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Overview

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I Am Sam, 2001

Starring: Sean Penn, Michelle Pfeiffer

Directed by: Jessie Nelson

Written by: Kristine Johnson

Language: English

Country: USA

Runtime: 132 min

MPAA Rating:

Rating:7.4

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The mood of I Am Sam is uplifting, bittersweet, and emotional. The plot centers around a mentally challenged character, custody issues, and a dedicated lawyer. It is a drama movie. Stylistically, I Am Sam is a melodrama. In approach, it is serious and realistic. The setting is California. I Am Sam happens in contemporary times. The musical score is pop and rock. The movie is known for being an award winner. Note that I Am Sam includes profanity.

Summary of I Am Sam

Actor Sean Penn displays another facet of his versatility as the title character of this inspirational tearjerker--a mentally handicapped father fighting for custody of his young daughter (Dakota Fanning). The child welfare board of his native Santa Monica has taken her from him, worried that at eight years old she has already begun to pass him in intellectual development. Sam's argument is that it's not brains but love that counts, and his case is taken by a stressed-out hot shot lawyer named Rita (Michelle Pfeiffer) who has her own problems dealing with her rebellious son. Anchored by his infectious love of the Beatles, the ceaselessly enthusiastic Sam becomes a positive influence on Rita as he raises a lot of questions about what's most important as a parent. Though it's Penn's show, Pfeiffer is so good she practically steals the film from him, and the startlingly precocious Fanning is not far behind. A warm soundtrack of Beatles covers and clever, fast-cut editing help the message of love and forgiveness shine through.

Details

Language:	English
Country:	USA
Release date:	3 December 2001
Runtime:	132 min

Cast and Crew See all

Sean Penn

as Sam Dawson

Michelle Pfeiffer

as Rita Harrison Williams

Photos See all

Dianne Wiest in I Am Sam (2001)

Laura Dern in I Am Sam (2001)

Sean Penn in I Am Sam (2001)

Dakota Fanning, Laura Dern and Sean Penn in I Am Sam (2001)

Director Jessie Nelson and Sean Penn on the set of I Am Sam (2001)

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I Am Sam: Theatrical

Critics Reviews See all

Chicago Tribune

The role sounds like a sentimental trap, but Penn doesn't fall into it. It's a sensational performance, and he illumines a movie that sometimes seems in danger of descending into modish Hollywood political correctness. Full Review

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by: Michael Wilmington

San Francisco Chronicle

Not about the justice or injustice of the legal system. Rather it's about the tragedy of Sam's predicament. Full Review

|
by: Mick LaSalle

Users Reviews See all

The critics didn't particularly like this one, but I must disagree. This is the story of a mentally handicapped man, played to perfection by Sean Penn, his 7 year old daughter and their journey trying to remain with each other when the law decides... Read and rate it

20.September.2010
|
by: Tony Canas
Tony Canas rated this movie0/10

SAD!!!

Every time I see this movie i cry, but its such a good movie. Read and rate it

05.September.2010
|
by: Elizabeth phelps
Elizabeth phelps rated this movie9/10Amazing

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