“Good Will Hunting” is a film set in Boston that stars Robin Williams, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. Will Hunting (Matt Damon) is a talented yet rebellious young adult who works as a janitor while easily solving advanced math problems in hallways at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
After being paroled, Will spends his time with his close friends, Chuckie (Ben Affleck) Billy (Cole Houser) and Morgan (Casey Affleck). At work, he completes high level mathematical problems on a blackboard posted by a Professor as a challenge for his college students. One day–after several days of not knowing who secretly solved the problem–Professor Lambeau catches Will writing the solution and asks around campus about Will’s backstory. Will continues to hang around his friends who get into lots of trouble, and he ends up almost being sent to jail, but Lambeau saves him and bails him out under the condition that he works with him every week and that he visits a therapist. Will agrees even though he strongly believes he doesn’t need therapy. Dozens of psychologists try to get through to Will but nobody quite understood Will until Sean Maguire (Robin Williams). Sean grew up in Wills neighborhood and also has a very difficult upbringing. He pushes Will until he is able to get through to him. Eventually, they build a common trust and Sean encourages Will to look at his life and figure out if that is what he truly wants for himself down the road. With the help of Sean’s guidance, Will ultimately confronts his potential and chooses to pursue a new and better life in California, marking the start of new beginnings.
The emotional development and the scenes that convey that vulnerability is a huge part of what makes “Good Will Hunting” an amazing movie. The segments between Sean and Will where they work at breaking down Will’s defensiveness effectively reaches the audience’s emotions. It solves years of internal pain and trauma, which shows the power of having a mentor and having someone that understands your conflicts. It properly demonstrates the patience and empathy needed to be in touch with your feelings.
The movie does a great job at showing the deep and meaningful bond between Will and his best friend Chuckie. Will’s entire friend group gets into trouble and it places him in a bad light. Instead of being jealous over Will’s abilities, Chuckie is the one person in the group that provides comfort for him and even pushes him toward doing what he needs to do to pursue a better life. The few scenes of them talking about Will’s emerging success highlights the unconditional love between their friendship, where they only want the best for each other even if it means they may have to live without the other. This dynamic makes the film feel grounded and is crucial to Will’s personal growth.
“Good Will Hunting” is a 5/5 star masterpiece that is a perfect mix of powerful performances, touching dialogue and long-lasting friendships.
