The Rainmaker (1997)
Francis Ford Coppola's courtroom drama pits a rookie lawyer against a corrupt insurance empire in this gripping adaptation of John Grisham's bestselling novel.
The Rainmaker - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Rainmaker
- Release Year: 1997
- Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Crime, Thriller
- Age Rating (US): PG-13
- Runtime: 2h 15m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 18, 1997 (Brazil - 12), November 21, 1997 (United States - PG-13), October 23, 1998 (United Kingdom - 15), April 2, 1998 (Germany - 12), April 22, 1998 (France), January 22, 1998 (Australia - M), January 29, 1998 (Italy), May 12, 1998 (South Korea - 15)
- Alternative Titles: 播雨者 (CN), John Grishams Regnmakaren (SE), El Poder de la Justicia (MX), John Grisham's The Rainmaker (US)
- Production Companies: Douglas/Reuther Productions, American Zoetrope, Constellation Films
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Rainmaker - Plot
Fresh out of law school and desperate for work, idealistic rookie Rudy Baylor takes on a powerful insurance company accused of denying a dying boy's claim. Teaming up with a scrappy, unlicensed paralegal, he finds himself in a David-versus-Goliath courtroom battle that tests his ethics, courage, and belief in justice.
The Rainmaker - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the underdog courtroom battle unfold:
They were totally unqualified to try the case of a lifetime... but every underdog has his day.
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The Rainmaker - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Francis Ford Coppola
Main Cast
- Matt Damon
- Claire Danes
- Danny DeVito
- Jon Voight
- Mary Kay Place
- Dean Stockwell
- Mickey Rourke
- Danny Glover
- Virginia Madsen
- Randy Travis
Writers
- Francis Ford Coppola
- Michael Herr
Producers
- Michael Douglas
- Fred Fuchs
- Steven Reuther
- Francis Ford Coppola
The Rainmaker - FAQs
Is The Rainmaker based on a true story?
No, The Rainmaker is not based on a true story. It is adapted from John Grisham's 1995 bestselling novel of the same name. While the plot draws on real-world issues surrounding insurance claim denials and courtroom inequities, the characters and events are entirely fictional.
Where can you stream The Rainmaker online?
The Rainmaker is available to stream on Paramount+, Philo, fuboTV, and MGM+. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Check JustWatch for the most current availability in your region.
Who are the main actors in The Rainmaker?
The Rainmaker stars Matt Damon as rookie lawyer Rudy Baylor, Claire Danes as Kelly Riker, and Danny DeVito as unlicensed paralegal Deck Shifflet. Jon Voight plays opposing counsel Leo F. Drummond, with Danny Glover, Mickey Rourke, Mary Kay Place, and Virginia Madsen in key supporting roles.
What is The Rainmaker about?
The Rainmaker follows Rudy Baylor, a newly graduated lawyer who takes on a powerful insurance company that wrongfully denied a dying young man's medical claim. Paired with a scrappy unlicensed paralegal, he wages an underdog courtroom battle that challenges his idealism and tests his moral convictions.
Who directed The Rainmaker (1997)?
The Rainmaker was directed by Francis Ford Coppola, the legendary filmmaker behind The Godfather trilogy and Apocalypse Now. Coppola also wrote the screenplay, adapting John Grisham's novel with co-writer Michael Herr. The film was produced under Coppola's American Zoetrope banner.
What is the age rating for The Rainmaker?
The Rainmaker is rated PG-13 in the United States, making it suitable for viewers aged 13 and older. The rating reflects the film's mature courtroom drama themes, depictions of domestic violence, and morally complex subject matter, without explicit content that would warrant a stricter R rating.
How long is The Rainmaker film?
The Rainmaker has a runtime of 2 hours and 15 minutes (135 minutes). The film uses its generous running time to build a detailed courtroom narrative, develop its ensemble cast of characters, and explore the moral and emotional journey of its idealistic young protagonist, Rudy Baylor.
How was The Rainmaker received by critics?
The Rainmaker earned generally positive reviews, with critics praising Matt Damon's compelling lead performance and Coppola's assured direction. Reviewers highlighted the film's sharp script and strong ensemble cast. It was considered one of the more satisfying adaptations of a John Grisham novel, balancing legal procedural detail with genuine emotional resonance.
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