The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio

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The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio

PG-13

2005

1h 39m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

59%

Tomatometer

83 Reviews

74%

Popcornmeter

10,000+ Ratings

Evelyn Ryan (Julianne Moore) suffers in her marriage to Kelly (Woody Harrelson), a slovenly alcoholic whose only consistent quality is his utter lack of respect for her. As Evelyn struggles to make ends meet and care for their 10 children, she begins to turn to contests as a source of entertainment and much-needed income. To the amazement of her friends and family, Evelyn's quick wit leads her to pen prizewinning amateur jingles and one-liners for products all across the spectrum.

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Critics Consensus

Noteworthy for Julianne Moore's performance, Prize Winner is nonetheless a largely indistinct and tentative film that fails to convey the true power of its bittersweet tale.

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J. R. Jones

Chicago Reader

This screen adaptation never quite jells, veering from family drama to stale 50s consumer kitsch.

Jun 28, 2022

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Steven D. Greydanus

Decent Films

[Offers] an almost subversively idealistic subtext to a now-familiar ritual exposé of the American dream.

Rated: B+

Apr 12, 2006

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Bob Longino

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

It makes for a nice Mother's Day card. But not enough for a complete movie.

Rated: C+

Nov 10, 2005

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Rachel Wagner

Rachel's Reviews (YouTube)

It's a charming book and the movie is also good led by Julianne Moore's good performance

Aug 25, 2020

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Tara Thorne

The Coast (Halifax, Nova Scotia)

If you don't already know that Julianne Moore is one of our greatest living actors, this underseen film will prove it to you, as she takes a potential simp... and makes her dignified and inspiring.

Jul 11, 2016

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Prairie Miller

WBAI Web Radio

Defiance, Where? Female Compliance Behind and Before The Camera

Feb 10, 2007

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Audience Member

Great movie based on a real story...

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/19/25

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Cat B

While this may not be the most technically perfect movie, it's empowering and enjoyable, and left my family feeling inspired and happy. It may not quite do the book justice, but it's a family-friendly feel-good movie to watch on a Saturday night.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

05/06/25

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tom m

A charming story told well.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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Audience Member

It's the 50's - when you didn't leave your drunk husband and you had more than 2 kids (10 to be exact). True retelling of a determined woman that entered contests to keep her family afloat and the bills paid. Julianne Moore and Woody Harrelson are perfectly cast - and the rest fits the bill.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/12/23

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Audience Member

Such an underrated film! A lovely tale of a brilliant wife and mother who keeps her family afloat despite all of the curveball her alcoholic husband throws. One of my favorites!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/30/23

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Audience Member

Just....no. If you consider yourself one for liberalism, this movie would be torture to watch. The film or the book that the film is based on has so much potential to be a piece that reflects and criticizes the horrible condition of women in the 50s, but they did not do that. A book is enough. A film is not necessary, but it is not completely meaningless. It could serve as a great lens for modern viewers to look back on what was going on in the 50s and spark some interesting conversation regarding feminism and society if. Very disappointingly, that is not how most people took it as per see in the movie's review. If this movie could not serve that purpose, please let it get lost in history and just be a nostalgic piece for elders. My take away from this movie: humor helps; savings, talent, and birth controls are important; 50s sucks; people should be able to get access to therapy; if you got married to a partner like that husband--get a lawyer.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

01/16/23

Full Review

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Jane Anderson

Director

Julianne Moore

Evelyn Ryan

Woody Harrelson

Leo "Kelly" Ryan

Laura Dern

Dortha Schaefer

Trevor Morgan

Bruce

Ellary Porterfield

Tuff Ryan at 13, 16 & 18 yrs

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Synopsis

Evelyn Ryan (Julianne Moore) suffers in her marriage to Kelly (Woody Harrelson), a slovenly alcoholic whose only consistent quality is his utter lack of respect for her. As Evelyn struggles to make ends meet and care for their 10 children, she begins to turn to contests as a source of entertainment and much-needed income. To the amazement of her friends and family, Evelyn's quick wit leads her to pen prizewinning amateur jingles and one-liners for products all across the spectrum.

Director: Jane Anderson
Producer: Jack Rapke, Steve Starkey, Robert Zemeckis
Screenwriter: Terry Ryan, Jane Anderson
Distributor: DreamWorks SKG
Production Co: Revolution Erie Productions Ltd.
Rating: PG-13 (Thematic Elements|Some Disturbing Images|Language)
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 30, 2005, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 20, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $626.3K
Runtime: 1h 39m
Sound Mix: Surround

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