Rain Man

Autism in mainstream packaging, i.e. with a strong non-autistic character with whom we can identify (and serving for the development of the narrative, because Ray cannot change), with the protagonist’s disorder offset by his phenomenal memory, with carefully administered “heartwarming” humour, and with the cause of all conflicts melodramatically limited to an incurable mental illness. We can ironically ridicule Levinson’s attempt to tell, with love and understanding, a story about a man for whom deeper affection for another person is an unknown emotion. However, it would not be fair to overlook the fact that Rain Man was also very tastefully made, without exaggerated sentimentality, without trying to eliminate everything that’s only slightly “uncanny”, without an entirely happy ending (brotherly love is fine, but it’s not a substitute for an institution specialising in caring for patients like Raymond). Within the boundaries of the genre, the believable transformation of Tom Cruise’s character is paradoxically aided the most by his essentially unchanging film brother played by Dustin Hoffman, who reacts slowly and differently. Though I have never actually seen Dustin Hoffman in this film. I always see only Raymond Babbitt. 85% (24/09/2013)

Another one of those films that I have been avoiding for a long time, even though everyone around me praises them. With some movies, it's just like that, you can't see everything. But since I have seen "Scooby-Doo" already, it would be a shame not to see "Rain Man". Tom Cruise showcases here why he is a well-paid actor, but it is clear that the main star is Dustin Hoffman. That man truly transformed into an autistic person. A magnificent acting performance in a story that may be a bit cliché at times, but the actors and occasionally great dialogues really help it a lot. (14/03/2014)

The hit of the late 80s, which was aided by an exceptionally elaborate screenplay and Dustin Hoffman's life performance. As a well-known perfectionist, he devoted almost five months to preparing for this demanding role and even lived with autistic individuals in a treatment facility. Cruise, alongside Hoffman, made an effort not to be overshadowed and delivered one of the best performances of his career. Everything in the film works as it should. One of the greatest cinematic experiences. The film is literally packed with emotions, but it does not exceed the boundaries of tacky sentimentality. Overall impression 95%. (19/01/2008)

The only thing that was impressive about this movie was Dustin Hoffman’s (traditionally) great performance. But everything else is kind of bland, without emotions, without anything that would make this film unique. It just seems too American for me. Plus, I feel like I’m the only one who was absolutely unmoved by Cruise's supposed "transformation" from an arrogant showoff into a loving brother. A weak 4 stars. (09/08/2013)

- What's it like? - Greasy. Yeah, that's one way to sum up the flick. Yes, he's a genius. Yes, he was selfish. Yes, she was pretty hot. I wish I'd seen it earlier, I probably would have given it a higher rating, but then it was over and I thought: "Is that it?" I guess I'm just too messed up... But it was fun, yeah... Rain Man is like my sister (not in terms of memory). (19/07/2009)