Joe the King
1999 · Movie · 96 min · ★ 6.0 · 66% critics
A struggling 14-year-old tries to hold his family life together while dealing with poverty, neglect, and humiliation at school. As pressure builds at home and his bond with an older sibling starts to fray, he makes risky choices just to get through each day.
Also known as Pleasant View Avenue
Where to watch
Not currently available to stream in the US.
2 hours to watch.
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
- 1999
- Release date
- 1999-01-22
- Language
- English
- Runtime
- 96 min
- Critic score
- 66/100
- TMDB rating
- 6.0/10 (46 votes)
About
If you connected with This Boy's Life or Sweet Sixteen, this somber coming-of-age drama may work for you, especially if you value resilience under pressure; Not for you if you want uplifting, fast-moving, or easy viewing.
Pros: emotionally raw story; strong young performances; grounded period feel | Cons: very bleak tone; slow pacing; harsh child mistreatment
Themes
- child abuse
- 1970s
- classroom
- abusive father
- diner
- alcoholism
- coming of age
- money
- spanking
- debt
- theft
- semi autobiographical
- +4 more
Awards & recognition
- The Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award · 1999
Cast & crew
Noah Fleiss
as Joe Henry
Karen Young
as Theresa Henry
Camryn Manheim
as Mrs. Basil
Austin Pendleton
as Winston
Val Kilmer
as Bob Henry
- ML
Max Ligosh
as Mike Henry
James Costa
as Ray
Jenny Robertson
as Waitress
Amy Wright
as Mary
Richard Bright
as Roy
Directed by Frank Whaley