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The Straight Story movie poster - The Straight Story review and rating on movieMx
1999112 minDrama

The Straight Story

Is The Straight Story a Hit or Flop?

HIT

Is The Straight Story worth watching? With a rating of 7.7/10, this Drama film is a must-watch hit for fans of the genre. Read on for our detailed analysis and user reviews.

7.71,715 votes
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The Straight Story Synopsis

A retired farmer and widower in his 70s, Alvin Straight learns one day that his distant brother Lyle has suffered a stroke and may not recover. Alvin is determined to make things right with Lyle while he still can, but his brother lives in Wisconsin, while Alvin is stuck in Iowa with no car and no driver's license. Then he hits on the idea of making the trip on his old lawnmower, thus beginning a picturesque and at times deeply spiritual odyssey.

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Top Cast

Richard Farnsworth
Richard FarnsworthAlvin
Sissy Spacek
Sissy SpacekRose
Jane Galloway Heitz
Jane Galloway HeitzDorothy
Joseph A. Carpenter
Joseph A. CarpenterBud
Donald Wiegert
Donald WiegertSig
Tracey Maloney
Tracey MaloneyNurse
Dan Flannery
Dan FlanneryDoctor Gibbons
Jennifer Edwards
Jennifer EdwardsBrenda
Ed Grennan
Ed GrennanPete
Jack Walsh
Jack WalshApple

Official Trailer

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Straight Story worth watching?

Yes, The Straight Story is definitely worth watching! With a rating of 7.7/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Drama movies.

Is The Straight Story hit or flop?

Based on audience ratings (7.7/10), The Straight Story is considered a hit among viewers.

What genre is The Straight Story?

The Straight Story is a Drama movie that A retired farmer and widower in his 70s, Alvin Straight learns one day that his distant brother Lyle has suffered a stroke and may not recover. Alvin ...

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Critic Reviews

John ChardFeb 21, 2016
★ 9

I want to thank you for your kindness to a stranger. An absolute delight. From director David Lynch, The Straight Story finds the famous purveyor of the oblique on wonderfully mellow form. Story finds a superb Richard Farnsworth as Alvin Straight, an old boy long in the tooth who sets off across America on his lawn mower to visit his estranged brother. You see, he doesn't have a driving licence, so lawn mower is the viable form of transport. Lynch and writers John Roach & Mary Sweeney have offered up a wry and astute observation of Americana. The journey Alvin takes involves him meeting a number of eccentrics and confused souls, which pitches Alvin as our conduit to a rich view of the life we have - or will - live. Culminating in a finale that rewards anyone with an intelligent soul. The message is clear. A beautiful film for the beautiful of heart. 9/10

r96skOct 11, 2020
★ 9

Beautifully made film. It's a difficult one to describe. 'The Straight Story' features a very touching, true life, story about Alvin Straight. It's a very simple premise but one that the film brings to life wonderfully. There's a crap tonne of heart, alongside some brilliant cinematography and a top notch score. Richard Farnsworth plays the role of Alvin expertly, it's an outstanding performance from him. Credit also to Sissy Spacek, who makes an impact as Rose despite not really being in the film for all that long. Harry Dean Stanton (Lyle) makes an appearance, too. It's a slow burn but one that's totally worth the 112 minute run time. What a great way to end the millennium for Disney's live-action theatrical releases.