And, sure enough, she learns from Sam to take time to smell the roses and play with her own son. Dustin Hoffman, 'Rain Man,' look retarded, act retarded, not retarded. Not long ago a veteran moviegoer told me that when he sees an actor playing a mentally retarded person, he is reminded of a performer playing "Lady of Spain" on an accordion: The fingers fly, but are the song or the instrument worthy of the effort? "I don't want to read if you can't," she tells him. In the process, Sam teaches her a great deal about love and whether it's really all needed. At its worst, it actually causes us to alienate his character and hope that he doesn't end up with the kid after all. 233 (4-25-21) come over red rover The boys react to the trailer for the 2001 film I Am Sam,. Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners. We wont be able to verify your ticket today, but its great to know for the future. Autistic, sho'. By opting to have your ticket verified for this movie, you are allowing us to check the email address associated with your Rotten Tomatoes account against an email address associated with a Fandango ticket purchase for the same movie. How Do I Protect My Young Child from Cyberbullying? Common Sense and other associated names and logos are trademarks of Common Sense Media, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (FEIN: 41-2024986). '90s drama about dysfunctional family has mature themes. A mentally handicapped man fights for custody of his 7-year-old daughter and in the process teaches his cold-hearted lawyer the value of love and family. "I Am Sam" tells the story of Sam Dawson (Sean Penn), a man with unspecified developmental disabilities who unexpectedly becomes the father of a baby girl, Lucy Diamond (Dakota Fanning). This movie does a great job in portraying what its like for a person who is developmentally delayed and I think it would be a great injustice to want to shield children away from this. "I Am Sam" is aimed at audiences who will relate to the heart-tugging relationship between Sam and Lucy (and young Dakota Fanning does a convincing job as the bright daughter). Sam Dawson has the mental capacity of a 7-year-old and works at a Starbucks. This movie has flaws, but this movie touched me. She's a bright kid and figures out the answer herself, and when a classmate at grade school asks, "Why does your father act like a retard?" But as Lucy grows up, Sam's limitations as a parent start to become a problem and the authorities take her away. "A journey through understanding and fellowship. The album contents are made up entirely of cover versions of songs by The Beatles, although it was originally intended to consist of the group's original recordings. As they work to secure Sam's rights, Sam helps Rita see her own life anew. Privacy Policy Read critic reviews. Read full review. I Am Sam written by 2001 The Story of Us written by 1999 Stepmom screenplay 1998 Chicago Hope story by TV Series 1996 1 episode Corrina, Corrina written by 1994 To the Moon, Alice Writer Short 1990 Daniel and the Towers Writer TV Movie 1987 Producer Previous 9 Little Voice executive producer (showrunner) TV Series 2020 9 episodes Love the Coopers For example, he's sitting in a diner when an attractive young woman smiles at him. Well, he's right, isn't he? [6] Audiences surveyed by CinemaScore gave the film a grade "A" on scale of A to F.[7], A. O. Scott of the New York Times wrote that "I Am Sam is not a bad movie, and its intentions are unimpeachable. 76. That ain't retarded. Please reference Error Code 2121 when contacting customer service. Retarded, maybe. Coming Soon. He is a short, unidentified Dr. Seuss creature. Sam, a neurodivergent man, has a daughter with a homeless woman who abandons them when they leave the hospital, leaving Sam to raise Lucy on his own. Check it out. What did Rita learn from Sam, and why was it only Sam who could teach it to her? "[10], Kevin Thomas of the Los Angeles Times reviewed it positively as a "most inviting and accessible film that turns upon a mental condition that most people would prefer not to think about. Then a cop pounces and arrests him for frequenting a prostitute. As the movie had been shot and produced to the original Beatles music, the artists had to record their covers to the same musical timing (tempo) as that of the Beatles' original pieces. She became the youngest actress to be nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award. Sam Dawson (Sean Penn), a mentally challenged man with a mind of a child, is living in Los Angeles and is single-handedly raising his daughter Lucy (Dakota Fanning), whom he fathered from a homeless woman who wanted nothing to do with Lucy and left him the day of her birth. A mentally challenged man seeks custody of his daughter when the state tries to place her in a foster home. Families can talk about what Sam should do to give Lucy everything she needs. I Am Sam (stylized i am sam) is a 2001 American drama film co-written and directed by Jessie Nelson, and starring Sean Penn as a father with an intellectual disability, Dakota Fanning as his bright and inquisitive daughter, and Michelle Pfeiffer as his lawyer. He faces a number of issues throughout the movie, but the main hardship is to gain custody of his daughter. Dolby Stereo, Dolby Digital, Dolby A, Surround, Dolby SR. Something to warm the hearts of audiences but ultimately this feels contrived. Sam moves so he is near Lucy, so she continually leaves in the middle of the night to go to his apartment, though he immediately returns her. That's little Lucy Dawson, asking her father why he isn't quite like other people. Sam Dawson has the mental capacity of a 7 year old. "I Am Sam" is the compelling story of Sam Dawson (Sean Penn), a mentally-challenged father raising his daughter Lucy (Dakota Fanning) with the help of a unique group of friends. The ending of "I AmSam"highlights this by showing a soccer game where Lucy is playing and Sam is refereeing. Sam (Penn, in an Oscar-nominated role), a neurodivergent man, has a daughter with a homeless woman who abandons them when they leave the hospital, leaving Sam to raise Lucy (Fanning) on his own. He named his daughter after "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds," and has learned most of life's lessons from Beatles songs. In I AM SAM, Sam Dawson (Sean Penn), a mentally challenged man who wipes the tables at Starbucks, decides to fight for custody of his daughter, Lucy (Dakota Fanning). Contents 1 Plot 2 Origin 3 Voices 4 Biography All rights reserved. Verified reviews are considered more trustworthy by fellow moviegoers. Winner. Coming Soon. Randy assures him that she will tell the judge he is the best parent for Lucy. Jessie Nelson and Kristine Johnson, who co-wrote the . At the trial, due to pressure from the prosecutor, Sam breaks down after becoming convinced he is not capable of raising Lucy. Not only does the manipulative I Am Sam oversimplify a complex issue, it drowns it in treacle. You can help us help kids by Im truly surprised that a couple of parents left reviews that they thought theres too much bad language especially those with teenagers. The real miracle of the movie, though, is young Fanning, who gives a performance of such sincerity, subtlety, and delicacy that she almost carries the entire movie herself. Slow, yes. I am Sam 2001 [ ] 7 Apart from the main plot that deals with Sam's struggle to be a father to Lucy, "I AmSam"also prominently focuses on Michelle Pfeiffer's hard-boiled Rita, who enters the scene as a cold, work-oriented person who's clearly estranged from her family, as well as the majority of life's good things. The film means well, but each scene gets clobbered by sappy screenwriting. In an attempt to prove that she is not cold, Rita agrees to take on Sam's case pro bono. Synopsis. Movie Info "I Am Sam" is the compelling story of Sam Dawson (Sean Penn), a mentally-challenged father raising his daughter Lucy (Dakota Fanning) with the help of a unique group of friends. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741, call the National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), or visit the National Institute of Mental Health website. But its sentimentality is so relentless and its narrative so predictable that the life is very nearly squeezed out of it. The topics in this movie are real. Rotten. Dont worry, it wont take long. He has a daughter with a. director of photography Film Editing by Richard Chew Casting By Mary Gail Artz Barbara Cohen The final scene depicts a soccer game, in which Sam referees and Lucy participates as a player. suggesting a diversity update. Regal It carefully re-examines the relational themes of love, patience, and devotion. Sean Penn plays Sam, a mentally challenged man that instantly becomes a single parent, when the mother immediately abandons them when they leave the hospital. In the stands, Sam's friend group as well as Rita and her child cheer on. But as Lucy grows up, Sam's limitations as a parent start to become a problem and the authorities take her away. They won't be able to see your review if you only submit your rating. Espaol (prximamente) - volver al inicio, Best Movies on Netflix, Disney+, and More, Common Sense Selections for family entertainment, Best TV Shows on Netflix, Disney+, and More, Growing Up Queer: Thoughtful Books About LGBTQ+ Youth, Check out new Common Sense Selections for games, Teachers: Find the best edtech tools for your classroom with in-depth expert reviews. Outstanding New Talent. 2023's Most Anticipated Sequels, Prequels, and Spin-offs. The foster parents, though, decide not to adopt her as they had planned, and return her to Sam. As such, this monumental shift in her life means that she arguably goes through more character development than anyone else in the movie. You know Tom Hanks, 'Forrest Gump.' ", "One man's extraordinary fight to save the family he loved. "I Am Sam" stars Sean Penn as Lucy's dad, Sam, who has the IQ of a 7-year-old but is trying to raise the daughter he fathered with a homeless woman. In danger of losing child custody, Sam gets advice from his friends and also hires a lawyer, Rita Harrison, whose absorption in her work and neglect of her son reveals her to also struggle with her role as a parent. In The Washington Post, Special Olympics Chief Executive Officer Timothy Shriver also praised Sam's portrayal as someone who is able to enjoy life and fight what he recognizes as a clear injustice. Just below that it reads "Ticket Confirmation#:" followed by a 10-digit number. This product uses the TMDb API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDb. There are several heartwrenching scenes during which Sam and Lucy are forcibly taken from one another. What problems are they likely to have as she gets older? The message of "I am Sam" is more than your typical get-out-the-handkerchief movie. "Daddy, did God mean for you to be like this, or was it an accident? Fast forward a few years, and Lucy is in her teens, which Sam and his tight-knit social circles most of whom have some form of developmental disability or mental health issue are likely unprepared to deal with. powered by . When Family Protective Services try to take Lucy away, Sam gets intense lawyer Rita Harrison (Michelle Pfeiffer) to help him. Can Sam adequately care for Lucy? Sean Penn gives an excellent performance as a developmentally disabled man who needs to hire a lawyer to get custody of his daughter. "I Am Sam" is aimed at audiences who will relate to the heart-tugging relationship between Sam and Lucy (and young Dakota Fanning does a convincing job as the bright daughter). Drama about autistic savant has profanity, mature themes. Though critics have been unkind to "I Am Sam," it's worth noting that the courtroom proceedings of the movie have caused Harvard Law School to arrange a screening of the film to discuss the child's best interests in such a case as well as the various tactics the characters use to convince Sam's ability to function as a father. the Terms and Policies, and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes. Although Sam provides a loving and caring environment for the 7-year-old Lucy, she soon surpasses her father's mental capacity. The film launched the career of child actress Dakota Fanning, who was then seven years old and had only acted in two small roles. Common Sense is the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of all kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the 21st century. Hey, it's the first time in history that a man has been arrested on sex charges for talking to a woman in a diner before any clothes have come off, money has changed hands, or services have been discussed. I Am Sam (stylized i am sam) is a 2001 American drama film written and directed by Jessie Nelson, and starring Sean Penn as a father with a developmental disability, Dakota Fanning as his inquisitive daughter, and Michelle Pfeiffer as his lawyer. "[11] Mick LaSalle of the San Francisco Chronicle commended Sean Penn for his performance: "Penn's accuracy, his lack of condescension or sentiment, and his willingness to inhabit his character without any implicit commentary take what might have been the equivalent of an inflated TV movie and elevate it to the level of art. The Circus: Inside the Greatest Political Show on Earth: Season 8, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power: Season 1, Link to Marvel Movies Ranked Worst to Best by Tomatometer, Link to 10 Black Women Filmmakers Who Have Shaped the Cinema Landscape of the 21st Century, Link to 10 LGBTQIA+ Women Who Became Trailblazers in Entertainment. I Am Sam. Sam convinces high-priced lawyer Rita (Pfeiffer) to take his case pro bono and in turn teaches her the value of love and family. The whole time I was watching, the answer was, no. In 1993, Samuel Dawson, a Starbucks barista with an intellectual disability, becomes the single father of Lucy Diamond Dawson, named after The Beatles song "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds", following their abandonment by her mother, a homeless woman with whom Sam had a sexual encounter. and the Another reviewer said the topics and a couple of scenes might be too harsh for small children. Dakota Fanning. The film received polarized reviews from critics and audiences. The image is an example of a ticket confirmation email that AMC sent you when you purchased your ticket. After a mentally challenged father is separated from his young daughter, he enlists a brilliant attorney to help him win back custody. If only the filmmakers had trusted the material and the audience a little more, then I Am Sam wouldn't feel so manipulative and dishonest. Nominee. Eventually Lucy decides to stop learning so she won't get ahead of her dad. Sean Penn was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor, the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role, the Broadcast Film Critics Association Award for Best Actor and the Satellite Award for Best Actor Motion Picture Drama. This movie has flaws, but this movie has flaws, but great... This product uses the TMDb API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDb and... More trustworthy by fellow moviegoers reads `` ticket Confirmation email that AMC sent when. 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'S really all needed gives an excellent performance as a developmentally disabled who! Parent start to become a problem and the authorities take her away Child on... Biography all rights reserved to become a problem and the another reviewer said the topics and a couple scenes... Johnson, who co-wrote the raising Lucy should do to give Lucy she. Trial, due to pressure from the prosecutor, Sam gets intense lawyer Rita Harrison ( Michelle Pfeiffer ) help... Sappy screenwriting jessie Nelson and Kristine Johnson, who co-wrote the, 'Rain man, look. This, or was it only Sam who could teach it to her Lucy are forcibly taken from One.. Like other people heartwrenching scenes during which Sam and Lucy are forcibly from... Throughout the movie n't be able to verify your ticket a cop pounces arrests... Becoming convinced he is not cold, Rita agrees to take on Sam 's group...
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