Good Will Hunting (1997) Review in 2025
A brilliant but troubled young man must come to terms with his talent and past while being guided by a therapist who pushes him to grow beyond his circumstances.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
Yes, it's mostly suitable for family viewing, but some strong language and mature themes might not be appropriate for younger audiences.
CineReview Recommendation
Definitely worth watching, especially if you like character-driven dramas. Suitable for streaming; no need for a theater experience.
Spoiler Alert!
Hover to reveal spoiler summary
Will, a genius janitor at MIT, faces legal trouble and agrees to therapy sessions with Dr. Sean Maguire. Through their emotional conversations, Will learns to confront his fears and embrace his potential, ultimately choosing a path of personal growth and love.
Review Details
story8.00/10
The story is deep and emotional, exploring complex themes like trauma, genius, and self-discovery, but it can feel a bit slow at times.
acting9.00/10
Robin Williams delivers a standout performance, and Matt Damon is convincing as the troubled genius. The chemistry among the cast is on point.
characters9.00/10
The characters are well-developed and relatable. Will and Sean's dynamic is the highlight, with emotional depth and powerful dialogue.
direction7.00/10
Gus Van Sant does a solid job, but the direction feels straightforward, leaning heavily on the performances rather than visual storytelling.
cinematography7.00/10
Nothing groundbreaking, but it captures the mood and setting effectively, especially in therapy scenes and Boston's streets.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Strong performances, emotional story, and great character development.
Cons
Some pacing issues and predictable moments.
Notable Quotes
"I gotta go see about a girl."
"It's not your fault."
"Some people can't believe in themselves until someone else believes in them first."
