Much of the film is spent on their everyday lives as these two boys who are socially awkward due to the societal perceptions about them. He’s willing to give Joe the room he needs while at the same time being himself and not trying to purchase the boy’s affection. Ben is kind to both of the boys and not overbearing. Life is looking up, however, as Joe begins to come around. When Rebecca gets a new boyfriend, Ben (portrayed by Oliver Platt), Joe has trouble accepting him. It’s quite obvious they do not see their child as a gift in any way, but rather as a burden, as if they have been judged and this is their punishment. Simon’s own parents are indifferent, having expected him to die soon after he was born, and probably wishing in some ways he had so they could put this part of their lives behind them. Joe’s mother, Rebecca (portrayed by Ashley Judd) is one of the few people truly kind to Simon who accepts him totally. Joe Wenteworth (portrayed by Joseph Mazzello) was born out of wedlock while Simon Birch (portrayed by Ian Michael Smith) is a dwarf. Each of them are misfits in their own way. In a way, that’s probably a good thing, since I came into Simon Birch with no bias about it.īased on the John Irving novel, A Prayer for Owen Meaney, Simon Birch tells the story of two friends in a small Maine town. However, I haven’t read the one Simon Birch is based on, or if I have I can’t remember it. Written by Mark Steven Johnson and John Irvingįor the record, I have read many of John Irving’s books. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.All Creatures Great And Small (Original Series).

Simon birch film