'Pure gold' Ben Affleck drama with 97% rating just landed on Netflix
The nineties drama was nominated for nine Oscars
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, reports the Manchester Evening News.
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.
The film received a rare 97% rating from Rotten Tomatoes critics, with general viewers giving it a score of 94%. One reviewer was deeply moved by the film, writing: "The film that pierces straight into my heart."
Another viewer lauded: "This movie is pure gold... Outstanding writing and acting, don't make movies like this anymore."
A third fan shared their opinion, stating: "Matt Damon's best performance in a movie ever. Robin Williams was brilliant in this too, as expected."
One more viewer enthused: "Still a masterpiece. Story, acting, screenplay, script cinematography, music etc the movie has it all," while another penned: "Quite possibly the best movie ever made. Brilliant from beginning to end."
Good Will Hunting is streaming now on Netflix