Movies

Film Review: Good Will Hunting

4 July 2016

By Lauren E. White

Every Robin Williams film is guaranteed to be worth watching. Good Will Hunting is no exception.

When Will Hunting, an abused orphan in America, lands a job as a janitor at a prestigious university, his life changes forever. As he cleans the empty halls, the lovable Will, played by Matt Damon, stumbles upon a mathematical equation that needs solving. He solves it. But it’s not that simple. The equation was unbelievably complex and when the professor discovers that nobody in his class has solved it, he looks to find Will. It is the beginning of a journey of redemption.

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Sean Maguire (Robin Williams) and Will Hunting (Matt Damon)

Robin Williams stars as Will’s therapist Sean Maguire, who is the only psychology professional who can get through to him and won’t give up. They get off to a rough start as Will talks a lot but doesn’t really say anything; instead he hides behind his intellect and knowledge, never being honest.

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The infamous date scene in ‘Good Will Hunting’

Perhaps what makes Good Will Hunting such a heart-warming and enticing film is the relationships presented by the writers Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. During his journey, Will falls in love with an English girl studying in the US and they enjoy an adorable first date together (above), showing that they really are made for each other. But when Will’s attachment disorder prevents him from letting Skylar get any closer to him, he pushes her away.

The end of Good Will Hunting is one of the most satisfying of any film ever. Matt Damon’s character does let his guard down in an emotional scene with Williams in which he is told that it is not his fault, prompting one of the most remembered scenes in film history. However, it is overcome with a hilarious final line. Good Will Hunting is a fantastic film and it is a real shame that they don’t make ones like this any more.

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