It's base on a true story. I was amazed at how it must have been for someone having been blind his entire life who see things for the first time. And the love of the woman who was with him during the ordeal.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/29/23

Full Review

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Irwin Winkler

Director

Val Kilmer

Virgil 'Virg' Adamson

Mira Sorvino

Amy Benic

Kelly McGillis

Jennie Adamson

Steven Weber

Duncan Allanbrook

Bruce Davison

Dr. Charles Aaron

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Lisa Schwarzbaum

Entertainment Weekly

Rated: C-

Sep 7, 2011

Full Review

Globe and Mail

Rated: 2/4

Mar 19, 2002

Full Review

Susan Stark

Detroit News

Rated: 2/4

Jan 1, 2000

Full Review

Matt Brunson

Creative Loafing

Director Irwin Winkler takes a thudding and detached approach to Steve Levitt's humanistic screenplay, but tart turns by Val Kilmer and Kelly McGillis provide the material with the conflict it requires.

Rated: 2.5/4

Dec 5, 2015

Full Review

Betty Jo Tucker

ReelTalk Movie Reviews

Most love scenes seem forced in 'At First Sight,' and the background music manipulates emotions without a trace of restraint.

May 9, 2009

Full Review

Michael Dequina

TheMovieReport.com

Kilmer registers little emotion aside from a silly grin he perpetually wears throughout the film.

Rated: 2/4

May 3, 2009

Full Review

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Synopsis

In the midst of a desperately needed vacation, cynical Manhattanite Amy Benic (Mira Sorvino) meets blind massage therapist Virgil Adamson (Val Kilmer). Fascinated by his independence and seduced by his positivity, Benic falls for him hard. As their relationship deepens, the two plan to leave the tiny resort town Adamson knows by touch for the hustle and bustle of New York City, where Benic suggests he undergo a cutting-edge medical procedure that could repair his sense of sight.

Director: Irwin Winkler
Screenwriter: Oliver Sacks, Steve Levitt
Distributor: Argentina Video Home, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Production Co: Metro Goldwyn Mayer
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Romance, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 12, 1999, Original
Release Date (Streaming): May 25, 2010
Box Office (Gross USA): $22.4M
Sound Mix: Surround, DTS

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