Ah, "With Honors," that 1994 film. It nudges us to rethink knowledge. Is it dusty tomes in hallowed halls? Or lessons from the school of hard knocks? This movie asks that. It serves a heartwarming, thought-provoking dish.
Is "With Honors" Actually... Good?
Is "With Honors" a cinematic masterpiece? Probably not. But is it a good movie? Yes. It sneaks up on you. It makes you chuckle, maybe mist up. More importantly, it makes you ponder your worldview. It focuses on quiet moments and human connection.
User reviews on Rotten Tomatoes echo this. Many highlight the film's emotional depth and insights.
Decoding the Message of "With Honors"
What is the main message? "With Honors" isn't bashing higher education. Instead, it shows life’s lessons aren't found only in lecture halls. Life wisdom can come from unexpected places, like a charismatic homeless man. Experiential knowledge is just as valuable as textbook learning.
"With Honors": The Plot, Briefly
Meet Monty Kessler (Brendan Fraser), a stressed Harvard grad student. He accidentally loses his thesis in a grate. Enter Simon Wilder (Joe Pesci), a gruff yet endearing homeless man. Simon won't just give the thesis back. He demands 'room and board' for its return.
This unlikely duo throws Monty’s academic life into chaos. Monty’s roommates, including Everett Calloway (Patrick Dempsey), eye Simon with skepticism. Slowly, Simon's wisdom seeps into their lives. It’s a blend of academia and street smarts, leading to heartwarming life lessons. For a detailed plot breakdown, visit TV Guide.
The Ending of "With Honors" - Tissues Recommended
The film ends poignantly. Monty graduates from Harvard, but with no honors. Yet, he feels genuine happiness. It’s a powerful point: external accolades aren't everything. His real honors are outside the classroom.
But there's more emotional depth. In a touching scene, Simon dies. Monty’s roommates gather and read Walt Whitman’s "Song of Myself" to him. At Simon’s funeral, only Monty's friends attend. Monty reads Simon's self-written obituary. It's a heartfelt farewell to a man who deeply impacted their lives.
Earlier, Monty meetings Professor Pitkannen about the thesis. Honors are off the table due to the drama. Monty thanks him and shakes his hand. This moment shows Monty's change – he learns grades aren't everything.
The graduation scene is joyful. Monty’s name is called. He smiles genuinely. Later, he walks across campus with his roommates, diploma in hand, even sharing a kiss with Courtney. It’s a feel-good ending, stemming from Monty’s emotional journey.
Simon's Funeral: A Farewell to Wisdom
Simon’s funeral is intimate, highlighting his impact. Only Monty and his roommates attend, showing their brief connection with him. Simon’s self-written obituary speaks to his character. Monty reading it honors Simon's memory and shares his wisdom with those who were closest.
Graduation: Happiness > Honors
The theme of graduation without honors yet happiness is vital. It doesn’t dismiss achievement but redefines success. Monty and his roommates graduate. They’ve put in the work and learned outside academia’s rigid structure. Their happiness stems from personal growth.
Monty's Transformation: Lessons from Simon
What did Monty learn from Simon? Quite a lot. Simon's life story counters Monty's academically focused existence. He teaches Monty that life is not about perfection or validation. It's about kindness, acceptance, and forgiveness. These lessons are far more valuable than academic accolades.
Simon Wilder: The Catalyst for Change
Simon is not just a plot device; he is central to "With Honors." He represents experiential knowledge. Wisdom doesn't come only from institutions. The film emphasizes this: knowledge comes from experience and life's hard knocks.
What Simon Actually Teaches Monty
Simon teaches Monty crucial lessons about life's journey. It's not about flawlessness or external approval. It's about embracing imperfections and focusing on human connection and personal growth. Simon’s lessons are about emotional intelligence and living authentically.
Joe Pesci as Simon: Unconventional Casting, Perfect Fit
Casting Joe Pesci as Simon was a brilliant choice. He avoids sentimentality and caricature in his performance. He brings edginess and authenticity, making Simon both compelling and memorable. As IMDb notes, Joe Pesci is Simon in "With Honors."
Themes Explored: Transformation and Life's Real Lessons
"With Honors" explores themes of transformation. Monty's encounter with Simon prompts him to question his values. The film shows how unexpected friendships lead to personal growth. Monty's journey emphasizes that true education extends beyond the classroom.
Kindness, Acceptance, Forgiveness: The Core Values
The core values of "With Honors" are kindness, acceptance, and forgiveness. Simon embodies these virtues, reminding us of their transformative power. A life guided by these qualities is a life well-lived. These themes resonate deeply, reminding us of essential human values.
Experiential Knowledge vs. University Education: A Balanced Perspective
The film masterfully navigates the tension between experiential knowledge and traditional education. It suggests both have their place in shaping understanding and wisdom.
The relationship between experiential knowledge and university education is complex. It's not merely a choice of 'street smarts or academia.' A balanced view is important. University education provides structured learning. It fosters intellectual growth. Yet, "With Honors" shows that this is just one part of knowledge. Experiential knowledge, gained from real-world interactions and challenges, is equally vital for understanding life. Simon lacks formal education, yet he possesses rich life experience. He represents this alternative intelligence.
Filming Locations: From Harvard to Illinois
"With Honors" features notable filming locations. Parts of the film were shot at
Streaming "With Honors": Your Couch is Calling
Interested in watching "With Honors"? It is available on multiple streaming platforms. You can find it on Amazon Prime Video, with and without ads. Other options include
Rating Rundown: PG-13 for Thoughtful Content
The MPAA rated "With Honors" as
"With Honors" vs. "Honor Society": A Tale of Two 'Honor' Films
The text briefly compares "With Honors" to "Honor Society." Both titles contain "honor," but they differ significantly. "Honor Society" is a recent film aimed at teens with a different tone. In it, the male lead manipulates the ambitious Honor, feigning romance to hinder her Harvard chances. Honor, feeling betrayed, ends their relationship.
"Honor Society" follows a high school senior, Honor. Her goal is acceptance into Harvard. She obsessively seeks that recommendation letter. While "With Honors" uses Harvard as a backdrop and touches on academic ambition, its message extends beyond college. "Honor Society" satirizes high school ambition and competition. Therefore, even with shared titles, the films explore vastly different themes and narratives. For more insights, visit Story Screen. They provide detailed analyses of each film.
In conclusion, "With Honors" remains impactful today. It stands out for its wisdom and portrayal of human connection. The film reminds us that true lessons often occur outside classrooms. Real honor lies in kindness and empathy. Perhaps after watching, you might find yourself engaging in unexpected conversations and learning more.
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