This Boy's Life

1993, Lgbtq+/Drama, 1h 55m

37 Reviews 10,000+ Ratings

What to know

critics consensus

A harrowing, moving drama about a young boy, his single mother, and his abusive stepfather, This Boy's Life benefits from its terrific cast, and features a breakout performance from a young Leonardo DiCaprio. Read critic reviews

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This Boy's Life Photos

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Movie Info

In the 1950s, Toby (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his mom, Caroline (Ellen Barkin), move to the state of Washington. There they meet mild-mannered Dwight (Robert De Niro), who falls in love with Caroline. They're married, and, after some initial happiness in the household, it becomes apparent that Dwight believes violence is the best way to discipline his troubled stepson. Unfortunately, Caroline is unwilling to give up on her marriage. As Dwight's abuse intensifies, Toby plans an escape.
  • Rating:
    R
  • Genre:
    Lgbtq+, Drama
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    Michael Caton-Jones
  • Producer:
    Art Linson
  • Writer:
    Robert Getchell
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Box Office (Gross USA):
    $3.7M
  • Runtime:
  • Sound Mix:
    Surround

Cast & Crew

Robert De Niro
Dwight Hansen
Ellen Barkin
Caroline Wolff Hansen
Leonardo DiCaprio
Tobias "Toby" Wolff
Jonah Blechman
Arthur Gayle
Eliza Dushku
Pearl
Chris Cooper
Roy
Carla Gugino
Norma
Zachary Ansley
Skipper
Michael Caton-Jones
Director
Robert Getchell
Writer
Peter Guber
Executive Producer
Jon Peters
Executive Producer
Art Linson
Producer
Show all Cast & Crew

Critic Reviews for This Boy's Life

All Critics (37) | Top Critics (17) | Fresh (28) | Rotten (9)
Full Review… David Ansen Newsweek Full Review… Owen Gleiberman Entertainment Weekly Full Review… Richard Corliss TIME Magazine Full Review… Jonathan Rosenbaum Chicago Reader Full Review… Angie Errigo Empire Magazine Full Review… Todd McCarthy Variety Full Review… Nick Rogers The Film Yap Full Review… Film4 Staff Film4 Full Review… Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com Full Review… James Plath Movie Metropolis Full Review… Scott Weinberg eFilmCritic.com Full Review… Rob Thomas Capital Times (Madison, WI)
View All Critic Reviews (37)

Audience Reviews for This Boy's Life

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