Opened: December 17, 1993

Directed by: Lasse Hallström

Starring: Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, Juliette Lewis, Mary Steenburgen, Darlene Cates, Laura Harrington, Mary Kate Schellhardt, Kevin Tighe, John C. Reilly, Crispin Glover, Penelope Branning & Libby Villari

Packed with emotions and featuring a breakout performance from Leonardo DiCaprio, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape is a gripping family drama.

With his father dead, brother Arnie (DiCaprio) mentally disabled and mother Bonnie (Darlene Cates) too heavy to leave, the responsibilities of the Grape household have fallen on Gilbert (Johnny Depp). Though he feels stuck in his town, meeting Becky (Juliette Lewis) lifts his spirits.

It’s one of DiCaprio’s earliest film roles and you can tell he was destined for greatness because he was already great. Never once does DiCaprio seem like he’s acting. He embraces the spirit of Arnie and becomes him. Depp is also fantastic, and you can see the weight on Gilbert behind his eyes.

The family dynamic – including two sisters Amy (Laura Harrington) and Ellen (Mary Kate Schellhardt) – is compelling.

Final say: One of DiCaprio’s best performances. ★★★★★