Simon Birch (1999)

HomeFilmSimon Birch
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Written by Mark Steven Johnson, John Irving

Directed by Mark Steven Johnson, Aaron E. Scneider

Production Year: 1999

Rating: PG Certificate

Production Country: USA

Filmed in Colour

Simon Birch (Ian Michael Smith) was born no larger than a man's fist.

Doctors said that he wouldn't live through his first night and when he did, they said he wouldn't live longer than a week.

However weeks turned into months and then months into years, until Simon grew into a boy. He believes that God has a special plan for him and it is His plan to make Simon the way he is.

In Gravestown, Maine, two boys struggle to fit into society. Whereas Simon is pint-sized, his friend Joe Wenteworth (Joseph Mazzello) is built like an athlete.

However Joe doesn't know who is father is because his mother gave birth out of wedlock. When Simon hits a baseball which kills Joe's mother, Rebecca (Ashley Judd), the secret of who his father is dies with her. But Simon keeps fighting to be a hero and he may have the opportunity to discover the secret of Joe's father at the same time.

Director Mark Steven Johnson opted for a cast which actually reflects the physical problems suffered by the characters.

Ian Michael Smith who plays Simon, suffers in real life from a rare enzyme disorder known as Morquio Syndrome which prevents bones, ligaments and joints from developing.

Cast

Ian Michael SmithSimon Birch
Image for Joseph MazzelloJoseph MazzelloJoseph 'Joe' Wenteworth
Image for Ashley JuddAshley JuddRebecca Wenteworth
Image for Oliver PlattOliver PlattBen Goodrich
David StrathairnRev. Russell
Dana IveyGrandmother Wenteworth
Beatrice WindeHilde Grove
Jan HooksMiss Leavey
Cecilley CarrollMarjorie
Sumela KayAnn
Sam MortonStuart
Image for Jim CarreyJim CarreyAdult Joe Wenteworth
John MazzelloSimon Wenteworth
Holly DennisonMrs. Birch
Peter MacNeillMr. Birch

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