Sam Waterston, Tess Harper, Gail Strickland, Reese Witherspoon, Jason London

A jewel of a sleeper, The Man in the Moon comes off as a nearly perfect short story of two sisters' first competition in the field of love. In a 1950's small Louisiana farm town, 14-year-old Dani fall...( read more  read more... )s for Court, a 17-year-old engaging neighbor boy. The two become great friends, but Court is more interested in Dani's 17-year-old sister, Maureen, who is blossoming. Dani will look for any justification why she should be with Court, but as human law dictates, there is no cure for a 14-year-old with a crush.

The film is another winning portrayal of small-town adolescence from Robert Mulligan (To Kill A Mockingbird). His eye for casting is impeccable, with Sam Waterston and Tess Harper as the earnest parents and newcomer Jason London as the dreamy Court. The real find, though, is Reese Witherspoon as Dani. Her timeless work here is magical. The PG-13 rating is a bit heavy-handed--although the film does not shy away from its look at budding sensuality, or a horrific and emotional accident. Mature 10-year-olds may find one of their favorite films here. --Doug Thomas

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84% liked it

29,810 ratings

Critics

92% liked it

13 critics

PG-13, 1 hr. 39 min.

Directed by: Robert Mulligan

Release Date: August 30, 1991

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DVD Release Date: January 9, 2001

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Stats: 1,514 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (1,514)


  • August 1, 2007
    "The Man in the Moon" is a beautifully realistic look at life through the eyes of an adolescent. This film is incredible, all the acting first rate, especially Sam Waterston and an astonishing performance by Reese Witherspoon in her film debut. You will feel every emotion as this...( read more) life changing summer in 1957 on the Trant family farm comes to a conclusion. This film is truely the essence of filmaking at its finest.
  • July 30, 2007
    Good movie about young love and the close bond/love of sisters.
  • March 27, 2007
    Reese Witherspoons first movie I beleive. Sam Waterson shines as the father, Jason London also does well. This is a tear jerker film of the upteenth degree but as others have said, this is a story about sisters and true love. Its a beautiful tale and well told. If you have never ...( read more)seen this your missing out.
  • November 7, 2006
    It was good.
  • August 1, 2007
    Watching this movie was an interesting experience. It's so small, gentle, and awfully sweet, but at the same time I knew it wasn't really saying anything new or surprising. While conscious of this, I couldn't help but enjoy myself. The film unfurls like a dream and it kept my ...( read more)attention for almost its entire length. It's particularly strong in terms of mood. It reminded me of a less artsy fartsy version of The Virgin Suicide. I have a feeling I'm not going to forget how watching this film FELT, as opposed to the actual plot. Reese Witherspoon gives a compltely natural performance-to the point where I forgot I was watching an actress doing a job. Contrast this performance with Election, and what you got is an actress with range.
  • February 8, 2010
    I love it i love it!!!!! =] use to watch it all the time wen i was a little girl
  • January 12, 2010
    This is one of those films in which you know something bad is going to happen to somebody at some point even though it's not a given. Something horrible does happen, but before that it's a good look at country life with young sisters. After the incident, it's a good look at sis...( read more)ters responding to a hard reality. Very realistic acting and settings.
  • January 11, 2010
    REESE WITHERSPOON IS ?DANI TRANT? IN THE FILM ?THE MAN IN THE MOON"
  • January 3, 2010
    Everything was going so well... and then the ending spoiled it all.
  • December 8, 2009
    soooooooo sad, this movie mad me start liking reese as an actress!

Comments


  • Alyyeta
    July 25, 2008
    That guy!!! Why did he kiss dany!!! and then treats her like crap and goes after the sister!!!
  • carol14031997
    May 30, 2008
    wonderfull choice to learn about family, hate, love and relationship... I've made a the man in the moon's quiz. Check on my profile
  • emilyyyyanne
    August 8, 2007
    omg !!!! i <33333 this movie....i cried when i watched it
  • horselover941
    January 2, 2007
    this is my fave movie ever

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The Man in the Moon Trivia


  • What was the first movie Reese Witherspoon was in?  Answer »
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