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Poster for Children of a Lesser God

Children of a Lesser God

Seen it?

1986 | 119 min | Drama, Romance

Saturday Special

Why it’s a Saturday Special

It won an Oscar, it earned strong reviews (81% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it's still drawing plenty of interest, despite soft box office. A strong pick for the weekend.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for romantics. If you loved CODA or Blue Valentine, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Warm and romantic.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 59 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated R: meant for adults.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

Starting his new job as an instructor at a New England school for the deaf, James Leeds meets Sarah Norman, a young deaf woman who works at the school as a member of the custodial staff. In spite of Sarah's withdrawn emotional state, a romance slowly develops between the pair.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    81% on Rotten Tomatoes, 80 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    6.9 out of 10

  • AwardsVery strong

    Won 1 Oscar: Academy Awards: Best Actress. Won 1 Golden Globe: Golden Globe Awards: Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama. Won 1 Berlin award: Berlin International Film Festival: Silver Bear for outstanding artistic contribution. Also nominated for 4 more Oscars, 2 more Golden Globes and 1 BAFTA. Plus 1 other award.

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $32 million worldwide

  • Buzz & cultural impactStrong

    About 156K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Randa Haines

  • William HurtJames Leeds
  • Marlee MatlinSarah Norman
  • Piper LaurieMrs. Norman
  • Philip BoscoDr. Curtis Franklin
  • Allison GompfLydia
  • John F. ClearyJohnny
  • Philip HolmesGlen
  • Georgia Ann ClineCheryl
  • William D. ByrdDanny
  • Frank Carter Jr.Tony