The Other Sister (1999)

29% of critics liked it
(48 reviews)
67% of users liked it
(48,135 ratings)

Twenty-two year old Carla Tate (Juliette Lewis) is a slightly mentally challenged young woman who has spent several years at a sheltered private boarding school. Now she's coming home to her wealthy parents in northern California who are emotionally ill-equipped to deal with her and are guilt ridden… More Twenty-two year old Carla Tate (Juliette Lewis) is a slightly mentally challenged young woman who has spent several years at a sheltered private boarding school. Now she's coming home to her wealthy parents in northern California who are emotionally ill-equipped to deal with her and are guilt ridden over sending her away in the first place. The biggest limitation Carla must now overcome is her overprotective mother Elizabeth (Diane Keaton). When she takes a class at a trade school, Carla soon meets the equally challenged Daniel (Giovanni Ribisi). Despite his limitations, he maintains a job in a bakery and lives alone. Carla dares to dream of independence and love despite her mother who refuses to view her as an adult. When Daniel fails his class, his father cuts off his funds. Facing a move to Florida to live with his mother, the two turn to each other and find a way to stay together to face a world of adult opportunities and responsibilities. ~ Ron Wells, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 2 hr. 9 min.
Directed By: Garry Marshall
Written By: Garry Marshall, Bob Brunner
Genres: Drama, Comedy

In Theaters: Feb 26, 1999 Wide
On DVD: Apr 17, 2001
Studio: Buena Vista

Critic Reviews

Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
Shameless in its use of mental retardation as a gimmick, a prop and a plot device.
Michael Wilmington, Chicago Tribune
A neatly wrapped made-for-TV homily!
Renee Schonfeld, Common Sense Media
Overly sentimental movie is unlikely to interest teens.
Philip Martin, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Giovanni Ribisi could be his generation's Dustin Hoffman... he could also be his generation's Richard Benjamin...
John R. McEwen, Film Quips Online
For what is supposed to be a poignant love story, The Other Sister fails to show much spark.

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

Lucas M

Good acting and even entretaining, but The Other Sister present a strong sentimentalism and an embarrassing way to use the mental problems as a good plot.
moon r

The puppet strings are readily apparent in this manipulation by Garry Marshall, but the puppets themselves, Lewis and Ribisi, are charming enough to fill the time.
Sajin P

One of the most pleasant movies made about the mentally retarded people. It had that 'celebration of life' kind of feeling to it. Every time I hear 'Animal Song' this movie just pops into my head. The video of the song was a perfect testimonial to this movie.
jay n

How does juliette lewis ever get work?
Michael G

I saw this a few years ago and remember enjoying it. Unfortunately Giovanni Ribisi did such a convincing job playing a handicapable person (compund this with his performance in The Gift) that I'm now convinced he's retarded. I expect him to go into that mode every time I see… More
I saw this a few years ago and remember enjoying it. Unfortunately Giovanni Ribisi did such a convincing job playing a handicapable person (compund this with his performance in The Gift) that I'm now convinced he's retarded. I expect him to go into that mode every time I see him.
Leigh R

Lewis does a wonderful job.
Dannielle A

Such a sweet movie. I wish I had written it.
Naughtia N

This was a very touching story about a mentally retarded girl who wants to grow up to live a life like any other normal girl. Her mother is very protective and doesn't believe that her daughter can make it on her own but she keeps on proving her wrong. She gets to move to her own… More
This was a very touching story about a mentally retarded girl who wants to grow up to live a life like any other normal girl. Her mother is very protective and doesn't believe that her daughter can make it on her own but she keeps on proving her wrong. She gets to move to her own apartment, gets a boyfriend and begins going to college against all odds.The actors were great and made this movie very believeable and sweet. I really loved this movie and wouldn't hesitate to watch it again. Superb.
Nicolas K

Nothing I had not seen before, but still OK.
Sunil J

A bit overdone but there is some genuine heart to this.
Erin C

This movie was really cute. It made me sad to see how people treat those who are mentally challenged.
Lee K

Great acting in this chick flick. I love giovanni ribisi, he is such a talented actor.
Leo L

Love it!