The Man Without a Face (1993)

Gibson makes a spectacular directorial debut in this story of a relationship between a teacher, a man disfigured from a car accident and a fire and his young and troubled pupil. Both characters learn from each other the values of freedom and true friendship. Impressive performance from Gibson, as the teacher.

Fmovies: Young Chuck wants more than anything to get into Military School but he will need tutoring to make the grade. His only hope is reclusive Justin McLeod, a former teacher. Justin is a reclusive figure of ridicule in this small town because of his disfigured face and other hushed implications. This mark on his face was from an automobile accident ten years before in which a boy was incinerated and for which he was convicted of involuntary manslaughter. When Chuck looks for Justin's help and they become friends, the town's people become suspicious and hostile. I found it to be a good coming-of-age story; however I have to admit I did not get to read the novel - something I prefer to do. So I can not speak to the success of keeping the film in line with the original story. I found it to stand on its own.

With he demands of family and work, I usually don't have time to watch movies. With an 8 and 4 year old, and another on the way, we usually end up watching children's movies, light comedies, or Sci-fi, but I accidentally picked this movie, and I wish my boys were old enough to watch this.

Inspirational! Reflects on "To Kill a Mockingbird" – a movie I didn't fully understand until I was much older. This Gibson movie tactfully demonstrates the struggles boys must face and grow through in a complicated real world, without reducing to typical stereotypes, particularly feminist stereotypes of boys who promote the myth that boys are born privileged and lead privileged lives.

The story line may be a little too sophisticated, but showing them that it's normal for boys to have questions, frustrations, etc… is good for them to see because the movie goes on to show that this "energy" can be productively directed, that boys must take responsibility for the things that they want and the things that they do, but most of all, that they have to learn to think for themselves and come to their own conclusions, and not rely on what other people say or tell them to think. Great movies for entertainment are easy to find, but trying to find movies with Hyman…– morals - learning lessons – is hard to find. Great movie for kids to learn from, or great movie for adults to appreciate.

The Man Without a Face fmovies. I agree with those who say that this is one of the very few instances where a movie is actually much better than the book. Some would say that it is 'cowardly' to make the main character more sympathetic. I, however, call the screenwriter bold for having taken such a strong direction away from the author's apparent original intention, and furthermore to pull it off so well.

Not only is the script exceptional, not only is the directing exceptional, but the casting is perfect and the acting is right on the mark in every scene and every respect. This is well-balanced and appealing entertainment. A poignant and moving film which will make any open-minded person examine their own looks-based prejudices. I think the film does Isabelle Holland's story more justice than did the work of her own hands. I also find the character of Justin more fleshed out in the movie, with the performance of Mel Gibson, whose face is only half-seen throughout. He does a better job with half his face than your average actor today could do with a hundred faces.

A badly disfigured former teacher (Mel Gibson) instructs a youngster (Nick Stahl) who is trying to make the grades to get into boarding school. Gibson's past is mysterious though and Stahl's family history is far from sweet and rosy as well. Difficult drama that has been misunderstood and under-rated ever since its premiere in 1993. Gibson's first directing venture does admittedly have more heart than brains, but he works wonders with what could have been a manipulative and predictable story. Of course this work behind the camera would lead to recent classics "Braveheart" and "The Passion of the Christ". Heartwrenching and emotionally-charged winner that will pull at you and never completely let go. 4 stars out of 5.

A beautiful, touching, heartwarming story about a boy living in a dysfunctional family with his mother and two sisters, all of whom posess above average intelligence, and consider him to be the "retard" of the family. His only dream is to join the military academy, mostly to get away from his family. He meets a disfigured man (Mel Gibson), the local "freak" of the town. After learning that the man used to be a teacher, he asks for tutoring. In time, not only does the man become the boy's tutor, he becomes his best friend.

10/10