The Fisher King

As if from current headlines, The Fisher King (1991) is still relevant, touching, and instructive. Monty Python alumnus, Terry Gilliam, spins a haunting tale of guilt and redemption. I wonder why I like these movies so much? Hmmm....

Robin Williams (Moscow on the Hudson, Awakenings, and Patch Adams) plays a man who lost his wife in a New York City night club shooting rampage. His grief drives him to madness and homelessness. Sadly, the shooter was acting on the rants of a self-absorbed shock jock played by Jeff Bridges (Thunderbolt and Lightfoot, Jagged Edge, and The Fabulous Baker Boys).

Guilt from the incident drives Bridges to seek redemption from William's character who leads him on a crusade across Manhattan.

Mercedes Ruehl (Big, Crazy People, and recently part of the Entourage cast) won an Oscar for her role as Bridges long-suffering girlfriend. Between her angst, Bridges guilt and depression, and Williams psychosis, this movie has something everyone can recognize in themselves or someone close to them.

It is an emotional roller coaster. The same scene will have you in fits of laughter and fighting back tears. One of the basics of a good story is that the main character goes through some change over the journey. In this movie, all the main characters go through immense change.

Watch it with someone whom you love just the way they already are.