Finding Forrester

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Finding Forrester

PG-13

Released Dec 19, 2000

2h 13m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

74%

Tomatometer

129 Reviews

79%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

A unique relationship develops between an eccentric, reclusive novelist and a young, amazingly gifted scholar-athlete. After the novelist discovers that the young athlete is also an excellent writer and secretly takes him on as his protégé, they develop an unlikely friendship. As they learn more about each other, they learn more about themselves, and ultimately, with the help of his new mentor, the basketball star must choose the right path.

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Critics Consensus

Despite the predictability of its plot and its similarity to Good Will Hunting, Finding Forrester has an honest, solid feel to it and good rapport between Connery and Brown.

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Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

Quality characters, solid film; OK for ages 14+.

Rated: 4/5

Dec 24, 2010

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Susan Stark

Detroit News

Rated: 4/4

Oct 18, 2008

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Jonathan Rosenbaum

Chicago Reader

If director Gus Van Sant had always been a hack it wouldn't matter so much, but personally I find this form of licking the audience's cheeks like an obsequious puppy deeply offensive.

Mar 25, 2008

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Nick Rogers

Midwest Film Journal

Is Gus Van Sant embarrassed by this film? It's been a reasonable question ever since its first frame flickered on the screen, although it would be an unwarranted response for an imperfect but invigorating inversion of the comforting beats you expect.

Rated: 4/5

Dec 31, 2020

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Leigh Paatsch

Herald Sun (Australia)

A nicely inspirational affair.

Rated: 3/5

May 11, 2018

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John A. Nesbit

Old School Reviews

predictable formula film that is quickly forgotten

Rated: C

Jul 22, 2012

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Julia G

Gostei muito do filme. Bom para assistir em família +12. Tem um drama leve e cenas de comédia. Você se apega ao personagem rabugento e se alegra com a inteligência do personagem mais novo.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/26/25

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thiago s

Filme fraco, o roteiro é fraco, o filme não tem cenas boas, e nem personagens bons, a história é fraca, mas o drama no filme dá uma pequena salvada de ser ruim, mas mesmo assim, eu não recomendo esse filme.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

02/28/25

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Brian H

A real treat. Connery brings the reclusive author to life with a cornucopia of quirks and issues. Life lessons on perception and prejudice flow through the entire movie but in ways that bring you deeper in instead of driving you away. You don't have to love basketball, NYC, or even literature to enjoy this story of coming into your own.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

05/12/24

Full Review

Hunter N

The plot was pretty good in general, but the unnecessary sexual references and sheer volume of profanity is unacceptable. Do not watch this movie.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

02/26/24

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Rick M

A superbly crafted story that brings the viewer right into the heart of the film. A very pleasant and unexpected surprise.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/08/24

Full Review

Arik S

Finding forester is a great movie for those seeking a well rounded story not over acted and enjoyable to watch. The story line remains compelling throughout demonstrating wonderful growth for all characters. I continue to watch this movie regularly especially when I need to reminded about the value of hard work and friendship.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/08/23

Full Review

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Gus Van Sant

Director

Sean Connery

Forrester

Rob Brown

Jamal

F. Murray Abraham

Crawford

Anna Paquin

Claire

Busta Rhymes

Terrell

Finding Forrester: Official Clip - Yankee Stadium

2:13

Finding Forrester: Official Clip - Free Throw Shootout

1:59

Finding Forrester: Official Clip - A Friend of Integrity

2:12

Finding Forrester: Official Clip - My Name is William Forrester

2:10

Finding Forrester: Official Clip - You the Man Now, Dawg!

2:13

Finding Forrester: Official Clip - The Pulitzer Prize

2:10

Finding Forrester: Official Clip - The Key to Writing

2:11

Finding Forrester: Official Clip - Are You Challenging Me?

2:10

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Synopsis

A unique relationship develops between an eccentric, reclusive novelist and a young, amazingly gifted scholar-athlete. After the novelist discovers that the young athlete is also an excellent writer and secretly takes him on as his protégé, they develop an unlikely friendship. As they learn more about each other, they learn more about themselves, and ultimately, with the help of his new mentor, the basketball star must choose the right path.

Director: Gus Van Sant
Producer: Laurence Mark, Dany Wolf
Screenwriter: Mike Rich
Distributor: Columbia Pictures
Production Co: Columbia Pictures, Laurence Mark Productions, Fountainbridge Films
Rating: PG-13 (Some Sexual References|Brief Strong Language)
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 19, 2000, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): May 1, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA): $51.8M
Runtime: 2h 13m
Sound Mix: Dolby Stereo, Dolby A, SDDS, DTS, Surround, Dolby Digital, Dolby SR

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