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Hearts In Atlantis Details

2001 Certificate 12
  • Rated:
  • 60
  • from 1142 members

Part mystery, part nostalgic coming-of-age tale, Scott Hicks's lyrical, leisurely film of Stephen King's story captures the innocence, pain, and confusion of childhood. In one unforgettable summer, Bobby Garfield (Anton Yelchin), a lonely 11-year-old boy, is befriended by Ted Brautigan (Anthony Hopkins), a mysterious lodger. .. Read more

Starring Anthony Hopkins, David Morse, Hope Davis, Anton Yelchin
Director Scott Hicks
Genres Drama

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Hearts In Atlantis

Part mystery, part nostalgic coming-of-age tale, Scott Hicks's lyrical, leisurely film of Stephen King's story captures the innocence, pain, and confusion of childhood. In one unforgettable summer, Bobby Garfield (Anton Yelchin), a lonely 11-year-old boy, is befriended by Ted Brautigan (Anthony Hopkins), a mysterious lodger. But the man makes clear that he is only passing through, and as the boy grows more and more attached to his new friend, he realizes that the dark forces the man fears aren't just "the boogeyman." Accompanied by a soundtrack filled with 1950s pop tunes, Hicks (SHINE, SNOW FALLING ON CEDARS) evokes the timelessness of childhood hand in hand with the innocence of an era, a time when a boy's first new bike was the Holy Grail, and his first kiss was "the one by which all others will be judged--and found wanting." The first-rate cast is headed by Hopkins, who plays Brautigan with compassion and warmth coupled with an understated sadness, and the young Yelchin, who paints a raw portrait of a lost little boy finding his way in the world. William Goldman (THE PRINCESS BRIDE, MISERY) penned the script, and the film is dedicated to cinematographer Piotr Sobocinski, who died before its release.

Starring Anthony Hopkins, David Morse, Hope Davis, Anton Yelchin, Mika Boorem
Director Scott Hicks
Studio WARNER HOME VIDEO
Run time DVD: 1 hr 36 mins
Certificate Certificate 12
Genres Drama
Language DVD: English
Released DVD: 02 Sep 2002
Production year: 2001
Format DVD
  • Critics' reviews (2) of Hearts In Atlantis

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  • 2 stars out of 5

    This supernatural drama is an overfamiliar exercise in childhood nostalgia with some low-key mysticism artlessly attached. Adapting two stories from the eponymous collection by Stephen King, William Goldman's uneven script spins a rose-tinted tale of coming-of-age in 1960s America that sits uneasily beside a nebulous conspiracy subplot. In a small New England town, neglected 11-year-old Bobby Garfield (Anton Yelchin) strikes up a meaningful friendship with mysterious neighbour Ted Brautigan (Anthony Hopkins), who is soon revealed to have the power to read minds — attracting the attention of the sinister “low men”, shadowy government figures who want to exploit his ability. Blandly directed by Scott Hicks (who did such a good job on Shine), this poorly-paced, charmless drama is conveyor-belt King — it has all the usual ingredients, only half-baked.

    • Radio Times
  • Soft-centred movie about the beginning of adulthood, bathed in syrupy regret.

    • Halliwell's Film Guide
  • Most helpful member's review of Hearts In Atlantis

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  • 10 out of 10 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 4 stars

    Well worth seeing

    As a big Stephen King fan I have usually read the book before I get to see the film adaptation, as was the case with Hearts In Atlantis. The book is actually three interconnecting stories, and this film is based on the first story about a young boy living with his mother and a mysterious old man who comes to live in the flat upstairs. I think King's best stories are about childhood and this is a great story. Anthony Hopkins plays his part very well and the child actors are brilliant.

    I'm often left feeling a little disappointed by Stephen King films, but this one is very well done and very enjoyable. Recomended.

      • Martin White from Birmingham
  • Most recent members' review of Hearts In Atlantis

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  • 6 out of 6 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 3 stars

    Dark Tower. Movie 1

    Stephen King began writing "The Dark Tower" books AAAAAges ago.

    I read those books throughout my teenage years. The final volume was published late in 2004.

    "Hearts In Atlantis" (as a movie) is poor. And incoherent. And ridiculous. UNLESS you've read The Dark Tower. When you do, Scott Hicks becomes a genius.

    I suggest that you finish all seven books, and then watch this film. It will then be one of the most remarkable movies you'll ever see.

    Mr King insists that all his stories connect to "The Dark Tower". ALL of them. It's one huge fable - connections enough with books/ films/ TV series to dizzy the brain. And this is the first King movie to overtly acknowledge that.

    Imagine a movie that steals the soundtrack from "Rose Red"? That replays the "hanging sheets out" scene from "IT" (but in a much more romantic way?) . And does so very casually?

    This movie tells the story of Ted Braughtigan's latter years. If that means nothing to you, read The Dark Tower. And then watch the film.

    You will be squirming in your seat as Ted discusses "The Low Men"; you will be biting your nails as The Signs start to appear around town; you will be heartily pissed off by the ending. UNLESS you're read the books!

    Rent this movie, and enjoy. Did I mention that you should read "The Dark Tower" series first? I may have forgotten...

      • Frank S Glasgow from Glasgow
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Rating breakdown

1,142 Member ratings
  • 100
84
  • 90
82
  • 80
190
  • 70
198
  • 60
250
  • 50
147
  • 40
86
  • 30
53
  • 20
37
  • 10
15

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    • Hearts In Atlantis
      Part mystery, part nostalgic coming-of-age tale, Scott Hicks's lyrical, leisurely film of Stephen King's story captures the innocence, pain, and confusion of childhood. In one unforgettable summer, Bobby Garfield (Anton Yelchin), a lonely 11-year-old boy, is befriended by Ted Brautigan (Anthony ...