Oscar nominees Sam Waterston and Tess Harper, and veteran actress Gail Strickland (Norma Rae) join three talented newcomers in this "deeply moving film" (Los Angeles Times) about coming of age and sexual discovery in rural, 1950s Louisiana. Brilliantly directed by Robert Mulligan (To Kill A Mockingbird, The Summer Of '42), The Man In The Moon is a poignant and bittersweet tale Roget Ebert calls "a wonderful movie…a victory…a meticulously prepared masterpiece."
Fourteen-year-old Dani (Reese Witherspoon) and her older sister Maureen (Emily Warfield) have always shared everything. But when Court Foster (Jason London) moves in next door, the sisters become rivals as Dani experiences her first feelings of affection and Maureen finds the true love she's longed for. But with love comes heartache, and the sisters soon learn a tough life lesson when tragedy strikes and the strength of their bond is the only thing that will keep their hearts from breaking.
(33 votes)
2.
Robert Mulligan's graceful coming-of-age drama, set in rural Louisiana in 1957, explores the relationship change two sisters experience when both fall for the handsome new boy next door, Court Foster (Jason London). The younger sister, 14-year-old Dani (Reese Witherspoon), gains Court’s friendship and a brief kiss but not his romantic affections, which he delivers to college-bound Maureen (Emily Warfield). The once-close sisters turn into rivals while learning some painful lessons about growing up. But when a sudden tragedy strikes, they are forced to draw strength from their powerful familial bond. Witherspoon gives a moving performance in her film debut, and Mulligan demonstrates once again his graceful and tender knack (shown in previous films such as SUMMER OF '42 and TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD) for capturing the bewilderment, awkwardness, and fresh excitement of adolescence.
(34 votes)
3.
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 falls 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
(34 votes)
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