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The Man in the Moon
1991 99 min United States of America PG-13 12+
★7.6
Drama, Romance
Director: Robert Mulligan
Trailers
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Description
Maureen Trant and her younger sibling Dani share a strong connection, but local boy Court Foster threatens to throw their bond off balance. Dani and Court meet first and have a flirtatious rapport -- but when he meets Maureen, he falls hard and they begin a passionate affair. The new couple try to keep their love hidden from Dani, but she soon learns the truth, disavowing her sister. But a heartbreaking accident later reunites the girls.
Budget:
$1.24M
US Gross:
$2.85M
Worldwide:
$2.85M
Starring
Sam Waterston
Actor
Tess Harper
Actor
Gail Strickland
Actor
Awards
3 nominations
Key opinion
The Man in the Moon is widely celebrated as a poignant and sincere coming-of-age drama that captures the intensity of first love and family dynamics in 1950s Louisiana. The film is anchored by a breakout performance from Reese Witherspoon, whose debut remains its most defining and resonant quality.
| Acting | Reese Witherspoon delivers a remarkable and authentic breakout performance that anchors the entire film. | |
| Acting | Sam Waterston provides a powerful and convincing portrayal of a weary, hardworking father. | |
| Emotion | The film excels at building a deeply evocative and emotionally resonant atmosphere that lingers long after the ending. | |
| Originality | The narrative avoids generic romantic tropes to provide a grounded, realistic exploration of first love and family tragedy. | |
| Screenplay | Viewers disagree on the script's focus: some find the storytelling flawless and profound, while others view the central plot of the love triangle as predictable. |