Win Win

R

Released Mar 18, 2011

1 hr. 46 min.

Comedy

Drama

List

94%

177 Reviews

Tomatometer

85%

25,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

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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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

Full Review

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

Lise L

Downbeat. Likable characters acting like real, human adults.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/10/23

Full Review

isla s

This was a more poignant film than I'd imagined it to be. I liked that we see things from both the teenage boys point of view and that of the makeshift father figure, lawyer Mike. Its about parental issues - dealing with tricky family situations and the like. Its a thoughtful film, with some amusing moments and I did feel emotionally connected to the characters, so I enjoyed the film. I certainly wouldn't say its primarily a film about wrestling - its about juggling different family issues and the strain that can have on you. I would recommend this film.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Charles H

One of the best movies I have seen. Well done, Entertaining, and good story line.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/30/22

Full Review

Liam D

Fantastic performances and solid direction makes what would have been a bland Court/Sports dramedy into something special

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

05/30/21

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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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

Full Review

Scott Foundas

Film Comment Magazine

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

Jun 20, 2013

Full Review

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

Full Review

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

Full Review

Richard Propes

TheIndependentCritic.com

It contains enough heart and humor to please virtually anyone.

Rated: 3.5/4.0

Sep 27, 2020

Full Review

Felicia Feaster

Charleston City Paper

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

Jan 17, 2020

Full Review

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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
Executive Producer: Lori Keith Douglas, Tom Heller
Screenwriter: Tom McCarthy
Distributor: Fox Searchlight
Production Co: Groundswell Productions, Next Wednesday 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

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