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Where the Heart Is
2000 120 min United States of America PG-13 18+
★6.1
Comedy, Drama, Romance
Director: Matt Williams
🎭 Based on
«Where the Heart Is»
byBillie Letts
Trailers
Description
Novalee Nation is a 17-year-old Tennessee transient who has to grow up in a hurry when she's left pregnant and abandoned by her boyfriend on a roadside, and takes refuge in the friendly aisles of Wal-Mart. Eventually, some eccentric but kindly strangers 'adopt' Novalee and her infant daughter, helping them buck the odds and build a new life.
Budget:
$15M
US Gross:
$33.77M
Worldwide:
$33.8M
Starring
Natalie Portman
Actor
James Frain
Actor
Ashley Judd
Actor
Awards
1 win & 2 nominations total
Key opinion
Where the Heart Is is widely regarded as a heartfelt, optimistic drama that emphasizes themes of resilience, kindness, and redemption. While some critics and viewers find the plot trajectory overly sentimental or unrealistic, most audiences praise the cast's performances and the film's ability to provide a comforting, life-affirming experience.
| Acting | Natalie Portman anchors the film with a vulnerable and charming performance as the resilient protagonist. | |
| Emotion | The film succeeds as an emotionally resonant drama that effectively explores themes of motherhood, betrayal, and the necessity of hope. | |
| Acting | The supporting cast, particularly Ashley Judd and Stockard Channing, deliver strong and memorable performances that bolster the central narrative. | |
| Screenplay | The film's screenplay is polarizing: admirers appreciate the poignant message of kindness and redemption, while critics find the plot simplistic, coincidental, or lacking in maturity. |