I Am Sam
Seen it?2001 | 132 min | Drama
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
People are still talking about it and audiences rate it highly (7.6 out of 10), though it had just 36% on Rotten Tomatoes. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. Audiences love it more than critics do: a crowd-pleaser first.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 12 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG-13. Probably too much for younger kids.
- Critics were cooler on it than audiences.
Sam, a neurodivergent man, has a daughter with a homeless woman who abandons them when they leave the hospital, leaving Sam to raise Lucy on his own. But as Lucy grows up, Sam's limitations as a parent start to become a problem and the authorities take her away. Sam convinces high-priced lawyer Rita to take his case pro bono and in turn teaches her the value of love and family.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsWeak
36% on Rotten Tomatoes, 28 on Metacritic
- AudiencesStrong
7.6 out of 10
- AwardsStrong
Won 1 Critics' Choice Award: Critics' Choice Awards: Best Young Performer. Won 1 PGA Award: Producers Guild of America: Outstanding Foreign Language Film. Also nominated for 1 Oscar, 2 SAG Awards and 1 more Critics' Choice Award. Plus 6 other awards.
- Box office & staying powerStrong
$98 million worldwide on a $22 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactVery strong
About 698K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
The Judge Sunday Safe BetAnother legal drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
White Oleander Sunday Safe BetAlso stars Michelle Pfeiffer, in another drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Short Term 12
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed drama.
Mildred Pierce Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed drama.
Secrets & Lies Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed drama.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Jessie Nelson
- Sean PennSam Dawson
- Michelle PfeifferRita Harrison Williams
- Dianne WiestAnnie Cassell
- Dakota FanningLucy Diamond Dawson
- Richard SchiffMr. Turner
- Loretta DevineMargaret Calgrove
- Marin HinklePatricia
- Laura DernRandy Carpenter
- Brad SilvermanBrad
- Joseph RosenbergJoe