The Mighty

Sometimes life can be hard and unfair. I’m sure that’s how the filmmakers for The Mighty must have felt. Released in 1998, The Mighty is a comedy drama based on the book, Freak the Mighty, by Rodman Philbrick. It went on to receive strong reviews and was considered one of the best films of the year. Amazingly, it was a huge commercial flop for Miramax Films. Was it the marketing? Or lack of marketing? Bad Luck?

At the time, Miramax was the hottest studio in Hollywood. Everything they touched turned to gold with big hits like The English Patient and Goodwill Hunting. In fact, The Mighty was considered to be the next Goodwill Hunting, which helped to launch the careers of Matt Damon and Ben Affleck.

The Mighty has so much going for it. It is an enduring story with a whimsical and magical feel. It has an excellent cast and a wonderful sound track, featuring a song from Sting. The Mighty deserved a better fate. Today, it is mostly forgotten. But it is a lost treasure worth discovering.

The Mighty is a welcome change from movies that typically portray teens doing the wrong things and embracing bad lifestyle choices. It is a positive and uplifting movie that speaks to our ability to overcome physical and emotional handicaps though the power of friendship. They discover an inner strength that lies within us all. The Mighty does this without resorting to ridiculous comics or unbelievable, happy-ending nonsense.

The Mighty is a story about two boys who are social outcasts. Max (Eldon Henson) is physically strong but suffers from a learning disability called dyslexia. Kevin (Kieran Culkin) is physically weak from his battle with morquio syndrome. He is extremely intelligent and creative.


Both are tormented and bullied by Blake and his teenage gang. They form an unlikely alliance. Together they are able to do the impossible. “You need a brain. I need legs, and the Wizard of Oz doesn’t live in South Cincinnati”, exclaimed Kevin to Max. With that they form a symbiotic friendship, balancing out their strengths and weaknesses to complete one person. Soon they are on a quest as knights in King Arthur’s Court to rescue fair maidens, slay dragons and walk high above the world.

Back in the real world, they face other challenges from Blake and his gang to problems at school and at home, including the impending release of Max’s father from prison.

Are we defined by our past or our parents mistakes? Kevin teaches Max that a Knight proves his worthiness through his deeds. This is one of the strongest themes that runs throughout The Mighty. We also see that through a nonviolent approach, we can right injustices and defend the rights of the weak. I consider The Mighty a very spiritual film because we are all on a quest in one way or another.


Rounding out the cast are wonderful performances by Sharon Stone as Kevin’s mom along with veteran actor, Harry Dean Stanton (he always bring his A game) as Grim, Max’s grandfather. In minor roles are X-Files’ Gillian Anderson, who is almost unrecognizable as Loretta Lee and James Gandolfini (The Sopranos) as Kenny (Killer) Cain.

The Mighty could have been your typical family film or even the dreaded after-school special. And it could have floundered in cheap sentimentality. But, under the steady direction of Peter Chelson, the film found a balance between fantasy and reality.

Kevin and Max live in a gritty, urban environment full of poverty and despair. The film has a realistic feel. You might call it an edgy, family film with an intelligent story. It explores many themes typically not found in the family film genre, including strength of character, acceptance, self-worth and identity.

So what are you watching Friday or Saturday night? The same old typical Hollywood special effects bonanza? How about considering a movie with some substance that will inspire you, challenge you to be a better person or make you feel how special life can be. You probably won’t find The Mighty for rent, but it is available online for under $10. Check out deepdiscount.com.

Inspiration and courage can be found in the most unlikely places.


1. Which character do you identify with?
2. Have you ever felt like a social outcast?
3. How do Max and Kevin solve their problems through nonviolence?
4. Why does being different always come with a price?
5. How do Kevin and Max deal with the question of identity? Who and what defines them?
6. How do we find our inner strength?
7. Does Kevin’s mom help create a safe place for both Max and Kevin?
8. How can our imagination help us to dream and escape our reality?
9. What is the true strength of friendship?
10. Why do people accept Kevin and Max after they join forces?
11. How do Max and Kevin right injustices?
12. What did Loretta say and why is it important?
13. How did Max discover his inner voice?
14. What is the turning point in this film?
15. Have you ever had to face a bully?