I remember watching this over 5 years ago and rather enjoying it seeing a young Leonardo DiCaprio make way for himself A boys life can be whatever he wants it to be despite all the challenges involved Director Michael Caton-Jones adapts the true story of Tobias Wolff played by Leo himself co-starring with Ellen Barkin, Chris Cooper, Carla Gugino and Robert DiNiro Even a young Eliza Dushku and Tobey Maguire make their first appearances here It's 1957 and Toby and his mother Caroline move to Washington Caroline then meets a mechanic Dwight and falls in love But soon after Dwight becomes more demanding and creates a firm grip on both of them Toby wants to go to college in Pennsylvania on a full scholarship to make something of himself but Dwight is trying to diminish his dreams forcing him to stay stuck Caroline is also reluctant to separate from him This is a very good memoir about a young boy learning to grow up, adjust, asserting his independence, and being brave DeNiro perfectly plays an abusive alcoholic monster hitting both this mother and her son by any physical or emotional means He has his own insecurities and his manhood The last scene is very much the most intense cause it gets so dyer The film succeeds thanks to its unique cast and breakout performance by DiCaprio, he had the right amount of angst and emotion acting as a reservoir of conflict and feelings of displacement All he wants is to belong somewhere It's the epitome of being a teenager acting like everyone else just to fit in even if it means hurting others Who's the real insecure child here and who's the adult doing what's right? You gotta reach for the flames and take it otherwise you lose it forever Could've been shortened to an hour and a half and the abusive scenes are hard to watch But Jones makes a very atmospheric drama thats very-well acted showing it's never easy to grow up past childhood trauma but it's possible

I'm glad I discovered this hidden gem with 2 of my favourite actors, a young Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro.

I remember watching this 5 Ravi and rather enjoying it seeing a young Leonardo DiCaprio make way for himself A boys life can be whatever he wants it to be despite all the challenges involved Director Michael Caton-Jones adapts the true story of Tobias Wolff played by Leo himself co-starring with Ellen Barkin, Chris Cooper, Carla Gugino and Robert DiNiro Even a young Eliza Dushku and Tobey Maguire make their first appearances here It's 1957 and Toby and his mother Caroline move to Washington Caroline then meets a mechanic Dwight and falls in love But soon after Dwight becomes more demanding and creates a firm grip on both of them Toby wants to go to college in Pennsylvania on a full scholarship to make something of himself but Dwight is trying to diminish his dreams forcing him to stay stuck Caroline is also reluctant to separate from him This is a very good memoir about a young boy learning to grow up, adjust, asserting his independence, and being brave DeNiro perfectly plays an abusive alcoholic monster hitting both this mother and her son by any physical or emotional means He has his own insecurities a ii his manhood The last scene is very much the most intense cause it gets so dyer The film succeeds thanks to its unique cast and breakout performance by DiCaprio, he had the right amount of angst and emotion acting as a reservoir of conflict and feelings of displacement All he wants is to belong somewhere It's the epitome of being a teenager acting like everyone else just to fit in even if it means hurting others Who's the real insecure child here and who's the adult doing what's right? You gotta reach for the flames and take it otherwise you lose it forever Could've been shortened to an hour and a half and the abusive scenes are hard to watch But Jones makes a very atmospheric drama thats very-well acted showing it's never easy to grow up past childhood trauma but it's possible

A good coming of age story of a young man dealing with an abusive stepfather and going through the trials of being a teenager.

“Shut your pie hole”

Stunning performances by De Niro and, especially, DiCaprio fill the story with the highest possible tension and vitality. The story is tough and hard to watch from time to time, but nevertheless keeps you attached and invested.

I hadn't approached this knowing it was a Biographical Drama... Wow. What a story. The psychological abuse, the development of negative coping strategies as the years roll on, as well as the various relationships that mean something to Tobias, are all so well portrayed by everyone involved

Tough to watch if you have ever had a similar childhood (i.e stepfather), it really is...

It wasn't boring. relatable. make you hope the best for jack.

Heartbreaking, touchy made and an awesome way to tell the story, makes it a beautiful film impulsed by the amazing leading roles.

A movie that you'll appreciate having watched, but not one you'll be looking forward to revisiting anytime soon. Di Caprio and De Niro are both great.

Brilliant, sad, heroic, a triumphant portrayal.

powerful drama, de niro is the bully step dad to leonardo di caprios character, so glad I didn't grow up in this sort of environment where it is not so much lucky for other people who witness this type of behavior everyday.

Well built, strong but not pathetic, realistic and fair. Do not miss it

Fantastic acting, incredibly emotional.

Frankly still astounded that Leo got to work with such high-profile actors so early in his career although it pained me deeply to watch him in pain. :'( (tear)

leo showing just what we all had to look forward to

It's a solid movie, but a tale I feel like has been told many times before. The only curiousity I had was how it was going to play out.

An old movie with such substance and depth based on a true story. Excellent played by the young Leonardo Di Caprio and one of the greatest actor Robert De Niro.

True story about the life of Tobias Wolf, who in his teens moves with his mom and new step dad to rural Oregon, where his new family awaits. The teen is soon surprised to learn that his new home has strict discipline enforced by his new stepfather and will soon endure physical and verbal abuse by the hands of his stepfather as well. DeNiro is remarkable as the arrogant breadwinner and DiCaprio (in his first featured role) is equally mesmerizing as he portrays a young man, although troubled, is genuine and frightened of his new lifestyle, This drama is no classic by any means but it is a compelling biopic.