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Win Win

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Win Win

R

Released Mar 18, 2011

1h 46m

Comedy

Drama

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Popcornmeter

95%

Tomatometer

175 Reviews

85%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

Mike Flaherty (Paul Giamatti) is a struggling, though not overly ambitious, lawyer. As the court-appointed attorney of Leo Poplar (Burt Young), an old man afflicted with dementia, Mike sees an opportunity to take things easy for awhile by volunteering to become Leo's legal guardian and thereby gain control of the man's monthly stipend. The unexpected arrival of Leo's grandson complicates Mike's plans, until he learns that the youth is a champion wrestler who can help the team Mike coaches.

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Critics Consensus

Rich, wonderful characters and strong performances populate Win Win, with writer/director Thomas McCarthy continuing to emerge as a great American humanist.

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Deborah Ross

The Spectator

Win Win is a comedy-drama that is warm-hearted and compassionate and enjoyable without, alas, being especially remarkable or original, which is a bit of a blow but I think you'll get over it.

Aug 31, 2018

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Scott Foundas

Film Comment Magazine

McCarthy understands the thrill of incontrovertible victory and our primal lust for it.

Jun 20, 2013

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Leonard Maltin

IndieWire

Win Win isn't a morality play; it's just a really good story. But it does deal with an issue that couldn't be more relevant: Where do we draw the line when it comes to survival if it means clouding our sense of right and wrong?

Sep 2, 2011

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Michael Clark

Epoch Times

“Win Win” was Mr. McCarthy’s third effort as a filmmaker and his third straight triumph. Not quite as great as “The Station Agent,” but better than “The Visitor,” it is an art-house drama posing as a mainstream uplifting comedy.

Rated: 4/5

Jan 19, 2024

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Richard Propes

TheIndependentCritic.com

It contains enough heart and humor to please virtually anyone.

Rated: 3.5/4.0

Sep 27, 2020

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Felicia Feaster

Charleston City Paper

There is a shambling, lo-fi sweetness to Win Win.

Jan 17, 2020

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Stephen C

LOL, 1 hour and 46 minutes of humor and drama. Rated R for Language!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! In memory of Burt Young.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/13/25

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David H

Paul Giamatti is simultaneously the least handsome and most desirable man. And this was a surprisingly funny movie. Low cadence and tone with a real sensorial essence of your high school wrestling team you probably never saw--but it's just enough.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/06/25

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Justin S

A really heart felt wholesome movie about doing the right thing. Witty with a great script and a great performance by the young actor playing Kyle. One to file under easy watching whilst having a 'lazy 'day.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/14/24

Full Review

Brad CKA L

Paul Giamatti is a national treasure. How has he not collected more awards? Some people are just more than we deserve I guess. The teenager in this is great too. Yeah I'm too lazy to Google his name. Check out my longer review: https://youtu.be/k2P2lmTCJnY?si=cZ5S2Jyi7HCM24oj

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/26/24

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Gareth v

Giamatti is great in this heartwarming, funny and genuine movie. Has a few soft spots and the script could of been more taut but still a good movie.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

06/22/23

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Matt S

Brilliant script, and an ensemble cast comprised of the very best character actors in the business. The film is funny, gripping, and artistic (wonderful use of symbolism throughout the film). In my top 10 favorite films of all time. I haven't recommended it to anyone who hadn't loved it.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/18/23

Full Review

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Tom McCarthy

Director

Paul Giamatti

Mike Flaherty

Amy Ryan

Jackie Flaherty

Bobby Cannavale

Terry Delfino

Jeffrey Tambor

Stephen Vigman

Burt Young

Leo Poplar

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Synopsis

Mike Flaherty (Paul Giamatti) is a struggling, though not overly ambitious, lawyer. As the court-appointed attorney of Leo Poplar (Burt Young), an old man afflicted with dementia, Mike sees an opportunity to take things easy for awhile by volunteering to become Leo's legal guardian and thereby gain control of the man's monthly stipend. The unexpected arrival of Leo's grandson complicates Mike's plans, until he learns that the youth is a champion wrestler who can help the team Mike coaches.

Director: Tom McCarthy
Producer: Mary Jane Skalski, Michael London, Lisa Marie Falcone
Screenwriter: Tom McCarthy
Distributor: Fox Searchlight
Production Co: Next Wednesday Productions, Groundswell Productions
Rating: R (Language)
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 18, 2011, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 25, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $10.2M
Runtime: 1h 46m

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