One True Thing

1998, Drama, 2h 7m

60 Reviews 5,000+ Ratings

What to know

critics consensus

Solid performances lift this drama to a higher level. Read critic reviews

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One True Thing Photos

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Movie Info

Kate (Meryl Streep), the undervalued matriarch of the Gulden family, is diagnosed with cancer. Daughter and journalist Ellen (Renée Zellweger) returns from New York City to care for her mother at the request of her father (William Hurt). During the time Kate spends with her parents, she discovers secrets that she was never privy to in her childhood. Though Ellen has always idolized her father, she learns that her mother has had a much more difficult life than she knew.
  • Rating:
    R
  • Genre:
    Drama
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    Carl Franklin
  • Producer:
    Harry J. Ufland, Jesse Beaton
  • Writer:
    Anna Quindlen, Karen Croner
  • Release Date (Theaters):
     original
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Box Office (Gross USA):
    $23.3M
  • Runtime:
  • Distributor:
    MCA/Universal Pictures [us], Universal Pictures
  • Sound Mix:
    Surround, Dolby Digital, DTS, SDDS
  • Aspect Ratio:
    Flat (1.85:1)

Cast & Crew

Meryl Streep
Kate Gulden
Renée Zellweger
Ellen Gulden
William Hurt
George Gulden
Tom Everett Scott
Brian Gulden
Lauren Graham
Jules
Nicky Katt
Jordan Belzer
James Eckhouse
District Attorney
Patrick Breen
Mr. Tweedy
Gerrit Graham
Oliver Most
Carl Franklin
Director
Anna Quindlen
Writer
Karen Croner
Writer
William W. Wilson III
Executive Producer
Harry J. Ufland
Producer
Jesse Beaton
Producer
Carole Bayer Sager
Original Music
Cliff Eidelman
Original Music
Declan Quinn
Cinematography
Carole Kravetz-Aykanian
Film Editing
Richard Pagano
Casting
Paul Peters
Production Design
Jefferson Sage
Art Director
Elaine O'Donnell
Set Decoration
Leslie Pope
Set Decoration
Donna Zakowska
Costume Design
Show all Cast & Crew

Critic Reviews for One True Thing

All Critics (60) | Top Critics (23) | Fresh (53) | Rotten (7)
Full Review… Nell Minow Common Sense Media Full Review… Rick Groen Globe and Mail Full Review… Peter Travers Rolling Stone Full Review… Kenneth Turan Los Angeles Times Full Review… Paul Tatara CNN.com Full Review… Michael O'Sullivan Washington Post Full Review… Maitland McDonagh TV Guide Full Review… Tom Meek Film Threat Full Review… Robin Clifford Reeling Reviews Full Review… James Sanford Kalamazoo Gazette Full Review… Eugene Novikov Film Blather Full Review… John R. McEwen Film Quips Online
View All Critic Reviews (60)

Audience Reviews for One True Thing

  • Feb 06, 2012
    Good but slightly barfy film about daughters and dying mothers. I'm sure if you like that sort of thing, this is right up your alley.
    John B Super Reviewer
  • Jan 19, 2008
    Sad, but very good story about a daughter dealing with the death by cancer of the mother she never really got along with. Surprisingly, this isn't overly sentimental. I found it quite moving. Excellent performances by Meryl Streep and Renee zellweger.
    Nicki M Super Reviewer
  • Jan 15, 2008
    The review by Marshall Fine is pretty accurate. The writing, acting and direction are top notch. My mom died of cancer, so it wasn't an easy film to watch. This movie has a lot to say, and what it has to say is worthwhile.
    Morris N Super Reviewer
  • Aug 10, 2007
    Renee Zellweger's best film role, made before she was a real name. Meryl Streep is also amazing as her dying mother.
    Sunil J Super Reviewer
See all Audience reviews

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