‘Pure gold’ nineties drama with 97% rating just landed on Netflix
The Hollywood classic earned nine Academy Award nominations
Netflix is now streaming a classic nineties drama that viewers claim is 'still a masterpiece' decades after its premiere.
Originally released in 1997, Good Will Hunting marked a major shift in Ben Affleck and Matt Damon's careers. The celebrated actors, and best friends, wrote the script together in the early nineties and went on to win the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay in 1998.
Damon takes the lead role as main character Will Hunting, a janitor whose mathematical genius is discovered by Professor Gerald Lambeau (Stellan Skarsgård).
The professor is impressed by Will and takes him under his wing. But when Will gets into trouble with the law, Lambeau arranges for the young man to start attending therapy sessions with Sean Maguire (Robin Williams).
It is in Will's relationship with Sean that the story blossoms into a heartfelt drama about self-discovery.
Joining Damon, Affleck plays Will's close friend Chuckie Sullivan, a similarly misguided character who has big dreams for his pal.
With a cast this stacked, it's no surprise Good Will Hunting was a hit with critics and moviegoers alike. It was nominated for nine Academy Awards, including a nod in the Best Picture category.
The drama ultimately won the Best Original Screenplay award, alongside the Best Supporting Actor prize for Robin Williams. Both Damon and Affleck were also nominated for their performances but neither bagged a prize.
Rotten Tomatoes critics gave the flick a rare 97% score, with casual fans awarding it 94%. Speaking to its emotional impact, one reviewer penned: "The film that pierces straight into my heart."
A second praised: "This movie is pure gold... Outstanding writing and acting, don't make movies like this anymore."
While a third shared their verdict, writing: "Matt Damon's best performance in a movie ever. Robin Williams was brilliant in this too, as expected."
Yet another viewer gushed: "Still a masterpiece. Story, acting, screenplay, script cinematography, music etc the movie has it all," while a fourth wrote: "Quite possibly the best movie ever made. Brilliant from beginning to end."
Good Will Hunting is streaming now on Netflix