Nell

I've watched this last time when I was a teenager. It left a mark like many similar movies that came out around that time. Philadelphia, Gilbert Grape, Rain Man. Movies that shed a spotlight on the less fortunate of society, of scientific curiosities. And it was a time when actors were trying to win an Oscar by portraying difficult characters. It was a time shortly after the cold War ended and the outlook on the future was bright. When we shot the Hubble space telescope into space, and watched jurassic dinosaurs come to life in cinema. It was a great time to grow up in.

Movies had the freedom to focus on greatness, empathy for the less fortunate, improving the world. Characters in this movie are smart and empathetic. Science is being portrayed as a tool to improve life.

While the portrait of Nell is a bit over the top, watching it again today, it's still impactful and delivers the message. Someone who has been completely disconnected from society is being rediscovered, and people try to understand and help. The main characters are all over the top great character models as well, but I enjoyed watching them nontheless. Everyone is trying their best, trying to help, trying to improve. Watching this today, it seems exaggerated. But it brings back fond memories of a time where we believed that everything is going to turn out well.

Overall can recommend, this kind of movies and characters kind of have been lost in time.

This film really surprised me, because it was really good. But it mostly surprised me, because I read here that this would be a drama and I must say I disagree. Drama stands for sadness and melancholy, whereas this film stood for humanism. I mean Nell is basically as happy as can be and who are we (the people in the film) to tell her that her way of life is not good? I know this might sound strange, but I see this film as a metaphor for human behavior. We reject what is not like us (race, religion, gender, sexual preference, skin color and so on) and think those people ought to be like us, because they are not ‘normal'. Well you tell me who is more normal: Nell or the people who want to put her away; Nell or the journalists; Nell or the boys in the bar? I will tell you: Nell, Nell and Nell. I can recommend this film to everyone and I hereby want to thank all people involved and especially Jodie Foster for her great performance.

7,5 out of 10

It's easy to point out the flaws in "Nell". The sub plots that are left to waste, the "Taster's Choice" ending, and above all, failing to delve deeper into the psyche of Nell instead of dwelling too much on scenery and loose shots. Too easy. But let's concentrate on the good. And there is much to love about this movie, not in the least Fosters brilliant acting. I remember when I saw this movie in the theater for the first time, I was totally convinced by her acting. During the entire movie I never doubted for a second that Foster was "Nell". This is the best compliment I could give any actress or actor.

Jodie Foster stars in this popular film about a woman discovered in the woods of Carolina having not know civilization as commonly known.

Of course, the ones who found her, Neeson and Richardson, want to take care of her and show her the new world, while their colleagues and other government people as exposed as "bad guys" and want to exlpoit her. A good film but way too predictable and too "hollywood-ized". There are no suprises at all.. Jodie Foster does a great job in the title role. 6 of 10

The story has been presented by other reviewers but I have a little different take. The acting and story were great and Foster gives an outstanding performer. What bothers me is, as a resident the area I have many complaints. Before getting into the factual problems let's cut to the main problem which is government intervention. I know several 'mountain folk' who live in the mountains just outside Robbinsville who live 100% off the land. No electric, water in house, food, etc. They are perfectly happy and Nell was more that capable to take care of herself. The government destroyed her life! Second, the City of Robbinsville is horribly represented with the pool hall scene! There is no way she would have treated like that from anyone in that lovely town! The people of the town and the surrounding counties were horrified!