Mozart and the Whale (2005)

77% of users liked it
(9,029 ratings)

The emotional dysfunctions of two people suffering from an autistic disorder known as Asperger's syndrome threaten to derail the pair's emerging romance in director Petter Næss' affectionate tale of love among the mentally afflicted. For friendly taxi-driver Donald (Josh Hartnett), patterns and… More The emotional dysfunctions of two people suffering from an autistic disorder known as Asperger's syndrome threaten to derail the pair's emerging romance in director Petter Næss' affectionate tale of love among the mentally afflicted. For friendly taxi-driver Donald (Josh Hartnett), patterns and routines are of the utmost importance. In addition to his love for birds and his uncanny ability to process numbers, Donald does his best to give back to fellow Asperger's sufferers by leading an autism support group. When the lovely but intensely complicated Isabelle (Radha Mitchell) shows up at one of Donald's meetings, the good-natured cabbie finds that love can be as painful as it is elating. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 1 hr. 32 min.
Directed By: Petter Naess
Written By: Ronald Bass
Genres: Drama, Romance, Comedy

In Theaters: Oct 21, 2005 Limited
On DVD: Dec 12, 2006
Studio: Nu Image/Millennium Films

Critic Reviews

Sheri Linden, Hollywood Reporter
Strong performances anchor this low-key romantic drama about two people with Asperger syndrome.
Todd McCarthy, Variety
From the first, there is a refreshing absence of special pleading or under-the-microscope examination in Naess' approach.
Scott Weinberg, DVD Clinic
Shapeless and redundant, this flick is exactly the sort of movie you'd envision if I said "mildly retarded yet physically gorgeous young romance."

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

Megan S

Overall pretty good but I dozed off somewhere in the middle.
Leigh R

Crazy and odd, but isn't all love that way. I thought this was beautiful and well done.
E.J. B

An uneven, honourably intended romantic comedy.
Emily A

Initially I only rented this because Josh Hartnett was in it, but it really was all-around very good. I don't know how accurate a portrayal of Asperger's it was, but never mind. The two main characters might have been tragic by themselves, but them coming together defined… More
Initially I only rented this because Josh Hartnett was in it, but it really was all-around very good. I don't know how accurate a portrayal of Asperger's it was, but never mind. The two main characters might have been tragic by themselves, but them coming together defined the movie and gave it lift. I liked the message most of all: it's okay to be crazy, but it's better to be crazy together. Reminded me of the Mad Pride movement. I liked this a lot more than I thought I would.
Jennifer X

This is so atypical of a romantic comedy, yet it isn't. Does that even make sense? Well, Josh Hartnett was quite good in this; Radha Mitchell not so much. I love how on the DVD cover it boasts Josh Hartnett - PEARL HARBOR and Radha Mitchell - SILENT HILL as if it's something… More
This is so atypical of a romantic comedy, yet it isn't. Does that even make sense? Well, Josh Hartnett was quite good in this; Radha Mitchell not so much. I love how on the DVD cover it boasts Josh Hartnett - PEARL HARBOR and Radha Mitchell - SILENT HILL as if it's something to be proud of.
Dannielle A

There were a few parts that could be left out... but for the most part, this was quite a charming and sweet movie about two people with autism who fall in love with each other. At times, you forget that they have abnormalities because they seem just like regular people.
Lesley N

So-so romance about two people with Aspergers. Josh Hartnett is okay, but Radha Mitchell has decided autism=super-wacky and she grates.
John M

A unconventional love story with believable characters thanks to the good acting..
Ira Z

I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!!! The way the movie translates itself to me as how love can exist despite any circumstance is just beautiful. I can absolutely relate to this movie. And such great acting from Josh Hartnet and Radha Mitchell!! This movie will always be one of the best movies for… More
I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!!! The way the movie translates itself to me as how love can exist despite any circumstance is just beautiful. I can absolutely relate to this movie. And such great acting from Josh Hartnet and Radha Mitchell!! This movie will always be one of the best movies for me of all time
Sarah P

Interesting concept, but disappoints in its delivery and believability of the main characters
Laurence C

Naess' solidly directed portrayal of autistic love succeeds mostly because of Mitchell and Hartnett's hugely likable performances; whenever they interact, you (almost) immediately forget their characters don't make much sense and neither does the story. Nevertheless,… More
Naess' solidly directed portrayal of autistic love succeeds mostly because of Mitchell and Hartnett's hugely likable performances; whenever they interact, you (almost) immediately forget their characters don't make much sense and neither does the story. Nevertheless, Mozart and the Whale is still a fresh yet featherweight dramedy that skillfully avoids prententiousness or worse, boredom.