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The Chocolate War

Name: The Chocolate War
Genre: Drama
Released: 1988-11-18
Cast: John Glover, Ilan Mitchell-Smith, Wallace Langham, Doug Hutchison, Corey Gunnestad

1988 | 100 min | Drama

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It earned strong reviews (82% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office and little lasting buzz. 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. If you loved The Perks of Being a Wallflower or Foxcatcher, start here.
The mood: Emotional (bring tissues).
The pace: Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 40 min.
What might put you off: Rated R: expect violence.

Jerry, a new student at an elite Catholic prep school, must face the hazing practices handed down by the Vigils, a group of powerful students. When teacher Brother Leon pushes the students to sell chocolates for a fundraiser, the head of the Vigils, Archie, gets Jerry to reject selling for 10 days. However, Jerry decides to keep up the refusal past the original time frame, which pits him against the Vigils and the school staff.

How it earned its rating

CriticsStrong
82% on Rotten Tomatoes
AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
Box office & staying powerBelow par
$500K worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release
Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 29K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Keith Gordon

John GloverBrother Leon
Ilan Mitchell-SmithJerry
Wallace LanghamArchie
Doug HutchisonObie
Corey GunnestadGoober
Brent David FraserEmile Janza (as Brent Fraser)
Robert DavenportBrian Cochran
Jenny WrightLisa
Bud CortBrother Jacques
Adam BaldwinCarter