Rain Man (1988)

* * * *

A wonderful story which is heart-warming and funny yet stays realistic. With two of the greatest actors and a well written script this film was destined to be the success it turned out to be.

The best element of this film is the combination of humorous and heart-felt scenes. The humour means that this film is watch-able for the masses and helps you to empathise with the characters, who could both become unlikeable if not presented properly. Raymond (Justin Hoffman) is lovable and it is a testament to this character that it is now fairly typical to see a character similar to him in many modern comedies (such as Zach Galifianakis’s character in the Hangover).  Charlie (Tom Cruise) is very well played, and under-appreciatedly so, as he could quickly be seen as a bad/false person but instead the audience also warms to him.  

The film is never predictable and you never know where it is going to end; even throughout there are many moments which one would not expect. Many times the film seems to be heading towards a Hollywood-style plot; however it always reverts to the indie-realism that gives this film strength. Most of my favourite films were made in the 80’s and this film shows why: it went against normal Hollywood convention and gives the audience a full spectrum of emotions without talking down to them.