When Robin Williams died Matt Damon went to the bench where they filmed that monologue and just sat in silence just to be close to him. RIP Robin Williams ❤
The thing is, Ash... this film is so good, so well acted and written, that when you come back to it in 5 or 10 years.... even Knowing exactly what happens.... you'll feel the same emotions all over again! It's Crazy but true!! A timeless classic.
You know, I had a cold and distant father, not necessarily an abusive one like Will's, but one who showed no affection. One day I went to a friend's house after a long time and shortly after his father (who hadn't seen me in a long time) arrived. He approached me and greeted me with a big hug, and I can assure you I almost broke down in tears because it was the first time I felt a fatherly hug. I was like "so this is what it feels like".
Oh man, I can relate to this. A couple years ago at a friend's place for her 30th birthday, her dad gave her a hug and said "I love you" It was the simplest thing in the world but you bet your arse I cried the whole way home.
When Robin Williams won his Oscar he forgot to thank his mother and she was in the audience 😂 he told this story when he appeared on an episode of The Graham Norton show ( the video is on RUclips) he was on with Elijah Woods & Jennifer Saunders
What makes it work is that Chuckie's kind of a clown for most of the film. Good friend, but not someone you or the movie takes seriously. But in this speech you can see not only the real love and concern he has for Will, but the pain that comes from his own understanding of his station in life. He may not be a genius like Will, but he sees the way things are clearer than anyone.
A lot of people don't realize that Robin Williams went to Julliard and was a classically trained actor before he became a famous comedian. He always had dramatic chops, and this was just the perfect role for him. A cool fact, his roommate at Julliard was Christopher Reeve, who went on to play Superman.
And they promised to take care of eachother if one of them ever needed help, and the other was in a position to give it. Also, there was a close, longstanding alliance between Ork and Krypton.
Ashleigh, I still remember your reaction to "Thor: The Dark World", and how you opened up to us all about your mental health struggles. It shocked and saddened me to hear that you had suffered so much, but it also filled my heart to know that the presence of your viewers is one thing that's helped you get through it all. You didn't get into details about what you'd been through, but your reaction to Will's session with Sean suggests just how bad it was. I'm so, so sorry you were put through that. I hope that you're in a much better place now, and that the tears you shed for this video were healing. I'm so glad that you're here with us still, and sharing with us like this. I don't watch all of your reactions -- some are for films and shows I haven't seen -- but when I do it's usually the high point of my day. Your honesty and enthusiasm are so refreshing, and your humour lifts my spirits. Please know how much I appreciate your work here, and give yourself all the care you need.
Everyone needs to hear that sometime in their lives, and not just hear it, but believe it. It's easy to build walls and incredibly difficult to break them down.
@@neil2444 Yeah but people say that all the time, its a friendly casual way to support someone. It's hard to take it sincerely. I know I've heard it a thousand times but they can't all be true.
You've created a warm, accepting community, Ashleigh. It's a big deal. We love you for your honesty and vulnerability. You've made us better people. Love you, ladybug.
As a therapist I have to say, of all of the portrayals of therapists and therapy, this one means the most to me. It's all about their relationship and unconditional positive regard. I love your reactions and after a tough day, they really boost my mood!
I recently started seeing a therapist, and in the second or third session, I was in the middle of explaining some of my more neurotic behaviors. I used the words, "Because I'm crazy, I -yadda yadda-", sort of in a self-deprecating humor kind of way. After I finished talking, she said, "First of all, you're not crazy. You experienced trauma, and are coping with it as best as you can." And I was riiiight on the edge of crying for the rest of the session. It is wild how therapists can tell you something you may have thought, or even told yourself before, but hearing it externally is totally different, and so validating.
facts.i've never done therapy it's not part of uk culture but it is true you can think or tell yourself something,someone saying it out loud is what gets to you.making it real.putting it out there in the ether.
It's great when you find a therapist that actually works for you. Just like in the movie neither of you are perfect, what matters is that you're perfect for each other.
The "it's not your fault" scene is such an important moment for everyone who watches, we all break for it. I love the big heart you bring to all your reactions, thank you!
I don't know if anyone ever noticed this, but I personally love how the movie begins with Will’s Therapist, Sean Maguire (Robin Williams’ character) initially referring to Will Hunting (Matt Damon’s character) as "Chief" or "Sport", but by the end of the movie, he calls him "Son."
@@AwhmanitsdanttvI've seen this a bunch of times and never noticed that the distance between them was shrinking on every visit. Really good subtle filmmaking technique.
@@user-dz6fy6qv2l it was not too long ago when I was rewatching it, that I began to notice not only the way Sean referred to will. Or how slowly Will became respectful of what he said to him. Or the distance slowly closing with every session
Okay, just finished watching and through my blurry eyes I want to say thank you for being so vulnerable. Thank you for advocating for mental health. Thank you for showing everyone it’s okay to have big feels. And to anyone reading, it’s not your fault.
We hear it ALL the time , at least i did , but we stop believing it .. WE think no one really can KNOW what we went through . SO we put up this wall .. That's what Shawn ( Williams ) broke threw .. very deep and impactful moment. Ashliy reaction was WHAT everyone feels .. and her reaction was also moving .. at least to me .
I’ve heard it from people but I don’t listen to them or believe them. I’ve been too much of a f up my entire life. I couldn’t believe it in my early 20s. There’s no way I’m gonna believe it now approaching 40. There’s really only one ending for me and it’s not happy. No more suffering is the goal
Scary when you realise that Matt & Ben wrote this classic when they were only 22 and when his performance was recognised by the Academy, Robin referenced their age during his acceptance words. The whole speech is one of the best Oscar moments ever, you can feel the love in the room for Robin, especially from the host Billy Crystal, his old friend from the very early days of trying to make it in showbiz. It wasn't polite applause from his peers - it was genuine love for a man who had brought so much joy & laughter but was also capable of touching performances like this. Wonderful. The award and speech are on YT, do try and watch.
They didn't write shit. They were rich kids who were family friends with Oscar-winning professionals. Their connections polished some useless college paper of Damon's into a script and then let him and his buddy take credit for it as a favor. Nobody would ever have heard of either of them if not for their family connections. It's nepo baby stuff in the worst way.
To be fair, they did have connections and William Goldman did some script doctoring on this, but it's still a great achievement for Matt and Ben and they should be proud.
48:40 Crying is cathartic, laughter is healing. They are both the cheapest therapy one can get (because they are free). Your channel, and this movie, exemplify those 3 points.
This movie has a reputation for making grown men cry. Unashamedly, I get emotional a lot when watching these reactions. Thank you for checking out one of my favorite movies ever!
For me, this is the quintessential exploration of the male persona. This movie was a masterclass by Gus Van Sant, and the performances were literally a tour de force by the entire cast. This movie so quickly sucks you into the plot. You're not watching a movie. You are literally caught up with this unique region of South Boston and the people who live there. Simply for me one of my favourite films of all time ❤😂
That's a very interesting take, about the male persona. Grief and frustration would be the very first two thinks that comes to mind when talking about this movie, but is very interesting to watch it through the male lense, so to speak; how the male (and particularly straight men, I dare to add) deals with loss, pain, expressing emotion,... You really made me think about it, thank you!
@9thedreaming9 I was really thinking about the South Boston male persona. I mean let's be honest these guys are primal at an almost psychopathic level. I think there was a reason Robin Williams played this role so softly. It felt like he was almost whispering the entire movie. He really deserved that vest supporting actor 😇
Yeah. Robin Williams was phenomenal. Thinking about it, it's intersting that the masculinity and "male power" in William's character lies in that softness and the unconditional love for his lost wife, in how in touch he was (and still is) with everything that Will is struggling with.
@@9thedreaming9 Softness or maybe meekness would be a better term. I'm sure that desperate side of Robin that he never showed the world. Craved these types of roles to express in public all the things he couldn't sat in private.
I watched one hour photo as a teenager and I kinda sympathized with sy back then. Watched again as an adult and…. Man it was creepy. Same with “the Final Cut” that movie was insane
Always regarded 'One Hour Photo' as one of Robin Williams best films. But the film only performed moderately well at the box office because audiences tended to be rather freaked out by the overall creepiness of the character of Sy Parrish.
@Elephant2024-wi2li I really didn't like the theatrical release. Later I read the directors cut was much better. I got a copy and agree. And Insomnia is great as well.
It is said that the final line from Robin Williams “Son of a bitch. He stole my line” was an improv from Robin. He did a number of takes and reacted differently every time. When Matt Damon heard that take he started hitting the director because he knew that Robin had found perfection.
Watching the let’s talk about it bit - oh girl. You are not just another person out here doing movie reactions. Not for a second. I love that you share your vulnerability, that you’re genuine out here. It makes me feel like I could be sitting there, crying with you, yelling at the screen, and honestly - it makes me feel a lot less alone in the world. Thank you for that. (From a solo old granny woman out here in the blue yonder)
You are such a lovely person. Thank you for your crazy laugh, your vulnerable crying (sometimes at the same time!) and everything in between. I love hanging out with you while you watch.
To have someone like Robin on screen saying 'it's not you're fault' is such a blessing for anyone with CPTSD. I was a survivor of childhood ish and his work moved me like no one else's ever could, because you could tell that his emotional depth came from a place of understanding. I cried for maybe a week after he died. RIP Robin. And from one April baby to another....party on dude!!
I had a moment where I did the same for my sister, I didn't even make the connection until I saw Good Will a half year later. Me and my sister had been raised by an abuser mother and I told my sister "it wasn't her fault" and she broke down in tears for about 15 minutes, and thanked me for it was a message she had needed to hear since she was a child. So yeah, hits right in the feels, in the best possible way ☺️. May blessings be on your healing path, and peaceful self love. 😎
Will's relationship with his friends is underrated. One of my favourite things about this movie is that Will is surrounded by positive influences that genuinely want to make him better.
Thank you for being vulnerable with me. I cried with you, especially when he Robin Williams talked about his wife. Three years ago, I held my wife in my arms as she passed away. She was only 42 and a heart attack took her from me. I vowed never to watch this movie again but I had to watch it with you because I knew you would allow me to grieve again. Seeing your reactions is often the best part of my day. I love how much you love your hubbin. Give him a hug for me. ❤
"Everyone says to bring tissues, but I have my sleeve." Makes it through most of the movie then completely unravels. Ashleigh is a treasure. Looking dead into the camera at the end and making it real kind of got to me, maybe we all need some therapy.
One subtle detail that a lot of people don't pick up on is the progression of the way Sean addresses Will. He starts out calling him "Sport" and ends with him calling him "Son" signifying him becoming like a father figure for Will.
In the end when Robin Williams reads the note that Will had to go see about a girl. Robin says that he stole his line... that was an ad lib...just beautiful!
Fun fact: the scene where Robin Williams talks about his wife farting was completely improvised. It was so funny, that you can see the camera slightly shaking from the camera operator laughing 😂
yep, though on the dvd commentary I think the director said that the actual shot of Matt laughing his ass off, while the camera was shaking, was technically from a different joke, not the fart one. But he felt the shot was just so perfect and pure of a laugh, they had to put it in.
@@happyninja42the joke (as I recall it) was actually a combination of Robin and Matt freestyling. Robin was talking about his wife’s farts and said she even lit one on fire. Matt then immediately replied, “was that how she died?” And it was that laughter (with Robin nodding yes) is what we saw.
Thank you Ashleigh for bringing us so much laughter and fun as well as being vulnerable and real with us. You’re not “just somebody on RUclips” we love you ❤
That bench scene shows Robin's mastery of subtle acting. Without screaming, shouting and jumping up and down like Pacino, he made this scene unforgettable. And he made the whole movie great.
definitely defining the " LESS IS MORE" style of acting and Robin just embraced it!!! man I miss Robin, especially his more serious roles!!!! I love that most comedians are better in dramatic roles!
Was right there crying with you, Ashleigh. This is so much more than a RUclips channel. Thank you for all the years of laughter, outrage, joy and tears.
My wife had a horribly abusive childhood which ended when her “mother” murdered her sister. Luckily she was adopted by a real family, but she struggled with PTSD all her life. It’s never too late to get help, it saved her.
All the strength to you, your wife and your family. I know what its to live broken home and try to collect pieces while carrying all that weight with you. I truly hope all the best!
You can tell when someone has a lot of innocence and love and light inside of them by how contagious their crying and laughter is and my god watching this with you and seeing your reaction and the movie itself brought so much out of me, and hearing you tell me it’s not my fault and offering consolation there was so much heart behind it and you have so much love and innocence inside of you baby. Thank you so much for inviting us to experience these reactions with you and share in laughs and cries. You’re not just another person on RUclips, you are part of what makes the internet beautiful and you give us a place to be entertained and have fun with you. We love you Ashleigh
I always tear up when Robin says 'Good luck, son.' at the end. He was so important to people my age. I had very absent parents, but watching Robin Williams movies always gave me a feeling of joy and safety. When he died, it was a shock to the system I didn't even understand at the time. He was just an actor we never even met, and yet everybody felt a sense of failure that he didn't get help he needed at the end, like we let him down. He was LOVED. Not just liked. Loved.
Robin Williams saying, "It's not your fault" gives me chills as he reminds me of my father and always would straighten us out In life even if we make mistakes.
The ‘it’s not your fault’ bit - it broke me entirely the first time I heard it. And it breaks me every single time I hear it now, because I still need to be reminded. I loved seeing you watch this so much ❤
Someone must have already mentioned this, but when Robin Williams died the bench where he gave that incredible monologue became an impromptu shrine in memory of him. There are so many good monologues in this film, so little "action," but so much emotional movement. It's wonderful, and I really respect your own willingness to share your emotions on the screen
"I'm concerned with them drinking beer at a construction site" absolutely got me 😂.. Glad you watched this movie, it's absolutely in the "best movies ever" list
I cried more watching this with you than when I first saw the movie a million years ago. What I appreciate most about you and your reactions is that I can honestly relate to how real you are and how you're not afraid to show your emotions. I can picture you being a good honest friend and feel I'd be lucky to consider myself one of those if things were different. You're a keeper. Cheers.
Stellan Skarsgård has been in a lot of movies ranging from Thor, to Dune, to Chernobyl, to Pirates of the Caribbean, to Hamlet.... His sons have also been cast in a LOT of things recently (Alexander, Gustaf, Sam, Bill, Eija, Valter, Ossian and Kolbjörn).
His sons have the most spectacularly diverse array of names I've ever seen in a big family. Big families tend to follow themes in terms of naming the kids -- ethnic, Biblical, what's popular at the moment, older relatives or ancestors, etc. But ol' Stellan's sons' names really run the gamut, from a fictional Scottish poet to the man who conquered literally two million square miles of Europe, Africa, and Asia 23 and a half centuries ago to the evergreen Swedish standby "Gustaf" to a name that literally means "black bear" to the meat-and-potatoes Anglosphere ordinariness of "Sam" and "Bill".
After Robin Williams passed, residents of Boston put up a makeshift memorial at the bench where they talked about Sean’s swan fetish. Thank you for allowing yourself to be unguarded and emotional. I’m glad you’re here!
I was lucky to be there after having just flown in from Buffalo. I got off the red line at Charles MGH, walked directly to Boston Public Garden, saw dozens gathered around the pop-up shrine at the bench. Chalk was provided for people to scribble messages of love on the sidewalks ("SHAZBOT"; "GOOOOOOD MORNING VIETNAM"; "Genie, you're free"; "The powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse"; etc.). Mine was "You only know loss when it involves somebody you love more than you love yourself."
Ashleigh, you are the gold standard of reaction RUclipsrs. You offer a vulnerability that no one else ever seems to reach and I believe you also are able to completely capture the essence of our younger selves at the time we saw these movies for the first time. You “get” us, the time period and the stories we enjoyed at the time they were popular and truly see them as we did. Although I shed a tear or two when I originally saw these movies, seeing your reactions to them often leave me full-on sobbing. Somehow, the way you’re able to relate to the stories and fearlessly express it enhances the meaning of every one immeasurably.
Ashleigh, the fact that you are so upfront and open in your reactions is why you're my favorite of the folks doing movie reactions. You got me choked up at the end there too.
Ashleigh, I wanted to share how privileged i felt getting to witness your courage in being human with us. As a therapist, its something that always gets me, the scene between Sean and Will, and the pang of raw injury that it stirs in us.
I saw this with you for the first time ever and it also wrecked me. This movie came out when I was in high school and I had little interest in seeing it, but decided to give it a shot and holy hell I'm glad I did. This hit me hard on so many levels. Sean actually reminds me of one of the best therapists I ever had, also an older bearded guy who understood stuff I was going through. Here the "It's not your fault" line also took a few repetitions before it punched me in the gut. The whole theme of this movie about being to scared to move onto other things spoke to my life right now, it almost felt like fate that I saw this movie now. Also this movie is SOOO BOSTON. I loved everything from the old school Red Line seats, the overhead shots of Harvard Square, chilling at the Public Garden, all of it. Plus there's a little nod to my state when he says he wants to move to Nashua. Pretty sure the dog racing scene is at Wonderland in Revere, but they closed down about 10 years after this movie. If you want another great Boston movie with Matt Damon I highly recommend The Departed, Jack Nicholson and Leonardo DiCaprio are in it too.
My best friend passed away suddenly last year and this was his favorite movie. I’ve been afraid to rewatch this film until now. Apparently I needed that big cry too. Thank you, and glad you enjoyed it. Rest in peace, brother.
The first time I saw Minnie Driver was in the movie Circle of Friends. At one point I leaned over to my dad and said who do they think they're fooling trying to say she's unattractive.
Honey, that scene gets everyone who's been there or have any kind of empathy. And here's to my brothers and sisters who have gone through that kind of abuse and are still here, breaking the cycle, holding their s*** down and standing strong.❤️❤️❤️💪😎
Steven Spielberg cast Matt Damon as Private Ryan because he was virtually unknown and had the classic All-American handsomeness for the role. However, this movie came out a few months before and Damon became a star basically overnight.
Spielberg was hesitant about Damon for Private Ryan after seeing him in 'Courage under fire' (awesome movie!) where he had shed a LOT of weight, but Damon managed to get back in shape.
I was actually Robin Williams who introduced Matt to Spielberg. Matt did an audition video for Saving Private Ryan but hadn’t heard back. During filming for Good Will Hunting, Spielberg was filming on an adjacent lot and Robin took him over to watch. Spielberg recognised Matt but couldn’t remember where from and he thought Matt looked perfect for the Ryan part in the movie… the rest is history. Matt did a video about it recently.
@@RallarbusenI like Courage Under Fire, a lot. I was/am Surprised how relatively under the radar it remained/remains. Ashleigh, you should consider that one. At least for personal viewing if not a reaction here. I promise you will only big cry one time.
When one movie has 3-4 VERY memorable 1 on 1 conversations that are very powerful. Also, the bench became a makeshift memorial for a while when people found out about the passing of Williams. Both Matt and Ben have natural Boston accents as well since they are both from there.
Ashleigh, thank you for providing this space for us and for yourself. And to anyone who needs to hear it.. you are not alone. You matter. You are loved. ✌🏻😊❤️
Sending so many hugs your way! I think your willingness to be vulnerable is a powerful gift. It helps others to know they can do the same, safely - and that is so needed in the world. You make a positive difference in this world. I don’t know exactly what you’ve been through but, from your reactions to various films, I know you’ve been through it. They are to blame, not you. You are innocent and awesome. For what it’s worth, I think therapy is a great idea - for everyone - especially in this crazy day and age, with so many people dealing with so much. I’m rooting for you from here.💛
The writing for this movie was absolutely fantastic and it’s hard to be believe it was done by a young Matt Damon and Ben Affleck! Matt Damon and Ben Affleck wrote this movie because they weren’t getting much acting work and they wanted the parts as actors and at the time they were really influenced by Reservior Dogs (1992) and the story that they heard is that because Harvey Keitel had signed up for the movie, the director Quentin Tarantino was able to secure half a million dollars for his budget and was allowed to make the movie. This gave them the idea to write the therapist role of Sean Maguire, which obviously Robin Williams would eventually take (which according to them, they got him at a serious discount because Robin Williams was one of highest paid actors of the time). They called it the “Harvey Keitel Part” because they specifically wrote it with the intention of looking for an actor of such gravitas who could secure them enough money to help make the movie because Matt Damon and Ben Affleck were unknown actors at the time, and were doing all they can to get the movie made. They also intentionally wrote the role to be really open-ended as possible and were flexible to changes. For instance, if a well-renowned black actor like James Earl Jones, Morgan Freeman or Denzel Washington wanted to come in and play the role, they had the idea to adjust it and make the therapist character be from Roxbury and maybe explore the kind of historic racial tensions within Boston to make the dynamic between Will and his therapist more interesting and possibly contentious. Or if a famous actress like Meryl Streep or Sandra Bullock wanted the role, they would simply make the therapist character female and instead of a father-son relationship they would make the dynamic between Will and his therapist be that of a mother-son relationship, and so on and so forth. According to them, they left the role to be as open-ended because they wanted to cast as wide a net as possible to ensure the possibility of the movie being made. It was really great writing and also quite strategic on their parts!
It really shows they had a clear idea of Will's character and the story they wanted to tell with him. When those things are clearly developed you can drop a character in any situation you want and let them just react.
They also had a gay scene in the movie between the professors (as an easter egg). And only one studio asked about the scene because it didn't make sense in the plot. They knew that was the only studio who read the entire script and went with them over the others.
Im a counselor & ive had clients tell me things about their childhoods that have ripped me apart...most counselors make not crying a skill. My mentor told me its ok to cry with them... be human. Sadness is the emotion that brings together the quickest. He was so right! That scene wrecks me everytime. Theres a hurt child in all of us.. who just needs to know it wasnt our fault. ❤
The monologue at the lake is one of my favorite monologue's of all time. It's firm, strong yet vulnerable, understanding, emotional, and piercing. Simply and amazing performance from Williams (not just that scene, but the entire movie). RIP. ❤
It's been years since I saw this film, but it literally saved my life. I was going through a really weird, hard time in my life when it came out (in my early 20's and feeling utterly lost), and I guess I just needed the message. It's so nice to see it can still touch people so deeply after all these years. Wonderful script, and Robin Williams at his absolutely best.
If everyone had a father like Robin William's character in this movie the world would be a pretty great place. Glad it helped you and that you're doing better!
This is why you're one of only like three people I subscribe to on Patreon. I can't NOT be a part of this community that you've made. Shine on shine on!
We all cry in that scene, because we knew no one had ever said it to Will, as many times as he needed to hear it to believe it, or begin to believe it, that the terrible things that happened to him were not his fault. But we mostly cry because we needed to hear it, too, and thank you Ashleigh for saying it again. It was not your fault. Unless you were/are a sociopath or a psychopath at the time of the terrible things that happened to you, then it totally was your fault. I think that's the main difference between good people and awful people, is that for good people we think things are our fault that are not our fault, and for awful people, nothing is ever their fault.
What terrible things happened to him again, his large group of supportive friends, a beautiful girl who loved him despite him treating her like garbage, people willing to try and lift him up out of a meaningless life into something better?
Did you miss that he had grown up with an abusive father? The pictures of his body all black and blue? How his father would give him a choice of a stick, a belt, and a wrench, and Will would choose the wrench? It’s not in this reaction, but Sean asks Will why he chose the wrench, and Will replies, “Because fuck him. That’s why.” Trauma from childhood abuse is probably the #1 reason people need therapy later.
@@richardnanian2446 Sounds stupid to me. When given the choice between the fist and the belt I chose the belt. For such a math genius he couldn't work out that a floppy bit of leather wouldn't hit as hard as high carbon steel. Choosing a worse fate for yourself to spite someone that doesn't care about you is your fault. Maybe coming to recognize that was better than being told its not his fault 20 years later.
Having grown up in Massachusetts I have to say that these characters always felt extremely real to me. The way they deal with life, trauma, and their personal interactions are so accurate and you can tell that Ben and Matt are both from around here and used that in their writing. Giving each other a hard time, Bustin balls, is how we show affection and connection. People from Massachusetts are “kind but not nice” IYKYK Such a wonderful reaction! I hope you got your snuggles from hubbin and beans ❤
This movie is soooooo much more deeper than ppl think! great reaction Ash! We get it..TRUST!! Trauma is sooo deep and painful! Just being here is something I ponder on, all the time! Bless up for this reaction pal!
Robin Williams read the script & loved it. He signed his contract. He knew that young guys were the authors. Still, when he met Matt & Ben he wondered where their fathers were as they were much too young to have written such a spectacular story.
It's moments like this that show how much we would get along as friends if we knew each other outside of the internet. And I'm sure that there are plenty of others out there that feel the same as I do. Ashleigh, you honor us all with your honesty and vulnerability in every movie you share with us. Each time we get to know you a little bit better, and we are better for it. Even my mother has watched some of your videos and livestreams along with me and she remarks how genuine of a person you are. You laugh, we laugh along with you. You cry, and we cry at your side. I'm so glad you have Hubbin to hug after this, and Beans to squish. But know we are all here with you, cheering you on. Without effort, you rock. And I look forward to laughing and crying with you until the internet dies.
I'm 25 yrs her senior and I would love to have her as a friend. Her wit, sincerity and intelligence is endearing, honest and beautiful to be in the presence of. ❤
It takes a lot of courage and trust to openly show your emotions in front of a group of strangers. I hope you know how much we all appreciate what you do. Thank you so very much. I especially appreciate when you look into the camera with tears in your eyes, and say " shut up" like your just talking to one of your friends.
Thank you for being you and for sharing yourself with us! One of the beautiful thing about art is its ability to share emotions and help us make those connections with others. You feeling exactly how I feel when i watched the same movie is so validating
“I think I need to go hug hubbin and bury my face in Beans”
New viewers will be perplexed.
lol i thought the same thing :)
Lol
Lol I thought the exact same thing.
It took me a second to remember that was her cat's name XD That was a weird image in my head at first. XD
She's eatin beans
When Robin Williams died Matt Damon went to the bench where they filmed that monologue and just sat in silence just to be close to him. RIP Robin Williams ❤
Sheesh, and after I just got done crying with Ashleigh, I'm crying again.😢
That bench scene was my favorite in the movie, with the crying "It wasn't your fault" hug scene being a very close second.
😢
And how do you know this?
In the days after his passing, the bench became a memorial to Robin Williams. People still visit it to this day to pay homage to him.
"But I love to dilly-dally. Some might even wanna lolly-gag from time to time."
LMAO I love it!
That was some great improv.
The thing is, Ash... this film is so good, so well acted and written, that when you come back to it in 5 or 10 years.... even Knowing exactly what happens.... you'll feel the same emotions all over again! It's Crazy but true!! A timeless classic.
You know, I had a cold and distant father, not necessarily an abusive one like Will's, but one who showed no affection. One day I went to a friend's house after a long time and shortly after his father (who hadn't seen me in a long time) arrived. He approached me and greeted me with a big hug, and I can assure you I almost broke down in tears because it was the first time I felt a fatherly hug. I was like "so this is what it feels like".
Oh man, I can relate to this. A couple years ago at a friend's place for her 30th birthday, her dad gave her a hug and said "I love you"
It was the simplest thing in the world but you bet your arse I cried the whole way home.
My mother was a verbally abusive alcoholic so I can relate to being distant and having trust issues.
Robin Williams took home the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role in the movie.
RIP, Robin, we miss you.
He was excellent in this role, but I still would’ve given Robert Foster the award
I'd love to see Ashleigh react to What Dreams May Come. I think that movie is probably Robin's finest work.
And the young masters Affleck & Damon took the Oscar for the best Screenplay
@@drakocarrionyou just want see this poor woman shrivel away with tears. 😂😂😂😂😂
When Robin Williams won his Oscar he forgot to thank his mother and she was in the audience 😂 he told this story when he appeared on an episode of The Graham Norton show ( the video is on RUclips) he was on with Elijah Woods & Jennifer Saunders
46:21 Matt and Ben won an Oscar for writing this…Robin also won an Oscar for this as well.
"It's not your fault" rightfully slays every time, but what kills me is Chuckie's speech. That feeling is so real.
We all need friends like Chuck - a guy who genuinely wants to see you reach your best, even if it means you won't be around him anymore.
What makes it work is that Chuckie's kind of a clown for most of the film. Good friend, but not someone you or the movie takes seriously. But in this speech you can see not only the real love and concern he has for Will, but the pain that comes from his own understanding of his station in life. He may not be a genius like Will, but he sees the way things are clearer than anyone.
I agree, it's my favorite part of this movie.
A lot of people don't realize that Robin Williams went to Julliard and was a classically trained actor before he became a famous comedian. He always had dramatic chops, and this was just the perfect role for him. A cool fact, his roommate at Julliard was Christopher Reeve, who went on to play Superman.
Cool 😎 ❤😊
And they promised to take care of eachother if one of them ever needed help, and the other was in a position to give it. Also, there was a close, longstanding alliance between Ork and Krypton.
I never knew that about him and Christopher Reeve. Thanks for sharing.
@@rightuppercut1426 About the aliance between Ork and Krypton? Oh yeah, that literally goes back thousands of Earth years.
Ashleigh, I still remember your reaction to "Thor: The Dark World", and how you opened up to us all about your mental health struggles. It shocked and saddened me to hear that you had suffered so much, but it also filled my heart to know that the presence of your viewers is one thing that's helped you get through it all.
You didn't get into details about what you'd been through, but your reaction to Will's session with Sean suggests just how bad it was. I'm so, so sorry you were put through that. I hope that you're in a much better place now, and that the tears you shed for this video were healing.
I'm so glad that you're here with us still, and sharing with us like this. I don't watch all of your reactions -- some are for films and shows I haven't seen -- but when I do it's usually the high point of my day. Your honesty and enthusiasm are so refreshing, and your humour lifts my spirits. Please know how much I appreciate your work here, and give yourself all the care you need.
And so say all of us..
"I'm not crying, you're crying." Every time, Ashleigh... Every. Fucking. Time.
we love her, don't we. lol.
Ive seen this movie over a dozen times and I cry every time... 36 years old... I cry Every time.
"Everybody believes in you, you jackass!" might as well be the tagline of the movie. Well done Ashleigh
Everyone needs to hear that sometime in their lives, and not just hear it, but believe it. It's easy to build walls and incredibly difficult to break them down.
@@neil2444 Yeah but people say that all the time, its a friendly casual way to support someone. It's hard to take it sincerely. I know I've heard it a thousand times but they can't all be true.
@@NandRWhy can't they all be true?
You've created a warm, accepting community, Ashleigh. It's a big deal. We love you for your honesty and vulnerability. You've made us better people. Love you, ladybug.
Hear, hear! So true! Huzzah! (clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap!!!) (loud whistle) (more clapping)
As a therapist I have to say, of all of the portrayals of therapists and therapy, this one means the most to me. It's all about their relationship and unconditional positive regard. I love your reactions and after a tough day, they really boost my mood!
This and Dr Ryan in never have I ever are the standard
Uncle irio from last airbinder cartoon
I recently started seeing a therapist, and in the second or third session, I was in the middle of explaining some of my more neurotic behaviors. I used the words, "Because I'm crazy, I -yadda yadda-", sort of in a self-deprecating humor kind of way. After I finished talking, she said, "First of all, you're not crazy. You experienced trauma, and are coping with it as best as you can." And I was riiiight on the edge of crying for the rest of the session. It is wild how therapists can tell you something you may have thought, or even told yourself before, but hearing it externally is totally different, and so validating.
facts.i've never done therapy it's not part of uk culture but it is true you can think or tell yourself something,someone saying it out loud is what gets to you.making it real.putting it out there in the ether.
It's great when you find a therapist that actually works for you. Just like in the movie neither of you are perfect, what matters is that you're perfect for each other.
The "it's not your fault" scene is such an important moment for everyone who watches, we all break for it. I love the big heart you bring to all your reactions, thank you!
When I feel my past reaching up to drown me, I put that scene on and cry, hearing him say that to me.
What breaks me is Damon's reaction. That moment when he's lashing out but his body language is like completely broken and scared.
Anybody who can watch that scene and not be touched by it must be a very broken individual.
I don't know if anyone ever noticed this, but I personally love how the movie begins with Will’s Therapist, Sean Maguire (Robin Williams’ character) initially referring to Will Hunting (Matt Damon’s character) as "Chief" or "Sport", but by the end of the movie, he calls him "Son."
That and the fact that throughout the movie. They go from not sharing the screen to literally being shoulder to shoulder in frame
Oh, nice! I didn't notice that.
@@AwhmanitsdanttvI've seen this a bunch of times and never noticed that the distance between them was shrinking on every visit. Really good subtle filmmaking technique.
@@user-dz6fy6qv2l it was not too long ago when I was rewatching it, that I began to notice not only the way Sean referred to will. Or how slowly Will became respectful of what he said to him. Or the distance slowly closing with every session
I didn't notice what he called him at first, but I definitely noticed when he started calling him son.
Okay, just finished watching and through my blurry eyes I want to say thank you for being so vulnerable. Thank you for advocating for mental health. Thank you for showing everyone it’s okay to have big feels. And to anyone reading, it’s not your fault.
We can never hear that enough. Thank you.
"Why didn't they want me?" Are word that haunt far too many hearts
"It's not your fault" is something that too many of us never got to hear. thank you for your reaction.
We hear it ALL the time , at least i did , but we stop believing it .. WE think no one really can KNOW what we went through . SO we put up this wall .. That's what Shawn ( Williams ) broke threw .. very deep and impactful moment. Ashliy reaction was WHAT everyone feels .. and her reaction was also moving .. at least to me .
I’ve heard it from people but I don’t listen to them or believe them. I’ve been too much of a f up my entire life. I couldn’t believe it in my early 20s. There’s no way I’m gonna believe it now approaching 40.
There’s really only one ending for me and it’s not happy. No more suffering is the goal
Scary when you realise that Matt & Ben wrote this classic when they were only 22 and when his performance was recognised by the Academy, Robin referenced their age during his acceptance words. The whole speech is one of the best Oscar moments ever, you can feel the love in the room for Robin, especially from the host Billy Crystal, his old friend from the very early days of trying to make it in showbiz. It wasn't polite applause from his peers - it was genuine love for a man who had brought so much joy & laughter but was also capable of touching performances like this. Wonderful. The award and speech are on YT, do try and watch.
They didn't write shit. They were rich kids who were family friends with Oscar-winning professionals. Their connections polished some useless college paper of Damon's into a script and then let him and his buddy take credit for it as a favor. Nobody would ever have heard of either of them if not for their family connections. It's nepo baby stuff in the worst way.
@@dudermcdudeface3674who hurt you?
It's not your fault
@@sgoff4168Did I forget the trigger warning before saying there's no Santa Claus? Calm down, son.
Even though it clearly is your fault.
To be fair, they did have connections and William Goldman did some script doctoring on this, but it's still a great achievement for Matt and Ben and they should be proud.
@@dudermcdudeface3674 That urban legend has been debased many times. Even by William Goldman who in his own words just added a few touches.
48:40 Crying is cathartic, laughter is healing. They are both the cheapest therapy one can get (because they are free). Your channel, and this movie, exemplify those 3 points.
"Michael...Bolton?". Looks like Ashleigh's gotta watch Office Space
Like the singer guy?
@@jwgtx5841 "Why should I change my name? He's the one who sucks."
I celebrate his entire catalog.
*cough
That no talent ass-clown!
Either that or the captain jack sparrow song from the lonely island boys
This movie has a reputation for making grown men cry. Unashamedly, I get emotional a lot when watching these reactions. Thank you for checking out one of my favorite movies ever!
For me, this is the quintessential exploration of the male persona. This movie was a masterclass by Gus Van Sant, and the performances were literally a tour de force by the entire cast.
This movie so quickly sucks you into the plot. You're not watching a movie. You are literally caught up with this unique region of South Boston and the people who live there.
Simply for me one of my favourite films of all time ❤😂
That's a very interesting take, about the male persona. Grief and frustration would be the very first two thinks that comes to mind when talking about this movie, but is very interesting to watch it through the male lense, so to speak; how the male (and particularly straight men, I dare to add) deals with loss, pain, expressing emotion,... You really made me think about it, thank you!
@9thedreaming9 I was really thinking about the South Boston male persona. I mean let's be honest these guys are primal at an almost psychopathic level.
I think there was a reason Robin Williams played this role so softly. It felt like he was almost whispering the entire movie. He really deserved that vest supporting actor 😇
Yeah. Robin Williams was phenomenal. Thinking about it, it's intersting that the masculinity and "male power" in William's character lies in that softness and the unconditional love for his lost wife, in how in touch he was (and still is) with everything that Will is struggling with.
@@9thedreaming9 Softness or maybe meekness would be a better term. I'm sure that desperate side of Robin that he never showed the world. Craved these types of roles to express in public all the things he couldn't sat in private.
"I have never been so scared of that man... terrifying!"... Obviously you've never seen the movie One Hour Photo
Or "Insomnia"
I watched one hour photo as a teenager and I kinda sympathized with sy back then. Watched again as an adult and…. Man it was creepy. Same with “the Final Cut” that movie was insane
Always regarded 'One Hour Photo' as one of Robin Williams best films. But the film only performed moderately well at the box office because audiences tended to be rather freaked out by the overall creepiness of the character of Sy Parrish.
Was just about to suggest that.
@Elephant2024-wi2li
I really didn't like the theatrical release. Later I read the directors cut was much better. I got a copy and agree.
And Insomnia is great as well.
It is said that the final line from Robin Williams “Son of a bitch. He stole my line” was an improv from Robin. He did a number of takes and reacted differently every time. When Matt Damon heard that take he started hitting the director because he knew that Robin had found perfection.
Watching the let’s talk about it bit - oh girl. You are not just another person out here doing movie reactions. Not for a second.
I love that you share your vulnerability, that you’re genuine out here. It makes me feel like I could be sitting there, crying with you, yelling at the screen, and honestly - it makes me feel a lot less alone in the world.
Thank you for that.
(From a solo old granny woman out here in the blue yonder)
…just sending a little love your way, okay? 🥰
I wholeheartedly agree!!
Ashleigh your my go-to girl/lady for honest heartfelt reactions. Your A#1 in my book.
❤❤❤❤❤
Great comment
No one laughs like you Ashleigh. And no one cries like you.
Thank you for being so brave and share all this. The silly and the serious.
You are such a lovely person. Thank you for your crazy laugh, your vulnerable crying (sometimes at the same time!) and everything in between. I love hanging out with you while you watch.
To have someone like Robin on screen saying 'it's not you're fault' is such a blessing for anyone with CPTSD. I was a survivor of childhood ish and his work moved me like no one else's ever could, because you could tell that his emotional depth came from a place of understanding. I cried for maybe a week after he died. RIP Robin.
And from one April baby to another....party on dude!!
I had a moment where I did the same for my sister, I didn't even make the connection until I saw Good Will a half year later. Me and my sister had been raised by an abuser mother and I told my sister "it wasn't her fault" and she broke down in tears for about 15 minutes, and thanked me for it was a message she had needed to hear since she was a child.
So yeah, hits right in the feels, in the best possible way ☺️.
May blessings be on your healing path, and peaceful self love. 😎
Me too. It was September 23rd, 2019 that I stopped feeling bad about it
A tearful Ashleigh reaction is always one to behold. It really is. Because you know it's touched her in some kind of way.
Will's relationship with his friends is underrated. One of my favourite things about this movie is that Will is surrounded by positive influences that genuinely want to make him better.
And they rip the piss out of each other like real brothers. It keeps him grounded.
You are not "just another person on RUclips" You are the real deal. And "It's not your fault." Thank you for being you.
"Why is there just a jar of pickled eggs?" Tell me you've never been in a real bar without telling me you've never been in a real bar.
But what’s he point??
@@magnum_cx8805😕 what do you mean?.....genuinely. THIS reply is so confusing. what's the point OF WHAT?
@@magnum_cx8805 When people get extremely drunk they take bets to see who can insert them in their arse without breaking them.
@@magnum_cx8805 Protein.
“I guess I didn’t realize I needed to hear that.” THIS is what made me cry! Sending you so much love and hugs 🫂 ❤
Agree.
Same!
Same
Thank you for being vulnerable with me. I cried with you, especially when he Robin Williams talked about his wife. Three years ago, I held my wife in my arms as she passed away. She was only 42 and a heart attack took her from me. I vowed never to watch this movie again but I had to watch it with you because I knew you would allow me to grieve again.
Seeing your reactions is often the best part of my day. I love how much you love your hubbin. Give him a hug for me. ❤
"Everyone says to bring tissues, but I have my sleeve." Makes it through most of the movie then completely unravels. Ashleigh is a treasure. Looking dead into the camera at the end and making it real kind of got to me, maybe we all need some therapy.
I balled my eyes out at the end with her.
Oh yeah, you could go through a whole box with this movie.
One subtle detail that a lot of people don't pick up on is the progression of the way Sean addresses Will. He starts out calling him "Sport" and ends with him calling him "Son" signifying him becoming like a father figure for Will.
In the end when Robin Williams reads the note that Will had to go see about a girl. Robin says that he stole his line... that was an ad lib...just beautiful!
Fun fact: the scene where Robin Williams talks about his wife farting was completely improvised. It was so funny, that you can see the camera slightly shaking from the camera operator laughing 😂
yep, though on the dvd commentary I think the director said that the actual shot of Matt laughing his ass off, while the camera was shaking, was technically from a different joke, not the fart one. But he felt the shot was just so perfect and pure of a laugh, they had to put it in.
@@happyninja42the joke (as I recall it) was actually a combination of Robin and Matt freestyling. Robin was talking about his wife’s farts and said she even lit one on fire. Matt then immediately replied, “was that how she died?” And it was that laughter (with Robin nodding yes) is what we saw.
I came here to say this but you beat me to it but I made another fun fact for the ending saying that SOb stole my line lol
@@XXCIoveraround 24:32
D'oh! Sorry, I missed this comment, wasn't trying to copy you! I said the same thing. Robin Williams was an ABSOLUTE TREASURE.
The scene that gets me every time is Williams monologue about not regretting even the really bad days of his wife's illness.
"When everyone realizes that the words "visiting hours" don't mean anything for you." or whatever that line is.
"I'm not crying YOU'RE crying!"
Well.. yes, but also, no you!
I actually said out loud "yep, yep I am." 🙂
@@racing2cat Jep, everytime, always.
Anybody who doesn't cry at that should definitely be in therapy. They're, as Ash said, emotionally constipated.
Thank you Ashleigh for bringing us so much laughter and fun as well as being vulnerable and real with us. You’re not “just somebody on RUclips” we love you ❤
That bench scene shows Robin's mastery of subtle acting. Without screaming, shouting and jumping up and down like Pacino, he made this scene unforgettable. And he made the whole movie great.
definitely defining the " LESS IS MORE" style of acting and Robin just embraced it!!! man I miss Robin, especially his more serious roles!!!! I love that most comedians are better in dramatic roles!
Was right there crying with you, Ashleigh. This is so much more than a RUclips channel. Thank you for all the years of laughter, outrage, joy and tears.
Robin Williams earned every bit of that Oscar he won for this movie.
My wife had a horribly abusive childhood which ended when her “mother” murdered her sister. Luckily she was adopted by a real family, but she struggled with PTSD all her life. It’s never too late to get help, it saved her.
I wish all the love to you and your family!
All the strength to you, your wife and your family. I know what its to live broken home and try to collect pieces while carrying all that weight with you. I truly hope all the best!
Thank you so much for sharing that. It may help someone scrolling through.
P.S. Give your lady an extra hug from me if she's okay with it.
You can tell when someone has a lot of innocence and love and light inside of them by how contagious their crying and laughter is and my god watching this with you and seeing your reaction and the movie itself brought so much out of me, and hearing you tell me it’s not my fault and offering consolation there was so much heart behind it and you have so much love and innocence inside of you baby. Thank you so much for inviting us to experience these reactions with you and share in laughs and cries. You’re not just another person on RUclips, you are part of what makes the internet beautiful and you give us a place to be entertained and have fun with you. We love you Ashleigh
“It's not your fault” is something a lot of us need to hear. I’m glad that helped you as much as it has helped some of us. ❤
I always tear up when Robin says 'Good luck, son.' at the end.
He was so important to people my age. I had very absent parents, but watching Robin Williams movies always gave me a feeling of joy and safety. When he died, it was a shock to the system I didn't even understand at the time. He was just an actor we never even met, and yet everybody felt a sense of failure that he didn't get help he needed at the end, like we let him down. He was LOVED. Not just liked. Loved.
Robin Williams saying, "It's not your fault" gives me chills as he reminds me of my father and always would straighten us out In life even if we make mistakes.
The ‘it’s not your fault’ bit - it broke me entirely the first time I heard it.
And it breaks me every single time I hear it now, because I still need to be reminded.
I loved seeing you watch this so much ❤
Someone must have already mentioned this, but when Robin Williams died the bench where he gave that incredible monologue became an impromptu shrine in memory of him. There are so many good monologues in this film, so little "action," but so much emotional movement. It's wonderful, and I really respect your own willingness to share your emotions on the screen
This is the movie that put Ben and Matt on the road to success. Not only writing the movie, but being in the movie. Definitely one of my favorites.
"I'm concerned with them drinking beer at a construction site" absolutely got me 😂..
Glad you watched this movie, it's absolutely in the "best movies ever" list
Me too, she's definitely never been on a construction site 😂
"I guess i didnt realize how much i need to here...that"
Not alone, suffering in silence is something else.
"Who's Michael Bolton?" I think Ashley needs to be introduced to the glory that is "Jack Sparrow" by the Lonely Island. 😆
And before she watches Office Space.
My first thoughts too! That's its own rabbit hole in it's self😂
And she clearly needs to watch Office Space as well.
Nah, she needs to watch Office Space
"Why should I change my name? He's the on who sucks"
"I'm not crying, your'e crying." Girl, we BOTH crying!
I cried more watching this with you than when I first saw the movie a million years ago. What I appreciate most about you and your reactions is that I can honestly relate to how real you are and how you're not afraid to show your emotions. I can picture you being a good honest friend and feel I'd be lucky to consider myself one of those if things were different. You're a keeper. Cheers.
Dear sweet Ashley 🌹, what you said about being known really got to me. Thanks for being my RUclips friend and being vulnerable (it's brave)
Stellan Skarsgård has been in a lot of movies ranging from Thor, to Dune, to Chernobyl, to Pirates of the Caribbean, to Hamlet.... His sons have also been cast in a LOT of things recently (Alexander, Gustaf, Sam, Bill, Eija, Valter, Ossian and Kolbjörn).
His sons have the most spectacularly diverse array of names I've ever seen in a big family. Big families tend to follow themes in terms of naming the kids -- ethnic, Biblical, what's popular at the moment, older relatives or ancestors, etc. But ol' Stellan's sons' names really run the gamut, from a fictional Scottish poet to the man who conquered literally two million square miles of Europe, Africa, and Asia 23 and a half centuries ago to the evergreen Swedish standby "Gustaf" to a name that literally means "black bear" to the meat-and-potatoes Anglosphere ordinariness of "Sam" and "Bill".
@@gregsager2062 could be cause they don't all have the same mom. Stellan has been married twice.
Jesus, I'm Swedish and I had no idea there were that many of them! I genuinely thought it was Alexander, Bill and possibly one more. 😄
Dude is just spawning talented Skarsgard's left and right.
@@korganrocks3995 soon they will just create their own city.
After Robin Williams passed, residents of Boston put up a makeshift memorial at the bench where they talked about Sean’s swan fetish.
Thank you for allowing yourself to be unguarded and emotional. I’m glad you’re here!
I was lucky to be there after having just flown in from Buffalo. I got off the red line at Charles MGH, walked directly to Boston Public Garden, saw dozens gathered around the pop-up shrine at the bench. Chalk was provided for people to scribble messages of love on the sidewalks ("SHAZBOT"; "GOOOOOOD MORNING VIETNAM"; "Genie, you're free"; "The powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse"; etc.). Mine was "You only know loss when it involves somebody you love more than you love yourself."
Oh for heaven’s sake. I finally stopped crying and just lost it again at ‘Genie, you’re free.’ 😭😭
Ashleigh, you are the gold standard of reaction RUclipsrs. You offer a vulnerability that no one else ever seems to reach and I believe you also are able to completely capture the essence of our younger selves at the time we saw these movies for the first time.
You “get” us, the time period and the stories we enjoyed at the time they were popular and truly see them as we did.
Although I shed a tear or two when I originally saw these movies, seeing your reactions to them often leave me full-on sobbing. Somehow, the way you’re able to relate to the stories and fearlessly express it enhances the meaning of every one immeasurably.
"Im not crying, youre crying."-At that pont, I was cryingright along with you.
When Ashleigh said "I'm not crying, you're crying!" she wasn't lyin!
Ashleigh, the fact that you are so upfront and open in your reactions is why you're my favorite of the folks doing movie reactions. You got me choked up at the end there too.
Ashleigh, I wanted to share how privileged i felt getting to witness your courage in being human with us. As a therapist, its something that always gets me, the scene between Sean and Will, and the pang of raw injury that it stirs in us.
The way you managed to do the outro without taking a break first was impressive
I saw this with you for the first time ever and it also wrecked me. This movie came out when I was in high school and I had little interest in seeing it, but decided to give it a shot and holy hell I'm glad I did. This hit me hard on so many levels. Sean actually reminds me of one of the best therapists I ever had, also an older bearded guy who understood stuff I was going through. Here the "It's not your fault" line also took a few repetitions before it punched me in the gut. The whole theme of this movie about being to scared to move onto other things spoke to my life right now, it almost felt like fate that I saw this movie now. Also this movie is SOOO BOSTON. I loved everything from the old school Red Line seats, the overhead shots of Harvard Square, chilling at the Public Garden, all of it. Plus there's a little nod to my state when he says he wants to move to Nashua. Pretty sure the dog racing scene is at Wonderland in Revere, but they closed down about 10 years after this movie. If you want another great Boston movie with Matt Damon I highly recommend The Departed, Jack Nicholson and Leonardo DiCaprio are in it too.
Ashleigh: "I'm not crying. You're crying."
Me: "YEAH. Cause you crying is making me cry!!" 😭😭
My best friend passed away suddenly last year and this was his favorite movie.
I’ve been afraid to rewatch this film until now. Apparently I needed that big cry too.
Thank you, and glad you enjoyed it.
Rest in peace, brother.
I forgot how beautiful Minnie Driver was in this.
She is a treasure! Loved her in Gross Point Blank.
The first time I saw Minnie Driver was in the movie Circle of Friends. At one point I leaned over to my dad and said who do they think they're fooling trying to say she's unattractive.
Love her in Ella Enchanted! She is so funny 🤭
Honey, that scene gets everyone who's been there or have any kind of empathy. And here's to my brothers and sisters who have gone through that kind of abuse and are still here, breaking the cycle, holding their s*** down and standing strong.❤️❤️❤️💪😎
I love you girl. Stay on the internet forever doing what you want to do. And don't forget to give that boy of yours a big hug every day. ❤
"Those numbers equal those letters."
Right there with you, Ashleigh.
When I joined RUclips I was told there would be no math.
Steven Spielberg cast Matt Damon as Private Ryan because he was virtually unknown and had the classic All-American handsomeness for the role. However, this movie came out a few months before and Damon became a star basically overnight.
Spielberg was hesitant about Damon for Private Ryan after seeing him in 'Courage under fire' (awesome movie!) where he had shed a LOT of weight, but Damon managed to get back in shape.
I was actually Robin Williams who introduced Matt to Spielberg. Matt did an audition video for Saving Private Ryan but hadn’t heard back. During filming for Good Will Hunting, Spielberg was filming on an adjacent lot and Robin took him over to watch. Spielberg recognised Matt but couldn’t remember where from and he thought Matt looked perfect for the Ryan part in the movie… the rest is history.
Matt did a video about it recently.
@@RallarbusenI like Courage Under Fire, a lot. I was/am Surprised how relatively under the radar it remained/remains.
Ashleigh, you should consider that one. At least for personal viewing if not a reaction here. I promise you will only big cry one time.
When one movie has 3-4 VERY memorable 1 on 1 conversations that are very powerful. Also, the bench became a makeshift memorial for a while when people found out about the passing of Williams. Both Matt and Ben have natural Boston accents as well since they are both from there.
Ashleigh, thank you for providing this space for us and for yourself. And to anyone who needs to hear it.. you are not alone. You matter. You are loved. ✌🏻😊❤️
Sending so many hugs your way! I think your willingness to be vulnerable is a powerful gift. It helps others to know they can do the same, safely - and that is so needed in the world. You make a positive difference in this world.
I don’t know exactly what you’ve been through but, from your reactions to various films, I know you’ve been through it. They are to blame, not you. You are innocent and awesome. For what it’s worth, I think therapy is a great idea - for everyone - especially in this crazy day and age, with so many people dealing with so much. I’m rooting for you from here.💛
The writing for this movie was absolutely fantastic and it’s hard to be believe it was done by a young Matt Damon and Ben Affleck!
Matt Damon and Ben Affleck wrote this movie because they weren’t getting much acting work and they wanted the parts as actors and at the time they were really influenced by Reservior Dogs (1992) and the story that they heard is that because Harvey Keitel had signed up for the movie, the director Quentin Tarantino was able to secure half a million dollars for his budget and was allowed to make the movie. This gave them the idea to write the therapist role of Sean Maguire, which obviously Robin Williams would eventually take (which according to them, they got him at a serious discount because Robin Williams was one of highest paid actors of the time). They called it the “Harvey Keitel Part” because they specifically wrote it with the intention of looking for an actor of such gravitas who could secure them enough money to help make the movie because Matt Damon and Ben Affleck were unknown actors at the time, and were doing all they can to get the movie made.
They also intentionally wrote the role to be really open-ended as possible and were flexible to changes. For instance, if a well-renowned black actor like James Earl Jones, Morgan Freeman or Denzel Washington wanted to come in and play the role, they had the idea to adjust it and make the therapist character be from Roxbury and maybe explore the kind of historic racial tensions within Boston to make the dynamic between Will and his therapist more interesting and possibly contentious. Or if a famous actress like Meryl Streep or Sandra Bullock wanted the role, they would simply make the therapist character female and instead of a father-son relationship they would make the dynamic between Will and his therapist be that of a mother-son relationship, and so on and so forth. According to them, they left the role to be as open-ended because they wanted to cast as wide a net as possible to ensure the possibility of the movie being made.
It was really great writing and also quite strategic on their parts!
It really shows they had a clear idea of Will's character and the story they wanted to tell with him. When those things are clearly developed you can drop a character in any situation you want and let them just react.
They also had a gay scene in the movie between the professors (as an easter egg). And only one studio asked about the scene because it didn't make sense in the plot. They knew that was the only studio who read the entire script and went with them over the others.
Im a counselor & ive had clients tell me things about their childhoods that have ripped me apart...most counselors make not crying a skill. My mentor told me its ok to cry with them... be human. Sadness is the emotion that brings together the quickest. He was so right! That scene wrecks me everytime. Theres a hurt child in all of us.. who just needs to know it wasnt our fault. ❤
The monologue at the lake is one of my favorite monologue's of all time. It's firm, strong yet vulnerable, understanding, emotional, and piercing. Simply and amazing performance from Williams (not just that scene, but the entire movie). RIP. ❤
It's been years since I saw this film, but it literally saved my life. I was going through a really weird, hard time in my life when it came out (in my early 20's and feeling utterly lost), and I guess I just needed the message. It's so nice to see it can still touch people so deeply after all these years. Wonderful script, and Robin Williams at his absolutely best.
If everyone had a father like Robin William's character in this movie the world would be a pretty great place. Glad it helped you and that you're doing better!
This is why you're one of only like three people I subscribe to on Patreon. I can't NOT be a part of this community that you've made. Shine on shine on!
We all cry in that scene, because we knew no one had ever said it to Will, as many times as he needed to hear it to believe it, or begin to believe it, that the terrible things that happened to him were not his fault. But we mostly cry because we needed to hear it, too, and thank you Ashleigh for saying it again. It was not your fault. Unless you were/are a sociopath or a psychopath at the time of the terrible things that happened to you, then it totally was your fault. I think that's the main difference between good people and awful people, is that for good people we think things are our fault that are not our fault, and for awful people, nothing is ever their fault.
What terrible things happened to him again, his large group of supportive friends, a beautiful girl who loved him despite him treating her like garbage, people willing to try and lift him up out of a meaningless life into something better?
Did you miss that he had grown up with an abusive father? The pictures of his body all black and blue? How his father would give him a choice of a stick, a belt, and a wrench, and Will would choose the wrench?
It’s not in this reaction, but Sean asks Will why he chose the wrench, and Will replies, “Because fuck him. That’s why.”
Trauma from childhood abuse is probably the #1 reason people need therapy later.
@@richardnanian2446 Sounds stupid to me.
When given the choice between the fist and the belt I chose the belt.
For such a math genius he couldn't work out that a floppy bit of leather wouldn't hit as hard as high carbon steel.
Choosing a worse fate for yourself to spite someone that doesn't care about you is your fault.
Maybe coming to recognize that was better than being told its not his fault 20 years later.
@@RUclipsIsRetarded689 trying too hard, son
Sounds like you could use some therapy. Good luck.
I'm still keeping my fingers crossed you get to see Awakenings someday. Robin Williams and Robert Deniro at the very top of their game.
Yes! Please do Awakenings. Such an amazing movie.
I saw that movie when I was about 10 as a new release on VHS. It really messed me up. I only ever saw it once and I still think about it too often.
Yes! What a phenomenal movie!
Another great Williams movie, another emotional wrecking ball.
"Im not crying You're crying!"
You right 😭 that scene always gets me
How very sweet and kind Ashleigh. Just lovely. ❤
❤❤❤❤❤ you’re one of the best things that happened to us during isolation….. thank you for inviting us in
I’m not ready to cry this early in the morning but here we go… been waiting for this for a long time 😢
I'm in a puddle at the foot of my chair. Thanks. It's not your fault.
Having grown up in Massachusetts I have to say that these characters always felt extremely real to me. The way they deal with life, trauma, and their personal interactions are so accurate and you can tell that Ben and Matt are both from around here and used that in their writing. Giving each other a hard time, Bustin balls, is how we show affection and connection. People from Massachusetts are “kind but not nice” IYKYK Such a wonderful reaction! I hope you got your snuggles from hubbin and beans ❤
This movie is soooooo much more deeper than ppl think! great reaction Ash! We get it..TRUST!! Trauma is sooo deep and painful! Just being here is something I ponder on, all the time! Bless up for this reaction pal!
You are definitely NOT just another person on RUclips! Love ya!
Robin Williams read the script & loved it. He signed his contract. He knew that young guys were the authors. Still, when he met Matt & Ben he wondered where their fathers were as they were much too young to have written such a spectacular story.
It's moments like this that show how much we would get along as friends if we knew each other outside of the internet. And I'm sure that there are plenty of others out there that feel the same as I do. Ashleigh, you honor us all with your honesty and vulnerability in every movie you share with us. Each time we get to know you a little bit better, and we are better for it. Even my mother has watched some of your videos and livestreams along with me and she remarks how genuine of a person you are. You laugh, we laugh along with you. You cry, and we cry at your side. I'm so glad you have Hubbin to hug after this, and Beans to squish. But know we are all here with you, cheering you on. Without effort, you rock. And I look forward to laughing and crying with you until the internet dies.
I'm 25 yrs her senior and I would love to have her as a friend. Her wit, sincerity and intelligence is endearing, honest and beautiful to be in the presence of. ❤
"Why is there a jar of pickled eggs?" My question is " you've never been in a pub where you can get pickled eggs?"
Dunno if that's a very southern thing
She's never been in a hole in the wall 'Mom and Pop' corner bar. :)
You also used to be able to get yourself a Blind Robin in a bar .
Drinking with Friends 🍺😉🤠
Not Strangers..
There is a difference ✌️🥃🍺
@bobbrinkerhoff3592 definitely easier to catch than one that can see. 😆 what's a blind Robin?
It takes a lot of courage and trust to openly show your emotions in front of a group of strangers. I hope you know how much we all appreciate what you do. Thank you so very much. I especially appreciate when you look into the camera with tears in your eyes, and say " shut up" like your just talking to one of your friends.
Thank you for being you and for sharing yourself with us! One of the beautiful thing about art is its ability to share emotions and help us make those connections with others. You feeling exactly how I feel when i watched the same movie is so validating