Benny & Joon (1993) User Reviews (195)

A sweet romantic comedy, Johnnny Depp gives a very memorable performance!

[Smells_Like_Cheese · 8/10 · 14 November 2003]

I remember when I was a kid I was just so in love with Johnny Depp, you wanna know the reason why? Benny & Joon, this movie was just so awesome to me and it was so romantic and sweet. I didn't see the movies for a few years, so I decided to buy it when I saw it on sale. Re-watching this movie brings back so many memories and I still love this movie so much. Even though it's cheesy and predictable, this is just a charming romantic comedy. The reason why is because it does have something different, the main love story has two characters who are complete opposite, but find that happiness in each other, they also remind another what real love feels like. Johnny Depp plays Sam, based off of Buster Keaten, he pulls in great physical comedy and made this movie magical and enjoyable, believe me, Benny & Joon is a fun story that any one could fall in love with.

Benny and Joon are brother and sister, their parents died in a fatal car accident when they were just children. Benny has promised to take care mentally ill Joon. But when Joon walks in on a card game with Benny's friends, she joins in without Benny's knowledge and wins something big, Benny's friend's cousin, Sam. Sam goes to live with Benny and Joon, his physical gags charm their hearts and brings in Ruthie, a waitress who Benny is just in love with but doesn't have the courage to admit it. But the plot thickens when Sam and Joon fall in love and over protective Benny intervenes.

Benny & Joon is one of those rare memorable romantic comedies, while the rest of the cast like Mary Stuart Masterson and Aidan Quinn both pull in heart warming performances, it's Johnny Depp who takes the movie; a time when he was pretty much just known as Edward Scissorhands, he took something different and made it work. His scene in the park with Benny and Joon is just so wonderful and funny. I would recommend Benny and Joon, it's a good movie, terrific actors, and has a fun and catchy soundtrack, this is a movie not to miss.

8/10

Really good film!!

[Idocamstuf · 8/10 · 5 September 2003]

I was surprised at how much I liked this film, I guess that I could somehow relate to the characters. Masterson's Joon is an awfully sad character that I really felt bad for, so was Depp's Sam, but they worked so well together, and had so many wonderful moments that made this film work. Anyone with a heart will enjoy this sweet little film. The only mistake was the relationship between Aidan Quinn and Julianne Moore, that just didnt seem to fit into the rest of the movie. Still, its a sweet and warm hearted film that everyone should enjoy. My rating: 8/10.

"Some cultures are defined by their relationship to cheese."

[classicsoncall · 8/10 · 2 September 2014]

I have a tendency to watch films like this from a certain distance and on a different level than I think the casual viewer would. That's because I have two adult children who have struggled with mental illness, one more severely than the other. Both are functional now but one always wonders how or when a future tipping point might occur. With that first hand perspective, I didn't get a clear sense that Joon (Mary Stuart Masterson) was all that sick - "because you know, ..., except for being a little mentally ill, she's pretty normal." That was Sam's (Johnny Depp) analysis, and I think he got it right. There were only a couple of episodes where Joon acted out abnormally - the one time she got angry with Benny (Aidan Quinn) over Sam, and later on with Sam on the bus. But on both occasions, one could understand how a 'normal' person might react the same way.

So with that said, I saw this more as an eccentric little love story, with maybe Sam being the challenged character more so than Joon. I mean seriously, Benny won (lost?) him in a card game, when have you ever heard of that happening? It's Sam who helps the viewer understand the point of view that eccentricity and being a little 'off' isn't always such a bad thing and that maybe there's a little room for a quirky character in everyone's life.

So maybe it's not a great movie, but you'll probably remember "Benny and Joon" a lot longer than the last action adventure you just watched. It doesn't need over the top chase scenes or mindless explosions to put it's message across, and you come out of the experience with a nice warm feeling that things just might work out if you apply a little love and understanding with the crazy.

funny *and* realistic (whatever others may say)

[taneskal · 28 December 1998]

I first saw this movie with almost no expectations. Now I own it and have watched it more times than I can remember.

I have heard that this movie caught a lot of flak about not being "realistic" about mental illness, and not providing a diagnosis for Joon, etc. I think that it is more realistic for the "average" person with a mental illness than any other movie I have seen on the topic. There was no theme of "being institutionalised forever" and there was no unrealistic expectation of a "cure".

The character of Sam put it best when he said "Aside from being a little mentally ill, she's pretty normal." I think that's the best quote I've heard in a movie, on that particular topic.

I also think there is a reason for there being no stated diagnosis of Joon. She personifies those of us who can't get on with the things we want to do in life because of a mental illness and treatment getting in the way. She does it very well, down to the mannerisms. If she were to be labeled, say, obsessive-compulsive, or post-traumatic stress disorder, or schizophrenic, or bipolar, then the universality would be taken out of it and it would suddenly only apply to people with one certain label.

This movie did wonders for my family. Upon watching it, we all said "That's us!" and learned to laugh at ourselves and the situations we got into. It offered me a lot of hope -- what more could I want than to find an understanding and eccentric friend to love and move into my own apartment, away from the mess of hospitals and doctors? It still makes me laugh every time I see it, and "Joon" has become a household word... I recommend this to anyone, particularly anyone with a mental illness, and their families -- it might lighten things up, but it certainly doesn't skip over the bad parts.

An interesting idea and many interesting parts

[planktonrules · 6/10 · 1 February 2008]

The idea of BENNY & JOON is pretty good. Adult brother (Aiden Quinn) and sister (Mary Stuart Masterson) live together because the sister is mentally unstable and he needs to look after her. However, over time, it's obvious he can't control her and they both need space to grow--but Benny cannot bring himself to admit this. Being so inextricably intertwined isn't good for either of them. Into this less than idea situation appears the rather child-like and bizarre character played by Johnny Depp. This oddball is a bit like Chaplin and Keaton combined and it's obvious he's addicted to these silent comedies, as Depp nicely recreates the dance with the diner rolls Chaplin did in THE GOLD RUSH.

Overall, the biggest plus was Depp's strange but endearing performance. This, combined with the basic plot idea do make the film worth seeing. Unfortunately, two elements really distracted as well. First, exactly what sort of mental illness Joon has is rather vague and strange. In some ways she seems to have a combination of schizophrenia and an intermittent explosive disorder---but at other times she seems reasonably normal. Secondly, and this REAALLY irritated me, is that at least three times during the film they had long musical montages that seemed more like music videos than part of a film and they really came out of nowhere--looking more like padding than anything else or perhaps the film was being deliberately marketed solely towards teens.

Still, it's an agreeable little film--just don't expect a lot of magic.

whimsical and affectionate, like its characters

[saska-3 · 9/10 · 3 August 2003]

BENNY & JOON seems, at its heart, to be an allegory about the different ways people can be out of touch with their fellow human beings, and the ways in which that dischord can be healed.

Benny owns an auto shop and takes care - both financially and physically - of himself and his sister Joon after the death of their parents. Other than weekly poker games, Benny's is a life of servitude, and this is the source of his isolation. He longs to be free to have other relationships, but is wracked by guilt at the idea of leaving Joon in anyone else's care.

Joon is an artist and is also mentally ill, a schizophrenic who has good and bad days and who depends on Benny to provide routine in her life. She has run out every housekeeper to be found in town, but cannot function without assistance and supervision. The film does a superb job of differentiating between mental illness (from which Joon clearly suffers) and stupidity (which is not a problem she faces).

Into their lives comes Sam, a cousin of one of Benny's poker buddies. Through a clever conceit, Sam moves in with Benny and Joon. Sam is undereducated, partially illiterate but a comedic genius who studies Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton, knows catalogs of old movies, and has perfected the art form (kudos to Depp for the grace and conviction of this part of his performance). Like Keaton and the great silent film stars, Sam rarely speaks to communicate, and this combined with his illiteracy condemns him to be considered stupid as well. The great sneaker quality of Depp's performance is to show that Sam is always watching, always listening, and that he's no dim bulb by any stretch.

In Sam, Joon finds a person who makes her laugh, lives by his own rules, and cares for her deeply. In Joon, Sam finds a woman who appreciates him as he is, but he also knows a relationship with her is taboo. In a particularly revealing scene, he asks Benny, as one man to another, "How sick is she?" We know he is wrestling with his feelings for her, but Benny does not, and his offhanded answer comes across as callous and almost mocking.

While the handling of Sam and Joon's budding relationship may seem trite, and the humor applied to Joon's illness might seem cruel, in my experience the people who make those judgments know little about living day to day with a mentally ill - not to be confused with unintelligent - human being. There is deep and abiding truth in the idea that laughter and love can cure the incurable; people who seemed unable to function before can make great strides when they are shown trust and respect. And although the psychiatric issues were glossed over in this film, it has at its core an honest message of hope. One of my favorite films, for Depp and Masterson's outstanding performances and a true depiction of imperfect people on the journey to becoming whole. 9/10

Worth Watching for Depp

[skinnygaillard · 7/10 · 13 March 2022]

Benny & Joon has an interesting premise. A woman, Joon, who is severely mentally unwell, gains independence from Benny, her older brother and carer, who, in his way, does likewise. The arrival of Sam, Joon's interest ushers in improvement in her condition; she is much happier and safer having established a connection with a misfit like herself. Both siblings are spurred on by the arrival of their respective love interests, though neither can achieve what they want until Benny relinquishes control and admits they need the space to live for themselves.

Johnny Depp's performance in the movie is the best part of it. As he always does, he plays an oddball extremely well. The stunts and comedy routines are impressive, and he possesses a strange charm, which develops nicely as the film progresses.

The portrayal of mental illness in this movie can also be commended. It recognizes the challenges that come with severe conditions, but does not reduce Joon to a jabbering lunatic. There are moments of intelligence and perspicacity from her, as well as Sam, who also seems to struggle in a similar regard. Ultimately, the movie states that she is best off living of her own accord and is capable of a fairly normal life, with interests and genuine connections, all she needed was some respect as an adult. However, I do think this message would have come off better had she been more 'difficult' before Sam's arrival. The challenges she presents and faces aren't quite conveyed, and we don't see the extent of the siblings' frustrations that would warrant the rest of the movie. I also feel that Masterson's performance was shallow in places and lacking a dimension of emotion.

The film also does fairly well in the area of leaving things to the audience. While we don't really see a lot of Joon and Sam's bonding, there are hints of it, such as Sam bringing home a job application form so that Joon can help him fill it out. Later, he gets the job. This leaves room for the audience to imagine that they're doing well while left to themselves, while Benny's needs and overall sense of control are portrayed.

All in all, it's an enjoyable movie. There are funny moments, and the tone is kept pleasant. There is, however, some depth, respect, and meaning, saving it from being too mild. Perhaps a little more drama is needed - maybe a touch of real danger and harder emotion - but it's a good movie.

Warm, engrossing film about real people

[moggy-4 · 9/10 · 14 June 2000]

I doubt that I can add much to all the good things said about this film. Acting is superb, as is writing and direction, which keep the story from ever seeming "cute". It is never condescending about mentally ill; I love line where Joon corrects Benny's score keeping of a ping-pong game:" the mentally ill can count, you know". Both serious and comic, like life. Imagine, a good film without violence, drug life, car chases or sex. See it.

You can't bet a human being!

[hitchcockthelegend · 6/10 · 18 September 2009]

An auto mechanic named Benny is a devoted and adoring brother to his mentally ill sister, Joon. They exist well enough until Joon loses a poker game and both she and Benny have to take in another players cousin, Sam. Sam is quirky and eccentric, his antics falling in with those of the great Buster Keaton. Operating as house keeper, Sam quickly settles in and wins Benny around, but as Sam and Joon start falling for each other, things start to take a rather different course.

When a film has a character win another human being at cards, it's either going to be a dark nasty piece or a whimsical tale. Benny and Joon is the latter. Apparently chided for its poor portrayals of mental illness {tellingly tho, Joon's illness is not identified} Benny & Joon just about survives the pit fall traps because of its engaging cast. Johnny Depp as Sam is utterly beguiling while Mary Stuart Masterton {Joon} is sweet and affecting in what is after all, the difficult role. Very much a serious story cloaked in the afore mentioned whimsy, Jeremiah S. Chechik's film has some things to say about overcoming obstacles and the need for human connection in sometimes trying circumstances. But most importantly it dares to suggest that something as simple as treating the supposedly mentally ill with respect, warmth and dignity just may garner important and life changing results????

I can't honestly say I could be tempted to watch this film again because it's an oddity that seems confused to what it primarily wants to be. If indeed the makers themselves from the off had a course in mind for the story and how it panned out? But it does have a lot of supporters and it's not too much of a stretch to understand why, warm, quirky, and maybe important? 6.5/10

One of Johnny's best

[blackitty2 · 10/10 · 19 April 2005]

I have to say that I think Benny & Joon may be one of my favorite Johnny Depp films, along with Edward Scissorhands and Cry Baby. Unfortunately, you don't hear too many people talk about B&J the way they do Johnny's more high profile films, like Pirates of the Caribbean. This film is wonderful because it manages to tell the story of two mentally ill characters and never make them helpless victims. Instead, at their worst they're merely troubled and interesting characters, and at their best they're absolutely charming and heartwarming. Of course, Depp shines with his spot-on Chaplin impressions, and Masterson and Quinn are in top form as well. The real miracle of this film is that it is able to tell a story laced with realism through a whimsical lens, and it walks the tightrope of making one feel good without blatant reassurance. You believe Benny and Joon love one another without a gratuitous sex scene, (only a beautifully sensual one), and the viewer subsequently falls in love with everyone because this is a fine example of the way characters should be developed. Bravo to all involved!

Good acting by Depp!

[hikerhetav · 6/10 · 20 June 2021]

Aidan Quinn is a weird character, he acts well enough in the situations where he rarely needs to be serious and acts weird and boring where the situation is troublesome. The story is very good, but the direction faltered somewhere in the middle and I lost interest in the dialogues. Dialogues is an element which makes up a lot for such movies and they were irrelevant and messy.

On the other side, Johnny Depp is an acting masterclass. He knows how to deliver words, punctuations and breaks between the words. Where the presence of Depp always shines, the presence of other two makes the screen dull, because most of the dialogues are not really like that how mentally ill people would behave. It is understandable that as the title says, Benjamin and Joon are the protagonists, then why the movie's title introduced Depp as the main character? Was it because Depp was already a popular actor back then? Still it doesn't suffice the purpose. Moreover, the chemistry of Quinn and Juliann Moore just slows down the screenplay. There should have been something strong that connects them well with the story.

There are also many scenes which are filled with music or songs in the presence of Benny and Joon and it didn't really help the screen get closer to me. A crisp writing for the mentally challenged people could have been good. Something more serious and exciting like One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest might have made the story brilliant.

Favorite movie of all-time

[riverlily0104 · 10/10 · 30 October 2005]

I saw "Benny and Joon" in a dollar theatre when I was 12 and a half and my family was going through some difficult times. I had always liked movies before, but they were just an occasional treat and I never really paid attention to actors or directors or the like. After seeing "Benny and Joon" I was in love with movies! I can't pinpoint what it was about this movie that touched me so, but as an insecure, nerdy little 12 year old, it gave me something I needed. I have learned a lot about movies since then, I can name most actors and directors and I know all the production company logos, which makes me a little TOO happy ;)

A lot of movies have come and gone since I first saw "Benny and Joon" and there are plenty that I love, but, for me "Benny and Joon" will always be tops and always have a special place in my heart.

A Cute Romantic Dramedy

[Rainey-Dawn · 7/10 · 9 November 2015]

This is a really romantic dramedy film. It's a film that will make you laugh and have tears in yours from the sadness. It's an all around good film that is good for teen film but it's also very much for adults.

Johnny Depp has been known for odd roles and Benny & Joon is no exception. He plays the eccentric character Sam who falls in love with a girl that has some mental disabilities Juniper "Joon" Pearl - it's a really nice love story.

If you liked Depp in films like What's Eating Gilbert Grape (1993) and Cry-Baby (1990) then there is a chance you will enjoy Benny & Joon (1993).

7.5/10

Glass half full

[Harlequin-Rose · 5/10 · 30 December 2020]

It's a good premise for a movie, and an interesting thought. However I'd have liked it more if Joon was a likeable character. But I find her insufferable. I don't care about her mental problems, because her personality is so awful. I spend most of the movie hoping Sam would find someone else who I could cheer for. I wish they'd worked harder on the Joon character so that I actually cared what happened to her. Why put so much effort into Sam, and almost nothing into a titular character? Was Johnny the magic ingredient?

from someone who's mentally ill...

[tser · 24 January 1999]

I really identify with this movie, and with Joon. I myself am mentally ill (in fact, disabled by it). I don't think it matters that her mental illness is unspecified... so many mental illnesses overlap in real life, and often DO go unspecified even if the person is counselling.

I am mentally ill and (as birds of a feather flock together) know many people who are also mentally ill. As for it being representation of what it's really like to be or live with a mentally ill person, you can't really lump such an experience together. Mentally ill people vary just as much as "normal" people do.

Some of the details in this movie are great. They depicted Joon as a rounded character, a creative, sensitive, intelligent person. This is often the case with mentally ill people. I love the eccentricities of the characters. I think the details, writing, and everything about this movie are just wonderful. I've seen it many times.

Most people who I know who have seen this movie adore it. I think it's great.

Quirky Comedy with Heart

[Reviews_of_the_Dead · 7/10 · 22 February 2024]

This is a movie that I didn't know about until doing prep work for JwaC Presents Depp Dive: A Depper Look at Johnny's Feature Filmography. Jaime, who is the reason we are doing this show, used to own this on DVD as part of a pack. From what I gathered; she had only seen this once. I came in just having seen the cast list and was intrigued even more during the opening credits.

Our focus here are siblings, Benny (Aidan Quinn) and Joon Pearl (Mary Stuart Masterson). The latter has mental issues and they need a housekeeper. She quits though as Joon has become too much. She needs constant supervision. Benny has put his life on hold to take care of his sister and keep her out of a group home.

That is even proving to be an issue and her doctor, Garvey (CCH Pounder), believes it might be time for her to have more professional help. What they have now isn't working. That is until Sam (Johnny Depp) takes a train into town. He is staying with his cousin, Mike (Joe Grifasi). Joon ends up winning or losing, depending on how you look at it, a game of cards that requires the siblings to take Sam home. He is intrigued by Joon and the two develop a relationship. He brings his own set of issues that creates problems as well.

I think that should recap and introduce the characters for what we need. What I'll say is that having watched a handful of Depp's early movies, he takes on quirky roles even early in his career. I give him credit for that. Sam is an odd character who loves cinema, including Buster Keaton. He sees Joon and finds her beautiful. He also likes how quirky she is. Sam doesn't find her as sick as Benny is making out. Jaime and I were discussing what we thought each was dealing with. We aren't qualified to know for sure, but it seems like Sam has autism as he hyper focuses on things, which in the case are movies and being odd. This latter also seems to be centered around slapstick routines of early cinema.

The other major character here is Joon. Masterson does a great job in bringing this character to life. Originally, I thought she was autistic with things she was doing. Jaime brought up that speculation online was schizophrenia. That makes more sense when I heard that. She is prone to maniac outbursts. She needs structure and Sam disrupts that. Sometimes it helps, other times it leads to problems. I do love how they interact and need each other.

We also have a great cast around them. Quinn is an actor that I've seen in a handful of things. I've not seen a bad performance from him, including here. He cares about his sister, but they also have developed a co-dependency. We also have supporting cast of a Julianne Moore, Olivier Platt, Pounder, Dan Hedaya, Grifasi and William H. Macy. It just wild to see this group when they were younger and not necessarily having the name recognition yet.

I'd also say that this is well-made. The cinematography does well in capturing how eccentric Sam is and acts. We also see how Benny and Joon's house is due to him placating her. She is a great artist as well. They do fun things with angles to showcase the sleight of hand magic that Sam does. I'd also say that the soundtrack fit what was needed. This is an under talked about movie that I had a fun time with. I'd recommend especially to Depp fans to see an earlier quirky role from him.

My Rating: 7 out of 10.

Feeling good movie

[vincent.vega-2 · 10/10 · 24 December 2000]

I had one of the worst days in my life as I came home to see this promising movie. And yet at the beginning as I heard the Proclaimers with "500 Miles" (I don't know why)I felt better. I knew this film was gonna be something very special. And it kept what it promised. This is the perfect movie if you feel terribly down.

You mean Sam & Pearl's

[margineanvladdaniel · 7/10 · 3 June 2022]

Johnny's character really saved the "boo radley mood" movie. It made it cute and funny, annoying for some moments, but it was understandable. Johnny's a gem, you can see that from his early movies, these kind of characters fit him like a hand, not glove. Looking forward for the next ones. Peace & Love!

Original, Romantic, and Fun!

[Esperanza_Nueva · 10/10 · 4 January 2004]

I have fallen in love with this film. It is a classic love story between two lovable, quirky characters Sam and Joon. Benny and Joon has serious elements in its portrayal of Joon's (Masterson) sickness and how it affects her relationship with her brother, Benny (Quinn). This melancholy feeling is soon overshadowed by the magical aura that Sam (Depp) brings to these troubled siblings giving the movie an overall light-hearted and fun feeling.

The characters in Benny and Joon make the film truly original. Johnny Depp's portrayal of Sam is amazing. He hits the mark with his off-the-wall performance that brings exceptional charm to the story. Mary Stuart Masterson's portrayal of the mentally ill Joon is also spectacular. Depp and Masterson have undeniable chemistry in this movie. The quirkiness of their characters complement each other while Aidan Quinn's portrayal of Benny keeps the story down to earth with his sensibility that contrasts Sam and Joon's eccentricity. In short, this is a romance you won't want to miss.

there's something to love about these folks

[lee_eisenberg · 7/10 · 30 May 2022]

The current trial between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard got me interested in this movie of Depp's from the early '90s. Jeremiah S. Chechik's "Benny & Joon" casts Depp as an eccentric artist who falls for a schizophrenic woman (Mary Stuart Masterson).

The questionable part of the movie will probably be the depiction of schizophrenia. Personally, I don't know how schizophrenic people behave. I can only say that Depp and Masterson put on some great performances, with fine support from Aidan Quinn and Julianne Moore. It's a movie that everyone should see at least once. If nothing else, it can draw attention to the issue of schizophrenia. Definitely check it out.

True Brilliance

[thunderway · 10/10 · 7 January 2006]

Hey, as the owner of over 600 DVD's, and by far most of those from top movie lists, I can honestly, easily put this movie in the top 60 of all time. Including all the movies I've seen and aren't worth owning, B&J lands neatly into the top 2-3% overall.

It's a simple fairy tale, but simple neither in its creation nor execution. The layers of theme and the reality and originality of characters, so well performed in every way, almost put it beyond genre, and certainly it is neither a comedy nor a drama. It precedes and predicts smart dramedies of the later 90's and beyond.

But the tale's most significant moral, so subtly and honestly delivered--one real reason this movie stands out--is the prescient confronting of our society and culture's treatment, both legally and personally, of the so-called mentally ill.

Finally today we are beginning to acknowledge how disgustingly medieval is our approach to mental illness via heavy drugging, chopping of brains and nerves, and even electric shocking "patients". Add to that the fact, highlighted in this movie, that our supposedly free society takes away any personal control from either the individual or the family when someone has been labeled "mentally ill" and gives that control to the pscyhiatric organizations (not to any legal or governmental body, you notice).

It is estimated now that all these "mass control" methodologies, originated by Germans mostly in the early 20th century and polished in Nazi Germany and under Stalin, will be eliminated in the United States within 20 years. This movie has helped contribute to that motion and heralds a major positive turn in our society from the long trends of worsening education and rising crime that began when pscyhs were given control of our educational institutions and our mental health methodologies.

The obvious, demonstrable fact is that changing the way one acts toward a person--any person--to a positive from a negative will assist them in improving their own ability to live their life. (Negative being absolutely any motion or communication that compromises or reduces their own control, confidence or positiveness toward the future). Many people are not even "insane", but just individual enough to cause the established mental health industry to label them with a disease so they can prescribe drugs for them. The old joke, "Are there really more insane, or just more definitions of insanity?" applies.

Like Joon, simply being treated with dignity and as a regular person is all they need to lead a successful independent life--they really weren't a big problem until someone said they were and kept telling them so.

But even without the tremendous significance of this thematic message, the movie is extremely clever and subtly entertaining. The DVD contains an excellent and different little piece where John Schwartzman, the cinematographer, comments over about 20 minutes of makeup and lighting tests of the lead characters. Much better than the usual 20-minute "making of". His comments plus the director's commentary give an excellent context for how the movie was conceived and made, and shows that they were well aware of the issues and challenges they faced.

Of course, I believe they met all those challenges exceedingly well and produced a timeless little classic.

hiding from the future within the past

[mxracer157 · 7/10 · 22 February 2005]

picture an ensemble where the hottest and most successful actor in the group, has the least amount of scenes. this is done to show how strong the writing is. this movie does a great portrayal of families living together and interacting with each other with special needs and handicaps being present. this should let everyone know that even if there is a problem that things can be taken care of. never use a family members illness to hide yourself. johnny depp plays a goof, but, he plays a true romantic. benny, starts off as a tough guy trying to take care of his sister and being a nice guy at work. Joon plays a mentally challenged female that has to have everything thought out for her. this movie is similar in style to rainman with tom cruise. the way true love shines from this movie makes me glad to know true love can be found. even if its only found in the movie, this is a good thing.

very sweet and heartwarming

[rdhdnrs · 9/10 · 7 April 2005]

Sparingly and compactly made, an excellent sweet film. I found myself laughing out loud, along with my 15-year-old daughter. The sequences with Johnny Depp in the park were delightful and fun. I also found the portrayal of Joon very sympathetic and real. Aidan Quinn was just right in his role of Benny, restrained and compassionate, with just the right amount of yearning to be free. I was touched by the scenes of Benny and Joon's parents' death. Johnny Depp was, as always, original and amazing. He is so elastic. This movie shows a very sweet, innocent side of him which is rarely seen elsewhere. His flexibility and physical prowess are astounding, as are his gentleness with Joon and the sympathy with which he views her. I think my favorite scene may be the last one, where the two of them are in the kitchen ironing cheese sandwiches! Sweet, fun movie!

flawed movie about a difficult subject

[jaguartist · 6/10 · 21 November 2009]

It's not surprising that so many people who identify themselves as having mental challenges love this movie. It's nice to think that an older brother would drop his life to take care of you, no matter what your behavior is, and then his attention would be supplemented and supplanted by a quirky love interest like Johnny Depp. I want to see the film five years later after Joon has burned down their second house or apartment. The line I felt was most authentic in the film was Depp's character asking Quinn's character—"just how involved is she?" Meaning, what are the real parameters of her behavior? Is she really just quirky the way she was portrayed on film or are there going to be points when Sam is going to be too overwhelmed to properly care for Joon. How much of a real danger could Joon be for herself and anyone who takes care of her for an extended time? It is a cute fairy tale and for those of you who want to think that other people will come out of the woodwork to take care of you because you deserve to be taken care of—well, this is a fairy tale. Joon can't compromise. As long as Depp's character doesn't actually need Joon to be supportive of him or have understanding for him the relationship will be fine. (supportive isn't just making doe eyes at someone, its being able to put off personal pleasure to benefit someone else. Sam can do that for Joon, Benny can do that for Joon but can Joon do that for anyone else?) During the course of the movie it is made clear that Sam is used to not being listened to by other people. I have nothing but sympathy and praise for the Benny's of the world who step up and take care of a love one who is mentally challenged. I'm aware of mentally challenged couples who make a go at being married and having families, but I wonder how many social services they need in order to function? The machinery that some commenter's here are so negative toward is the only safety net that many mentally challenged clients have. A certain number of families do give over care of their loved ones to the state and then complain if that care is not up to their imaginary high standards. Bring them back into your home and don't suffer them to be taken care of by paid strangers, then.

And Depps' character does make clear in the film that the routines he is doing were authored by Chaplin and Keaton. He responds to Aidens' character that he can't make money off the routines because he didn't create them. This wasn't a bad movie, this was a flawed film that serves a need for people who want this particular fairy tale but it does a disservice to the caregivers of mentally challenged persons.

Okay film

[Watcher-37 · 5/10 · 2 September 1999]

Benny and Joon stars Mary Stuart Masterson, Johnny Depp and Aidan Quinn, and it's an okay movie, but the subject matter could have been a TV movie of the week just as easily as a silver screen release. Joon is a mentally ill woman who is taken care of by her brother and an endless line of caretakers. She "wins" Sam(Depp) in a poker game, and soon discovers love with the goofy and offbeat character. Quinn is her brother Benny, and he is first reluctant to take Sam in, then angered when he is told of their relationship before finally seeing the need to allow Joon to grow up without his constant direction. Depp is marvelous as Sam, and does a wonderful job in the physical comedy parts of the film as Sam is a devotee of movies, and imitates the comedy stars of the thirties.