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One of the BEST

I had never heard of this movie or the book it was taken from...but I watched it because of Mel Gibson, even though I am not a big fan of his, his movies are usually at least worth a look/see.I was pleasantly surprised at how well done this movie was and the lasting impression it has had on me. Many movies are so forgettable that after watching them they are soon forgotten.I marveled at how well the entire movie was directed and the sets, acting, screenplay were magnificent.The movie is about a young boy who feels different than others in his family and circle of friends. He meets and a strong friendship between the boy and Mel Gibsons character are forged.The movie is about being different and still normal, still with feelings, still with intelligence, still with passion.The only thing in the movie I might change would be the title, it just is not what I would consider a good name....A better choice might be "A Man and a Boy"... or something similar.

An good, interesting look at the teacher-student/father-son relationship

This was a beautiful film. It starts out strong, sensible, and reminds me of "To Kill A Mockingbird" in the way the community treats and regards the reclusive McLeod (Gibson).Gibson in strong here. So is the young Nick Stahl. They really seem to make a connection on screen. The two actors pull off the teacher-student relationship wonderfully while their characters convincingly fall into a friendship that becomes reminiscent of a father-son relationship."The Man Without A Face", however, is not without its flaws. I just was never truly convinced that McLeod would not consider having his face repaired because he thought it "didn't seem right", as is the only explanation given in the movie as to why McLeod has dodged plastic surgery. Further more, sometimes I feel they are hitting the idea of "McLeod is scarred and ugly looking" too hard on the head. They make it seem too much of the reason why McLeod is socially hindered. If anything, it should be his suspected history of child molestation and withdrawn and bitter nature that causes more awkward moments than his scarring.The story of Chuck, the young boy in the film, is more solid and believable. He lives with his mother and two half-sisters. All three kids come from different marriages and the mother is on her next husband. The sardonic and emotionality withdrawn Chuck refers to his new step-father as "The Hairball." Chuck is distant, emotionally neglected and verbally abused by his mother and sisters who have little empathy for other people. It is only when McLeod and Chuck begin to really form a friendship that both of them become better people.I personally found this film well done, heart warming while tragic, and flawed but a good watch. If you're interested in human relation movies and the whole social dynamics in families and communities bit, see it.

Justin McLeod wants to slip the surly bonds of earth and young Chuck wants to get into Military School but he'll need Justin's help

Young Chuck wants more than anything to get into Military School but he will need tutoring to make the grade. His only hope is reclusive Justin McLeod, a former teacher. Justin is a reclusive figure of ridicule in this small town because of his disfigured face and other hushed implications. This mark on his face was from an automobile accident ten years before in which a boy was incinerated and for which he was convicted of involuntary manslaughter. When Chuck looks for Justin's help and they become friends, the town's people become suspicious and hostile. I found it to be a good coming-of-age story; however I have to admit I did not get to read the novel - something I prefer to do. So I can not speak to the success of keeping the film in line with the original story. I found it to stand on its own.

f*ck this whole damn world!

why the hell are people like this?!Justin is a great guy!!!
the film is good it shows us how stupid people can be! I really cried a lot in this film, I hated to see the end! I mean, Chuck was old enough to say what he wanted! Justin came to him when he graduated and you saw that he was happy to see him but why the hell didn't he go to the police to say it was all a big lie?! why didn't he go to the police and say that he wanted them to undone the restriction order against Justin?!Justin is great and I hope there will be a second part where you see the charges been dropped against him!c ya all later! Cinderella

Where is Mom when you need her?

This film is about people who judge another without knowing a thing about him - just make up a story! It also portrays how the members of some families in American today occasionally cross paths knowing little about each other. Throw in an incompetent, egotistical, selfish mother who is less interested in her children than in her next lover, and it is no wonder the boy turns to a stranger who is badly scarred for acceptance, encouragement, guidance, help and love. Too bad, McLeod could not have been accepted for who he seemed to be - a man who had been through a horrible ordeal trying to live in peace with others. Instead, all because he tried to befriend and aid a child (who, by the way, was a very dishonest child), he was silently judged guilty of who knows what crimes, all without trial, by a few disgusting bigots in this lovely vacation town. An interesting study of a dysfunctional fatherless family being raised by a single mom who has more money than brains. Good thing Gibson was in the movie to save the day, and the boy played his part well.

Great film about true friendship

This movie is in my eyes an outstanding example of what films should be like. Nick Stahl and Mel Gibson show their immense ability to act in such a convincing way that this movie can be quoted as the movie with the most impressive story of true, honest and deep friendship. Nowadays, films are often judged concerning the special effects and the action, and classic movies slowly diminish. This film is unique because of the simple fact that the number of movies dealing with a topic like that, a topic that requires the knowledge of classic acting, unfortunately goes down.Nick Stahl, whom I haven't known before, and who is allegedly in the cast of Terminator 3, acts impressive and convincing. It doesn't happen often, but I was moved to tears, for the true friendship between Norstadt and his teacher gives the audience the message that real friendship, the belief in the future and your own self-confidence can help you to solve every problem.Congratulations to Mel Gibson and Nick Stahl, movies like this one, carrying such a pure message of life, preserve the issue of classic films: Move the audience, give them something to think about..... and let them feel the magic of films like this one.
Watch this movie, and you'll know how to define friendship. Greetings from Austria to all imdb.com users!!

Facing Life's Problems.

A badly disfigured former teacher (Mel Gibson) instructs a youngster (Nick Stahl) who is trying to make the grades to get into boarding school. Gibson's past is mysterious though and Stahl's family history is far from sweet and rosy as well. Difficult drama that has been misunderstood and under-rated ever since its premiere in 1993. Gibson's first directing venture does admittedly have more heart than brains, but he works wonders with what could have been a manipulative and predictable story. Of course this work behind the camera would lead to recent classics "Braveheart" and "The Passion of the Christ". Heartwrenching and emotionally-charged winner that will pull at you and never completely let go. 4 stars out of 5.

Mel Gibson directs and stars in this unusual love story

This is the movie version of a fairly old novel written by Isabelle Holland. Gibson directs his first movie, and stars as Justin McLeod, the "man without a face". The story is set on a holiday island off the East coast.

Justin used to teach at a boys school. He had a tragic accident while driving one of the boys, killing the boy and becoming disfigured in the fire resulting from the crash. There are overtones about his relationship with the dead boy that are not developed in either the movie or the novel. Now he has retreated into himself, and has become the village recluse and ogre.

The gorgeous Nick Stahl plays Chuck, the fourteen year old boy who shares the stage with Gibson. Chuck needs tutoring if he's to make it into his choosen high school.

The two begin a grudging relationship that starts with tutoring in school subjects. It progresses into a deeper relationship of mutual respect and caring. The boy comes to realize that Justin really cares for him, and will provide the love and guidance that he desperately needs.

The crisis comes when Chuck runs away from his mother and spends the night at Justin's cottage. There he is discovered by the sherrif next morning wearing only his Jockeys. While nothing untoward has happened during the night, it looks bad for the pair.

Justin is tried for assaulting Chuck. To spare the boy, he pleads guilty and is sent to jail. Most unfair!

Years later, Chuck graduates from high school, having been really helped by Justin's tutoring. Justin reappears in the background, leaving unanswered the question of the two salvaging their relationship.

It is interesting to note that this story has homosexual overtones, although very subtle one, and Gibson is, by his own statements, not gay-positive. This is the first gay theme'd movie that Gibson has appeared in.

Watch for young Nick Stahl in this movie. Not only is he a budding hunk, but he can act. He's got to be one of the better ones in the new crop of actors. I would compare him to Elijah Wood in the movie Paradiso. END

heartwarming and very touching

Mel is back and better than ever in "The Man Without A Face." This is Mel's finest film to date as an actor and director. Not only is it touching and heartwarming but it showcases one of the best actor turned directors in Mel Gibson. "The Man Without A Face" would be my choice for one of the most touching films I've ever seen. Gibson certainly knew what he was doing as performed along side a newcomer named Nick Stahl. I can't tell people enough positive things about this newcomer who possesses rare natural talent. Gibson played his character Justin McCleod the way actors should portray the characters.......with heart. I can't think of a film that showed the world the reality behind people in Justin's situation. Gibson crafted the story very carefully and it shows. Mel Gibson is an actor with heart and has brought it to big screen as McCleod. I would venture to guess that this role is not that far off than his real-life role as husband and father.When I saw this film, I didn't have to do much but sit back, eat popcorn and drink my soft drink. I knew it was going to be a moving, touching and heartfelt film. However, it turned out to be much more. I was pleasantly surprised how Gibson crafted this film into a work of art by using his knowledge of working in front of the camera.I knew by the end of this film everyone involved with this awesome film from the talented director/actor to the up and coming star along with the viewing audience had fun making and watching "The Man Without A Face."I recommend this film to anyone and everyone young and old who loves movies.

Mel's Finest Performance, EVER!

To say that Mel Gibson is a fine actor is to state the obvious. His body of work simply speaks for itself!In "Man..." he gives a stunning performance, one that demands us to look at the man, past his surface and into his heart that will reveal your character.The movie is one that should be added to your collection.

Great movie my favorite Mel Gibson movie

I loved this movie I saw it when it when it first came out on video when I was 12. Since then I've seen it at least 30 times. I thought Mel Gibson had never been better than he was as Justin McLeod. Nick Stahl was great as Chuck. I read the book after I saw the movie and didn't not care for it that much. The movie was so much better. The ending was so sad. I just cried and cried. It was a great movie. Thumbs up to Mel on his directing debut. If you haven't seen it you should. I recommended it to so many people and once they saw it they understood why I love this movie. Good job Mel! :-)

Very Powerful

I saw this film yesterday and I can't stress how great this film is. At times your really wishing the best to happen and you cringe when a character says something offencive to someone your sympathising with, its really powerful stuff. Even if this isn't your type of film, you can greatly appreciate the directing skills from Mel Gibson (who apparently had read a "how to direct" book), who was new to directing at the time. I think this film is very clever in some parts too, the end linking with the beginning and others which i wont say, see it for yourself and see what you think :)!

Underrated

Seems like loyalists of the book can't get over the fact that the movie's adaptation doesn't mirror its source. Regardless, this is a beautiful film, set in the summer of 1968 on the coastal shores of Maine. The script is manipulative, but the story is poignant and well acted. Nick Stahl, all of 14 years old, carries the movie with an earnest and convincing performance. I actually got a little choked up at the ending. I saw it in the theater, but since the film doesn't rely on special effects, I imagine it holds up on the small screen. Definitely worthwhile.

The Man Without a Face-Mel Gibson

A well done movie. Good story about the truths of how people will jump to conclusions without finding out for themselves what is really gonig on. "Pay attention to what and who your kids are talking to people!!" I liked the acting in the movie all around and thought Mr. Gibson did a great job putting it all together.

Watched this movie on a whim, glad i did

This movie was set in New England in the late sixties, but it could have been set at anywhere and any time with equal effect. What i took from this movie was an appreciation for education, friendship and loyalty. I think that we all have had a favorite teacher that inspired us and we could relate to. This movie is about a man that lived alone and struggled with a lot of guilt, with physical and emotional scars but had a rare chance to redeem himself as an educator, and a man, in a conformist affluent town that mocks and ridicules him because he has aweful scars on his face. MR McCloud (Mel Gibson) happened across a boy who needed help, both academically and otherwise, and made a man out of a boy, while helping to make the troubled boy's dreams all come true. The acting was impeccable, and the story was very touching. I love this movie and recommend it to anyone, if you are willing to risk a tear. Great job to Mel Gibson and thanks for a touching movie.

Gibson can perform without a gun or sword

It took me a long time to rent this movie because it didn't seem like it had much action and I loved to watch Gibson shoot, hack, stab, etc. After all, Mel Gibson is an American Action Hero, bigger than life and one of the Hollywood's greatest men of action.

I wasn't the least bit disappointed in this film, it is very good. The story of a young man (yes it is a coming of age film) spending his summer in a resort town on an island with one strange citizen that the townspeople love to gossip about. The young man and recluse meet and become fast friends. The mentor and student are plunged into a crisis when false assumptions are made and the hero of the story must make the moral decision to put the welfare of his friend ahead of his own.

It is a compelling and heart felt story, and while it offers little in the way of action and adventure, it is well worth watching.

Great movie for kids to learn from, or great movie for adults to appreciate.

With he demands of family and work, I usually don't have time to watch movies. With an 8 and 4 year old, and another on the way, we usually end up watching children's movies, light comedies, or Sci-fi, but I accidentally picked this movie, and I wish my boys were old enough to watch this.Inspirational! Reflects on "To Kill a Mockingbird" – a movie I didn't fully understand until I was much older. This Gibson movie tactfully demonstrates the struggles boys must face and grow through in a complicated real world, without reducing to typical stereotypes, particularly feminist stereotypes of boys who promote the myth that boys are born privileged and lead privileged lives.The story line may be a little too sophisticated, but showing them that it's normal for boys to have questions, frustrations, etc… is good for them to see because the movie goes on to show that this "energy" can be productively directed, that boys must take responsibility for the things that they want and the things that they do, but most of all, that they have to learn to think for themselves and come to their own conclusions, and not rely on what other people say or tell them to think. Great movies for entertainment are easy to find, but trying to find movies with Hyman…– morals - learning lessons – is hard to find. Great movie for kids to learn from, or great movie for adults to appreciate.

The Man without a Face

Two years before his two Oscar wins (Best Direction and Best Picture) for Braveheart, Mel Gibson had this directorial debut, and not a bad first film. Basically Justin McLeod (Gibson) is the horribly scarred former teacher (from a fire), and he lives in recluse away from the gossip of everyone. One day though unhappy young boy Charles E. 'Chuck' Norstadt (introducing Terminator 3's Nick Stahl) is brave enough to go and see him, and he finds out he used to be a teacher. They eventually secure a trust, and McLeod becomes his secret tutor to help him study for his exams. Obviously they are eventually found out, and the authorities (police and parent) do not allow them to see each other any more, and this continues years later, and Chuck only sees recognises his face far away from the crowd. Also starring Margaret Whitton as Catherine Palin, Fay Masterson as Gloria Norstadt, Gaby Hoffmann as Megan Norstadt, Geoffrey Lewis as Chief Wayne Stark, Richard Masur as Prof. Carl Hartley, Michael DeLuise as Douglas Hall, Gloria's Boyfriend, Ethan Phillips as Todd Lansing and Jean De Baer as Mrs. Lansing. Worth watching!

surprisingly good

Being the shallow cow I am I bought this film because I wanted to see Nick Stahl. I'm not a fan of Mel Gibson but his performance was amazing. I loved watching 'Man Without A Face' from beginning to end. Its a bit of a tearjerker though so be warned! I cried like a baby at the end and I usually try to be rock hard during films. Great film. Watch it!

Mel good as ever and Nick was superb

Another brilliant production with Mel Gibson. If you forgot about World History and Shakespeare...and someone always dies with the Shake's stories...then you'll enjoy this movie. Makes you remember when people acted human and how badly they act today.

A must see and good investment.