The Mighty (1998)

75% of critics liked it
(40 reviews)
77% of users liked it
(7,954 ratings)

In the tradition of My Left Foot (1989), Peter Chelsom directed this emotional drama of outcasts, adapted from the Rodman Philbrick's popular young-adult novel Freak the Mighty. Although burly, slow-paced eight-grader Maxwell Kane (Elden Hensen), who narrates, is learning disabled, he nevertheless… More In the tradition of My Left Foot (1989), Peter Chelsom directed this emotional drama of outcasts, adapted from the Rodman Philbrick's popular young-adult novel Freak the Mighty. Although burly, slow-paced eight-grader Maxwell Kane (Elden Hensen), who narrates, is learning disabled, he nevertheless has a poetic soul, as evidenced when he meets the bright and brainy Kevin Dillon (Kieran Culkin), crippled by a birth defect. The physically deformed Kevin, who wears leg braces and uses crutches, suffers from Morquio's Syndrome, which causes physical growth to stop after the age of six. Illiterate Max gets Kevin as a reading tutor, and the two misfits soon become friends, sharing a vision of life as a contemporary Camelot. Gena Rowlands and Harry Dean Stanton appear as Max's grandparents and guardians. Max is portrayed by 19-year-old Emerson College filmmaking student Henson, while Sharon Stone has the role of Gwen Dillon, Kevin's mother. Boston-born author Philbrick, who winters in Key West, otherwise resides in Seacoast, New Hampshire (the setting of the book). The movie was filmed at a soundstage in Toronto, the University of Toronto, Cincinnati, and Covington, Kentucky. Exhibited out of competition at the 1998 Cannes Film Festival. ~ Bhob Stewart, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 1 hr. 40 min.
Directed By: Peter Chelsom
Written By: Charles Leavitt
Genres: Drama

In Theaters: Oct 9, 1998 Wide
On DVD: Oct 2, 2001

Critic Reviews

Nell Minow, Common Sense Media
Good movie about friendship for middle schoolers.
Clint Morris, Moviehole
Touching and ultimately rewarding..Culkin shines
John R. McEwen, Film Quips Online
...A cheesy, overdramatic tear-jerker full of transparent sentimentality and forced emotion.
Dan Lybarger, Nitrate Online
Decently acted but only moderately inspiring.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Mike S

Wonderfully written story, about two young bully victims - both outsiders and disabled in their own way - who find a best friend in each other, and together overcome their burdens and tormentors. Kieran Culkin is really funny as the clever and quirky "Freak", and shows that… More
Wonderfully written story, about two young bully victims - both outsiders and disabled in their own way - who find a best friend in each other, and together overcome their burdens and tormentors. Kieran Culkin is really funny as the clever and quirky "Freak", and shows that the talent in the family isn't limited to his brother Macaulay. Equally positive comments can be applied to the rest of the cast. Everyone plays their role to perfection and gives it their very best. But what I love most about the film is the way it is told. A great narration - divided into chapters like a book - and with an homage to the classic tale of King Arthur and his knights. A film for the heart, that provides hope, humor and a well-needed message. See it and enjoy an inspirational piece of film-making.
Richard C

i had read the book and it's much better then this movie. I thought this was good though. it had some stupid parts that I didn't like, like te king arthur things. I think they could have made the end better. the ending wasn't as powerful as it could have been. it was a… More
i had read the book and it's much better then this movie. I thought this was good though. it had some stupid parts that I didn't like, like te king arthur things. I think they could have made the end better. the ending wasn't as powerful as it could have been. it was a good movie though but it's not really great. B
Red L

The Mighty is about two kids who together are much more than each is separately. The acting of the two kids is great, and I don't know how they convinced the supporting cast of adults (Sharon Stone, X-File's Gillian Anderson, Meatloaf, Gena Rowlands) to join the cast. I… More
The Mighty is about two kids who together are much more than each is separately. The acting of the two kids is great, and I don't know how they convinced the supporting cast of adults (Sharon Stone, X-File's Gillian Anderson, Meatloaf, Gena Rowlands) to join the cast. I found the story moving and predictable as it moved to its inevitable conclusion, but still a pretty good film.
Lafe F

There are good times and sad times had by the two boys. I could barely survive the sadness. It was great seeing Sharon Stone and Gillian Anderson.
Leigh R

Fantastic film.
Jim W

This is a really touching movie and everyone should see it at least once. Don't expect not to cry like a baby though.