Captain Fantastic
Captain Fantastic

Movie spotlight

Captain Fantastic

2016
Movie
119 min
English

Deep in the forests of the Pacific Northwest, a father devoted to raising his six kids with a rigorous physical and intellectual education is forced to leave his paradise and enter the world, beginning a journey that challenges his idea of what it means to be a parent.

Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes83%
Metacritic72/100
Google Users75%
Director: Matt RossGenres: Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

Ben Cash lives off the grid in the Pacific Northwest with his six children, rigorously training them in survival skills, philosophy, and critical thinking. When his wife's death necessitates a journey to the outside world for her funeral, Ben must confront his idealized way of life and the societal norms he has rejected, leading to a clash between his radical parenting and the conventional expectations of his family and the world.

Critical Reception

Captain Fantastic received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its unique premise, Viggo Mortensen's performance, and its exploration of unconventional parenting and societal critiques. While some found its philosophical arguments occasionally heavy-handed, the film was largely celebrated for its emotional depth and compelling family dynamic.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its thought-provoking exploration of parenting and societal values.

  • Viggo Mortensen's central performance was widely acclaimed.

  • Some critics noted the film's occasional preachiness.

Google audience: Audiences appreciated the film's unique story and the strong performances, particularly Viggo Mortensen. Many found it to be an emotional and intellectually engaging experience that prompted reflection on different ways of living and raising a family.

Awards & Accolades

Viggo Mortensen was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama. The film also received nominations at the Independent Spirit Awards and Cannes Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The film's director, Matt Ross, based the concept partly on his own experiences growing up with parents who were "very progressive" and his observations of families living alternative lifestyles.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

3 reviews
Cranialrock

Cranialrock

I immediately had to watch it again after just finishing! This movie leaves an impact! LOVED it!

Reno

Reno

**Surviving isn't just a good education, but needs the physical training.** This is from a supporting actor turned a director who is just one film old before this. So he wrote and directed this beautiful film. One of the best films of th...

Gimly

Gimly

While Viggo's character is most certainly the protagonist, he's also not portrayed as being 100% in the right. Which really is the best way to tackle the subject matter at hand. _Final rating:★★★½ - I strongly recommend you make the time...