Common Sense Media Review
'90s drama about dysfunctional family has mature themes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
What's Eating Gilbert Grape?
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 7 parent reviews
Based on 41 kid reviews
Kids say the film is both beautiful and poignant, with strong performances from Leonardo DiCaprio and Johnny Depp, showcasing themes of family, love, and personal struggles, though it has mature content that may not be suitable for younger viewers. Many reviewers found it touching and relatable, recommending it for teens and adults while cautioning parents about its heavier subject matter, such as mental health and infidelity.
- beautiful performances
- mature themes
- family struggles
- recommended for teens
- emotional impact
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
WHAT'S EATING GILBERT GRAPE is a strange and touching take on family life. Gilbert (Johnny Depp) lives in a small town in Iowa with his family, including his housebound mother (Darlene Cates) and his mentally challenged brother, Arnie (Leonardo DiCaprio). Gilbert is the only one with a job and has the additional worry of caring for Arnie, who loves to climb the town water tower. When the well-traveled Becky (Juliette Lewis) arrives in town for a short stay, Gilbert starts to dream about leaving his town and his worries, which include an ill-advised affair with a married woman. Throughout the film, Gilbert is torn between his own wishes and his loyalty to his family.
Is It Any Good?
What's Eating Gilbert Grape is sometimes hard to watch, but well worth it. There are some difficult scenes dealing with hard-hearted outsiders teasing the Grape family, and some scary ones when Gilbert loses his temper with Arnie. But there are also moments of beauty and compassion, and an offbeat sense of humor throughout. A wonderful cast brings the characters to life. Watching this movie will remind viewers of Depp's talent and DiCaprio's range. The film is also a visual treat, with lush sweeps of Iowa farm country serving as a backdrop for the drama.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Gilbert becomes the breadwinner and caretaker for the family after his father's death. How much sacrifice does family demand? How can individuals meet their own needs when they need to take care of their families?
For far too long in movies and TV, overweight people were presented as little more than fat-shaming punchlines. How is this move different in its portrayal of a morbidly-obese woman? How does the movie attempt to connect her obesity to depression?
Does this movie seem like a realistic depiction of small-town life in a rural Midwestern state? Why or why not?
Gilbert's family faces a lot of negative attention from the town, and he struggles to remain loyal. What qualities are worth loving? Is there love in the Grape family?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 1, 1993
- On DVD or streaming : September 12, 2017
- Cast : Johnny Depp , Juliette Lewis , Leonardo DiCaprio
- Director : Lasse Hallstrom
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Paramount Pictures
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Book Characters , Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Character Strengths : Empathy , Integrity
- Run time : 118 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : mature themes, language.
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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