Good Will Hunting (1997)
A raw, emotionally charged drama about a South Boston prodigy forced to confront his past through an unlikely friendship with a compassionate therapist.
Good Will Hunting - Movie Information
- Original Title: Good Will Hunting
- Release Year: 1997
- Directed by: Gus Van Sant
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 2h 7m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 9, 1998 (United States - R), March 6, 1998 (United Kingdom - 15), February 19, 1998 (Germany - 12), March 4, 1998 (France - U), March 12, 1998 (Australia - M), February 20, 1998 (Brazil - 12), March 6, 1998 (Italy - T), March 6, 1998 (Spain - A), March 21, 1998 (South Korea - 15)
- Alternative Titles: En busca del destino (AR), O xehoristos Will Hunting (GR), סיפורו של וויל האנטינג (IL), 心理捕手 (CN), Խելացի Ուիլ Հանթինգը (AM), Good Will Hunting – Der gute Will Hunting (DE), 骄阳似我 (HK), Will Hunting - syntynyt neroksi (FI)
- Production Companies: Lawrence Bender Productions, Be Gentlemen Limited Partnership, Miramax
- Production Countries: United States of America
Good Will Hunting - Plot
Will Hunting is a headstrong, working-class genius who is failing the lessons of life. After one too many run-ins with the law, Will's last chance is a psychology professor, who might be the only man who can reach him.
Good Will Hunting - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see what makes this story unforgettable:
Some people can never believe in themselves, until someone believes in them.
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Good Will Hunting - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Gus Van Sant
Main Cast
- Matt Damon
- Robin Williams
- Ben Affleck
- Stellan Skarsgård
- Minnie Driver
- Casey Affleck
- Cole Hauser
- Vik Sahay
- John Mighton
- Rachel Majorowski
Writers
- Ben Affleck
- Matt Damon
Producers
- Lawrence Bender
Good Will Hunting - FAQs
Where can you stream Good Will Hunting?
Good Will Hunting is available to stream on Paramount+, YouTube TV, and Kanopy (free). It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Hoopla offers free access as well, depending on your library membership.
What is the famous “It’s not your fault” scene about?
In one of cinema’s most celebrated scenes, therapist Sean Maguire (Robin Williams) repeatedly tells Will Hunting (Matt Damon) “It’s not your fault,” breaking through Will’s emotional defenses regarding his childhood abuse. The scene marks the emotional turning point of the film, allowing Will to finally grieve and begin healing.
Did Good Will Hunting win any major awards?
Good Will Hunting won two Academy Awards at the 1998 Oscars: Best Original Screenplay for Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, and Best Supporting Actor for Robin Williams. The film received nine Oscar nominations in total, including Best Picture and Best Director for Gus Van Sant.
Who are the main actors in Good Will Hunting?
The film stars Matt Damon as Will Hunting, Robin Williams as therapist Sean Maguire, Ben Affleck as best friend Chuckie Sullivan, Stellan Skarsgård as MIT professor Gerald Lambeau, and Minnie Driver as Will’s love interest Skylar. Casey Affleck and Cole Hauser also appear as members of Will’s close-knit friend group.
Is Good Will Hunting based on a true story?
Good Will Hunting is not based on a true story. It is an entirely original screenplay written by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. Damon began drafting the script as a Harvard University writing assignment. The characters and events are fictional, though the South Boston setting and working-class milieu draw on the writers’ own backgrounds.
What is Good Will Hunting about?
Good Will Hunting follows Will Hunting, a self-taught mathematical genius working as an MIT janitor in South Boston. After a brush with the law, he is court-ordered into therapy with unconventional psychologist Sean Maguire. The film explores themes of identity, trauma, friendship, love, and the courage required to embrace one’s own potential.
What is the age rating for Good Will Hunting?
Good Will Hunting is rated R in the United States by the MPA, primarily for strong language throughout the film. In the United Kingdom it carries a 15 certificate, while Germany rates it 12 and France classifies it U (universal). Parents should be aware of frequent profanity and mature emotional themes.
How long is Good Will Hunting?
Good Will Hunting has a runtime of 2 hours and 7 minutes (127 minutes). The film was directed by Gus Van Sant and released theatrically in the United States on January 9, 1998, following a limited December 1997 release to qualify for awards consideration.
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