The Man Without a Face

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The Man Without a Face

PG-13

1993

1h 54m

Drama

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Popcornmeter

67%

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24 Reviews

64%

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25,000+ Ratings

Young Chuck Norstadt (Nick Stahl) wants nothing more than to join a prestigious military academy like his late father, but he is wary of the school's lofty academic standards. With only a single summer in which to study for the entrance exam, Chuck finds an unlikely tutor in the form of Justin McLeod (Mel Gibson), a disfigured recluse who was once a teacher. McLeod agrees to teach Chuck, and the two form a deep friendship -- until Chuck learns of the secret behind McLeod's terrible scars.

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Adrian Martin

The Age (Australia)

Gibson handles ably, if not imaginatively, this cross between a typical episode of The Wonder Years and a hothouse family melodrama in the vein of The Prince of Tides.

Jul 27, 2023

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David Ansen

Newsweek

The Man Without a Face is such a noble, well-intentioned little film that one feels like an ogre picking on it. Alternately poky and melodramatic--and occasionally witty and insightful--the uneven screenplay too often strains credibility.

Mar 4, 2019

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Owen Gleiberman

Entertainment Weekly

Rated: B-

Sep 7, 2011

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Brian D. Johnson

Maclean's Magazine

Stahl carries the film, with a fine performance balanced on the preadolescent cusp of spontaneity and craft. Once again, the story is about coming of age. Growing up, it seems, never goes out of fashion.

Oct 9, 2019

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Rich Cline

Shadows on the Wall

intriguing and involving

Rated: 4/5

Apr 21, 2008

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Cole Smithey

ColeSmithey.com

Rated: 4/5

Oct 27, 2005

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ARNI S

Wish we had more actors like Mel Gibson this is a great movie. His character is reminiscent of those great individuals. I'm remember as a child growing up in the 50's and 60's who performed in some great movies. Hollywood just doesn't seem to be able to make movies like this anymore. Gibson is one of the great ones in my book.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/27/24

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Audience Member

An enjoyable directorial debut for Mel Gibson that had a solid story and good acting from the rest of the cast.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/12/23

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steve d

The acting is good but there isn't much here.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

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Audience Member

Nothing I can really take out of this to the real world except not to stare at people that look different from the norm, it makes them feel like shit.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

02/04/23

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Audience Member

Gibson's directorial debut is both touching and sad. It rises above being a melodrama with 2 great performances in the central roles. A film that will pleasantly surprise viewers.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/02/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Pretty good movie. As a whole, the story feels pretty generic and formulaic, but thanks to some heartwarming moments and great performances from is cast, especially Stahl's debut performance and Gibson (in his directorial debut), it redeems itself.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/23/23

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Mel Gibson

Director

Mel Gibson

Justin McLeod

Nick Stahl

Charles E. "Chuck" Norstadt

Margaret Whitton

Catherine Palin

Fay Masterson

Gloria Norstadt

Gaby Hoffmann

Megan Norstadt

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Synopsis

Young Chuck Norstadt (Nick Stahl) wants nothing more than to join a prestigious military academy like his late father, but he is wary of the school's lofty academic standards. With only a single summer in which to study for the entrance exam, Chuck finds an unlikely tutor in the form of Justin McLeod (Mel Gibson), a disfigured recluse who was once a teacher. McLeod agrees to teach Chuck, and the two form a deep friendship -- until Chuck learns of the secret behind McLeod's terrible scars.

Director: Mel Gibson
Producer: Bruce Davey
Screenwriter: Isabelle Holland, Malcolm MacRury
Production Co: Icon Entertainment International
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 1, 2012
Box Office (Gross USA): $23.1M
Runtime: 1h 54m
Sound Mix: Surround
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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