Watch Going All the Way

Going All the Way is a 1997 American coming-of-age drama film directed by Mark Pellington, based on a novel of the same name by Dan Wakefield. It stars Jeremy Davies, Ben Affleck, Amy Locane, Jill Clayburgh, Rachel Weisz and Rose McGowan in pivotal roles. The film is set in Indianapolis in the late 1950s, and revolves around the lives of two young men, Gunner Casselman (Affleck) and Sonny Burns (Davies), who have just returned home from serving in the Korean War. While the two have different personalities and ambitions, they share a common goal of finding their place in the world amidst the changing landscape of post-war America.

Gunner, a charming womanizer with big dreams of becoming a newspaper reporter, tries to make a name for himself by courting a beautiful and ambitious college girl named Marty Pilcher (Locane), who dreams of making it big in Hollywood. Meanwhile, Sonny, a timid and reserved boy, struggles to adjust to civilian life and deal with his overbearing mother (Clayburgh) and emotionally distant father.

The film delicately balances the starkly different lives of these two characters, as they navigate through the various challenges thrown at them while staying true to their friendship. While Gunner's seemingly perfect world falls apart after his relationship with Marty takes an unexpected turn, Sonny finds solace in a damaged beauty named Buddy (Weisz), who shares his past fears and anxieties.

Throughout the course of the film, Pellington manages to establish a genuinely heartfelt narrative that sheds light on important issues such as PTSD, societal pressure, and personal identity. The film's climax is an emotionally charged scene in which Gunner and Sonny confront each other's insecurities and rekindle their bond as friends, providing the audience with a sweet taste of closure.

The cast of Going All the Way delivers wholehearted performances that elevate the film's overall quality. Affleck is charismatic and charming in his portrayal of Gunner, while Davies strikes a deeper chord with his nuanced and introspective take on Sonny. Clayburgh steals the show as Sonny's mother, who is both controlling and compassionate, and Locane and Weisz bring their own unique flare to their on-screen roles.

The film's cinematography and production design also deserve a nod for their authentic representation of the 1950s. The camera work captures the essence of the era's charm and architecture, and the color palette fits perfectly with the film's coming-of-age narrative.

Overall, Going All the Way is a beautifully crafted drama film that finds a delicate balance between heartbreak and hope. The film serves as a reminder that while life can be uncertain and challenging, a strong friendship can help us find our way through the toughest of situations.

Going All the Way is a 1997 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 43 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7.