A Perfect World Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Escaped convict and little boy go on a road trip where they learn about the true meaning of freedom and questionable parenting, while Clint Eastwood slightly sleepwalks through Texas.

🍿 A Perfect World: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Escape and Kidnapping

In 1963 Texas, Robert ‘Butch’ Haynes, a convict, escapes from Huntsville prison with fellow inmate Terry Pugh. During their escape, they break into a home and kidnap Phillip Perry, a young boy from a strict Jehovah’s Witness family. Butch and Terry’s volatile relationship quickly escalates due to their differing treatment of Phillip, ultimately leading to Butch killing Terry.

A Budding Friendship on the Run

With Terry gone, Butch and Phillip form an unlikely bond as they travel across Texas. Phillip, who has been sheltered from many childhood experiences due to his religious upbringing, begins to experience the freedom and fun that Butch provides. Their journey becomes a series of small adventures, where Butch acts as a surrogate father figure, offering guidance and a glimpse of a different world.

The Pursuit

Texas Ranger Red Garnett and criminologist Sally Gerber lead the pursuit of Butch and Phillip. Red, who has a past connection to Butch, grapples with the moral complexities of the situation. As they follow the fugitives, Red and Sally gain insight into Butch’s background and motivations, understanding the cycle of abuse and neglect that shaped him.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Butch Haynes (Kevin Costner): An escaped convict with a troubled past who forms an unlikely bond with his young hostage while evading the law.
• Phillip Perry (T.J. Lowther): A young boy from a strict religious background who is kidnapped and experiences freedom and adventure with his captor.
• Red Garnett (Clint Eastwood): A seasoned Texas Ranger leading the pursuit of Butch, grappling with past regrets and the complexities of justice.
• Sally Gerber (Laura Dern): A criminologist brought in to assist Red, offering a modern perspective and challenging traditional law enforcement methods.
• Terry Pugh (Keith Szarabajka): Butch’s violent and unpredictable fellow escapee whose actions precipitate the kidnapping and subsequent events.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Butch: “I ain’t the worst guy in the world. But I ain’t the best either.” – Butch describes himself, acknowledging his flaws but hinting at a moral code.
• Butch: “Don’t kid a kidder, Philip.” – Butch says this to Philip just before the film’s final scene as he knew Philip was not as content with his religious upbringing as Philip claimed.
• Butch: “We have a lot of things in common, you and me. We both like RC Cola, and neither one of us has a daddy.” – Butch tries to connect with Phillip, highlighting their shared sense of abandonment and loss.
• Red Garnett: “There ain’t a perfect world. There just ain’t.” – Red expresses his cynical worldview, reflecting the film’s themes of disillusionment and the impossibility of perfection.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $30,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $31,130,999
• Worldwide Gross: $135,130,999

💥 A Perfect World Reviews

Personal Review

I was totally drawn into ‘A Perfect World’ – the ending wrecked me. Seeing Butch and Phillip’s connection was so interesting, because of the way Costner brought out this side of his character that wants to care for others. TJ Lowther was amazing, he really nailed being a kid who’s never seen the real world. I felt sad watching Butch and Phillip because their friendship was special, and you knew it couldn’t last. This movie really made me think about how people can be good and bad at the same time, and that makes it really important to me.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of crime dramas with complex characters”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about unlikely friendships”
  • “People who appreciate films exploring themes of social injustice and redemption”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Kidnapping”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Some disturbing content”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Clint Eastwood directs a moving story of unlikely friendship amid a crime spree in 1960s Texas. Costner delivers a nuanced performance as a flawed anti-hero, while Lowther shines as the innocent child, creating a compelling and heart-wrenching journey.
• Variety: “A Perfect World is a compelling and thought-provoking road movie. Eastwood succeeds in creating a palpable sense of tension, while Costner gives a career-best performance as the sympathetic, yet dangerous, criminal. The film explores themes of innocence, abuse, and redemption, offering a nuanced portrayal of human nature.
• Chicago Sun-Times: “The film’s strength lies in the complex relationship between the convict and the kidnapped child, providing emotional depth. Clint Eastwood brings a sense of realism with his direction, while Laura Dern’s character provides a foil to Eastwood’s character.

Audience Reactions

Costner’s performance as Butch is unforgettable, showing his ability to portray both vulnerability and danger.: Viewers praise the film for the emotional impact and the complex relationships between the characters. Many cite the performances as exceptional, especially Costner’s portrayal of the conflicted protagonist.

The ending is emotionally devastating, adding to the overall impact of the film.: Viewers were moved by the heartfelt story, with the ending described as powerful and thought-provoking. The film’s ability to elicit strong emotions resonated with many, making it a memorable experience.

Overall Consensus: A Perfect World is a gripping and emotionally resonant film that offers a complex exploration of good and evil, innocence and experience. It is well-acted, directed with restraint, and deeply affecting, leaving a lasting impression on its audience.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Clint Eastwood initially didn’t plan to act in the film, but Kevin Costner insisted that Eastwood also star to secure Costner’s commitment to the project, wanting their names together on the movie poster.”
• “The film is set in 1963, just before President Kennedy’s assassination, adding a layer of historical context to the story. Eastwood subtly highlights the era with period-specific cars, costumes, and music.”
• “Several scenes were filmed in Martindale, Texas, lending authenticity to the film’s depiction of rural Texas landscapes and small-town life.”

🖥️ How to Watch A Perfect World?

A Perfect World is available for purchase or rental on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability on cable on-demand services. As physical media, the movie is available on Blu-ray and DVD from major retailers and online distributors like Amazon.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed A Perfect World, you might like these similar films:

• The Sugarland Express (1974): A fugitive on the run takes a hostage, leading to a chase across Texas.
• Bonnie and Clyde (1967): A crime-infused road movie with a charismatic outlaw forming an unexpected bond.
• Captain Phillips (2013): Explores the complex relationship that develops between a captor and hostage in an extreme situation.
• The Client (1994): A young boy becomes entangled with the mob and seeks protection from an attorney, highlighting themes of innocence and danger.

🛒 A Perfect World Related Products

• Clint Eastwood: A Filmmaker’s Journey: Explore the directorial career of Clint Eastwood, featuring behind-the-scenes footage and interviews covering the making of ‘A Perfect World’ and other films.
• RC Cola 12-Pack: A 12-pack of RC Cola, the favorite drink of Butch and Phillip in the film. Enjoy a taste of the open road, just like the characters in ‘A Perfect World’.
• Casper the Friendly Ghost: The Complete Collection: Relive the innocence of childhood with this collection of Casper cartoons. A poignant reminder of Phillip’s innocence in ‘A Perfect World’.
• The Essential Kevin Costner DVD Collection: Includes ‘A Perfect World’ and other essential Kevin Costner films in a limited edition box set. A must-have for fans and collectors.

🎧 Soundtrack

A Perfect World features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Ida Red” – performed by Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

He may be a robber, but he hates people who hurt children.#shorts

This intriguing clip sheds light on the complex character of the robber, who despite his criminal actions, has a strong moral compass and a deep-seated hatred for those who harm children. It’s a captivating glimpse into the inner workings of a flawed but ultimately sympathetic character.

A Perfect World – big fran’s baby

Prepare to be emotionally moved by this iconic scene from ‘A Perfect World.’ Kevin Costner delivers a tour-de-force performance, capturing the raw emotions of a hardened criminal grappling with his humanity. The haunting music by Clint Eastwood elevates the scene to an unforgettable cinematic moment.

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