Children of a Lesser God
1986 · Movie · R · 119 min · ★ 6.9 · 80% critics
A new instructor arrives at a New England school for the deaf and quickly challenges the status quo with bold teaching methods. He becomes drawn to a guarded deaf staff member, and their slow-building romance turns into a test of trust, independence, and how two people can truly communicate across different worlds.
Based on Children of a Lesser God
Where to watch
Streaming on MGM+.
2 hours to watch.
Stream (included)
Streaming availability and prices may be inaccurate or change — verify with the provider before subscribing.
unSUB's subscription recommendations are informational only, not financial advice.
More value for your money
Similar titles, ranked by watch-hours per subscription dollar.
Details
- Years
- 1986
- Release date
- 1986-09-13
- Language
- English
- Rated
- R
- Runtime
- 119 min
- Critic score
- 80/100
- TMDB rating
- 6.9/10 (342 votes)
About
You’ll likely enjoy this if you want a serious, emotionally charged romance about connection and misunderstanding, with an inspirational-teacher setup that turns more intimate; Not for you if you want a light rom-com like High Fidelity.
Pros: powerful lead performance; emotionally intense romance; thoughtful look at communication | Cons: slow pacing at times; conflicts feel repetitive; some dated attitudes
Themes
- deaf-mute
- deaf
- man woman relationship
- listening
- teacher
- teacher student relationship
- woman director
- sign languages
- teachers and students
- schoolroom
- deaf girl
- deafness
Awards & recognition
- Academy Award — Best Actress · 1987
- National Board of Review: Top Ten Films
- Academy Award — Best Actress · 1987 · nominated
- Academy Award — Best Picture · 1987 · nominated
- Academy Award — Best Actor · 1987 · nominated
Show all 7 awards →
- Academy Award — Best Supporting Actress · 1987 · nominated
- Academy Award — Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay · 1987 · nominated
Cast & crew
William Hurt
as James Leeds
Marlee Matlin
as Sarah Norman
Piper Laurie
as Mrs. Norman
Philip Bosco
as Dr. Curtis Franklin
- AG
Allison Gompf
as Lydia
- JC
John F. Cleary
as Johnny
- PH
Philip Holmes
as Glen
- GC
Georgia Ann Cline
as Cheryl
- WB
William D. Byrd
as Danny
- FJ
Frank Carter Jr.
as Tony
Directed by Randa Haines