Netflix is currently streaming a classic nineties drama that viewers are hailing as ‘still a masterpiece’ decades after its initial release.
Good Will Hunting, which premiered in 1997, marked a significant turning point in the careers of Ben Affleck and Matt Damon.
The acclaimed actors, who are also best mates, penned the script together in the early nineties and subsequently won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay in 1998.
Damon stars as the titular character, Will Hunting, a janitor whose extraordinary mathematical abilities are discovered by Professor Gerald Lambeau (Stellan Skarsgård).
Impressed by Will’s talent, the professor takes him under his wing. However, when Will finds himself on the wrong side of the law, Lambeau arranges for him to begin therapy sessions with Sean Maguire (Robin Williams).
The narrative truly unfolds through Will’s relationship with Sean, evolving into a touching drama about self-discovery, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Affleck portrays Will’s close mate Chuckie Sullivan, a similarly misguided character who harbours grand aspirations for his friend.
Given the stellar cast, it’s hardly surprising that Good Will Hunting was a hit with both critics and cinema-goers. It received nine Academy Award nominations, including one for Best Picture.
The film ultimately clinched the Best Original Screenplay award, as well as the Best Supporting Actor prize for Robin Williams. Both Damon and Affleck were nominated for their performances, but neither took home an award.
The film received an impressive 97% rating from Rotten Tomatoes critics, while general viewers gave it a score of 94%. One touched reviewer wrote: “The film that pierces straight into my heart.”
Another admirer lauded: “This movie is pure gold… Outstanding writing and acting, don’t make movies like this anymore.”
A third viewer shared their opinion, stating: “Matt Damon’s best performance in a movie ever. Robin Williams was brilliant in this too, as expected.”
One more fan enthused: “Still a masterpiece. Story, acting, screenplay, script cinematography, music etc the movie has it all,” while another declared: “Quite possibly the best movie ever made. Brilliant from beginning to end.”
A final fan raved: “PERFECT! 10/10! Great writing and character development.”
Good Will Hunting is streaming now on Netflix