Finding Forrester

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Finding Forrester

PG-13

2000

2h 13m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

74%

Tomatometer

127 Reviews

79%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

A unique relationship develops between an eccentric, reclusive novelist and a young, amazingly gifted scholar-athlete. After the novelist discovers that the young athlete is also an excellent writer and secretly takes him on as his protégé, they develop an unlikely friendship. As they learn more about each other, they learn more about themselves, and ultimately, with the help of his new mentor, the basketball star must choose the right path.

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Critics Consensus

Despite the predictability of its plot and its similarity to Good Will Hunting, Finding Forrester has an honest, solid feel to it and good rapport between Connery and Brown.

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Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

Dec 24, 2010

4/5

Quality characters, solid film; OK for ages 14+.

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Jonathan Rosenbaum

Chicago Reader

Mar 25, 2008

If director Gus Van Sant had always been a hack it wouldn't matter so much, but personally I find this form of licking the audience's cheeks like an obsequious puppy deeply offensive.

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Time Out

Jan 26, 2006

The leaden screenplay can be fingered for many of the film's faults. But what happened to the off-kilter film-maker last seen at work in To Die For?

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Leigh Paatsch

Herald Sun (Australia)

May 11, 2018

3/5

A nicely inspirational affair.

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John A. Nesbit

Old School Reviews

Jul 22, 2012

C

predictable formula film that is quickly forgotten

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Nick Rogers

The Film Yap

Sep 24, 2010

4/4

Lost in "Forrester's" dismissal is appreciation for its relatively piss-and-vinegar approach to the act of creating fiction. Jazzy, classicist and a bit meta, the film's unexpectedly urbane quirks resemble Jonathan Demme films at their mainstream best.

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Farah R.

@Farah Jun 23, 2026

This heartwarming drama features poignant themes of courage, friendship, and staying true to yourself highlighted by one of Sean Connery’s best performances of his later career. It tells an uplifting story that resonates with many, building to a satisfying conclusion.

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bob C

@RT46426964 Mar 1, 2026

Earnest, well meaning plodding stuff

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Julia G

@RT54920844 Jun 26, 2025

Gostei muito do filme. Bom para assistir em família +12. Tem um drama leve e cenas de comédia. Você se apega ao personagem rabugento e se alegra com a inteligência do personagem mais novo.

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thiago s

@Thiagostone Feb 28, 2025

Filme fraco, o roteiro é fraco, o filme não tem cenas boas, e nem personagens bons, a história é fraca, mas o drama no filme dá uma pequena salvada de ser ruim, mas mesmo assim, eu não recomendo esse filme.

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Brian H

@RT25736836 May 12, 2024

A real treat. Connery brings the reclusive author to life with a cornucopia of quirks and issues. Life lessons on perception and prejudice flow through the entire movie but in ways that bring you deeper in instead of driving you away. You don't have to love basketball, NYC, or even literature to enjoy this story of coming into your own.

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Rick M

@RT28141542 Jan 8, 2024

A superbly crafted story that brings the viewer right into the heart of the film. A very pleasant and unexpected surprise.

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Gus Van Sant

Director

Sean Connery

Forrester

Rob Brown

Jamal

F. Murray Abraham

Crawford

Anna Paquin

Claire

Busta Rhymes

Terrell

Finding Forrester: Official Clip - Yankee Stadium

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Finding Forrester: Official Clip - Free Throw Shootout

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Finding Forrester: Official Clip - My Name is William Forrester

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Finding Forrester: Official Clip - You the Man Now, Dawg!

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Finding Forrester: Official Clip - The Pulitzer Prize

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Finding Forrester: Official Clip - The Key to Writing

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Finding Forrester: Official Clip - Are You Challenging Me?

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Synopsis

A unique relationship develops between an eccentric, reclusive novelist and a young, amazingly gifted scholar-athlete. After the novelist discovers that the young athlete is also an excellent writer and secretly takes him on as his protégé, they develop an unlikely friendship. As they learn more about each other, they learn more about themselves, and ultimately, with the help of his new mentor, the basketball star must choose the right path.

Director: Gus Van Sant
Producer: Laurence Mark, Dany Wolf
Screenwriter: Mike Rich
Distributor: Columbia Pictures
Production Co: Columbia Pictures, Laurence Mark Productions, Fountainbridge Films
Rating: PG-13 (Some Sexual References|Brief Strong Language)
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 19, 2000, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): May 1, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA): $51.8M
Runtime: 2h 13m
Sound Mix: Dolby Stereo, Dolby A, SDDS, DTS, Surround, Dolby Digital, Dolby SR

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