This film is primarily remembered for two reasons: for launching Matt Damon's career and for silencing every one of Robin Williams' critics. Both give powerhouse performances in this film, correctly career-defining, but a certain magic is missing everywhere else.
Will's relationships are one of the film's strong points. Each one is unique, detailed and believable, with a welcome lack of any cliches whatsoever. Gus van Sant's identifiable art-house flourishes are pared to the minimum, which only enhances the overall effect and distinctive look of the film. And for a supporting cast of not-very-big players they do a terrific job of keeping up the atmosphere, even the much-maligned Ben Affleck, here in a performance pulling more weight than everything he's done in the last 11 years combined since.
This may be one of Williams' rare opportunities to flesh out a character who is both typically irreverent but also emotionally affecting at the same time, but it's Damon who steals the show. Calling to mind Conrad in 'Ordinary People' his Will is an even more extreme paradox, born not into a seemingly stable middle-class family but brought up in the underbelly of a cynical city. Hunting is a kid so tortured and beaten up that come the final breakthrough one can't help but want Williams' Sean to succeed as much as he does. All acting prizes and nominations are unquestionably deserved.
Yet, something niggles and doesn't quite feel right. Will and Chuckie's friends are an oddball bunch, a strange cross between the simple beings in 'The Deer Hunter' and the manchildren that litter Kevin Smith's CV (no wonder he signed on as exec producer then.) The story has pretty much no driving narrative or clear destination; another talk piece over anything more 'cinematic'. And while the script is expertly detailed and crafted, it still feels cold and detached, unprofessional, which is no surprise given Affleck and Damon wrote it. It's a worthy piece, but not a very likeable one.
Which pretty much sums up the film as a whole. Like its titular character it's intelligent, surprising, quirky and balanced, but it's not going to be held close to your heart as a life-changing piece of celluloid. Which it doesn't have to be, and wouldn't be a problem if it wasn't the goal it tries to aim for.
A well-done and crafted film, but not a very likeable one, or very memorable.

Now , don't get me wrong....I like the film , I can see where it got the 2 Oscars from aswell. It is definitely a 'classic oscars winning film' like Brokeback Mountain and other films in it's class!

It is a very nice story and the acting in both the lead roles from Matt Damon and Robin Williams and the supporting cast is excellent. Damon plays the title character 'Will Hunting' and gives a fantastic performance that really makes you feel and believe in his character. While this is not an action packed thrill ride like the Bourne films , if shows perfectly the other angles to Damon's acting ability and I think this is probably the bench mark that he set for all his future performances!

Not a film I could watch over and over again but am very pleased I have seen it!

Superb film. One of my fave films. Many friends and family rate this film highly. Superb script from Matt/ Ben with a great performance from Matt Damon. Robin Williams and Ben Affleck are brilliant in their supporting roles. There are many memorables scenes such the "sistine chapel", "its not your fault" and "baseball" with Robin and Matt. While the sequence with Ben lecturing Matt about "god given talent" was another one. The ending was different but apt. A truly moving film. A great effort from director,Gus Van Sant.

This is up there with some of the best films ever for me, well thought out film with Matt Damon and Robin Williams at there best. MUST BUY!

Very good drama written by and starring Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, and featuring fine acting all around. Fans of the film should note though, that this DVD has no extras, whereas special editions of the film are available in America, Japan and Korea that contain an audio commentary, deleted scenes, music video etc.

This is a great film starring Robin Williams, Matt Damon and Ben Afflick. Story line is good and is quite moving showing how events which occured whilst growing up can affect people and how they form relationships. Is one of those films you can watch time and time again

18 Male

Will Hunting (Matt Damon) is a mathematical genius stuck in a dead end job. With strong social issues his last chance of a good life is a girl called Scala (Minnie Driver) and a warm hearted physcology teacher (Robin Williams).

One of those films I always thought I had to watch because of the name it has made for its self. Normally if I saw a film had Ben Affleck in it I would put it down but with the wide selection of other names and great story line I was surprised to see his performance was a lot better than I thought of him. This film is overall heart warming and Matt Damons performance helps you make strong links with the way his character acts.

Brilliant soundtrack provided by the late Elliot Smith. For fans of Garden State.

Matt Damon is a great actor......he played his part beautifully. Down to earth and really went into the actor and played like a true story, great film to watch..........don't forget the tissues!!

this is a fantastic film which i have watched over and over again. well worth a watch and sure you will love it too.

Great film, its a definate must watch Damon is mint too!!