← Back to results
A Perfect World
1993 138 min United States of America PG-13 18+
★7.6
Drama, Crime, Thriller
Director: Clint Eastwood
Trailers
Description
A kidnapped boy strikes up a friendship with his captor: an escaped convict on the run from the law, headed by an honorable U.S. Marshal.
Budget:
$30M
US Gross:
$31.13M
Worldwide:
$135.1M
Starring
Kevin Costner
Actor
Clint Eastwood
Actor
Laura Dern
Actor
Awards
2 wins & 1 nomination total
Key opinion
A Perfect World is widely considered a soulful and emotionally resonant road-movie that showcases Clint Eastwood's assured direction and a career-best performance from Kevin Costner. While some critics find the pacing leisurely or the narrative logic inconsistent, most appreciate the film's nuanced exploration of morality, systemic failure, and the paternal bond formed between a fugitive and his young hostage.
| Acting | Kevin Costner delivers a multifaceted and career-defining performance as the complex, empathetic criminal Butch Haynes. | |
| Direction | Clint Eastwood's direction is praised for its stark realism, emotional depth, and ability to weave philosophical themes into a gritty road-movie narrative. | |
| Screenplay | The script successfully employs sharp, authentic dialogue to foster a believable and touching paternal bond between the kidnapper and his hostage. | |
| Emotion | The film's emotional impact is anchored by a powerful, poignant final act that frequently succeeds in moving viewers to tears. | |
| Pacing | Viewers are divided on the film's leisurely pace and 2.5-hour runtime; supporters find it contemplative and rewarding, while detractors find it slow and lacking sufficient tension. | |
| Theme | Opinions on the characterization of Butch Haynes are split, with some finding him a compelling anti-hero and others failing to connect with him due to his actions. |